My new 31x10.5 tires | Ford Explorer Forums - Serious Explorations

  • Register Today It's free!

My new 31x10.5 tires

MattHarrell

Elite Explorer
Joined
June 25, 2001
Messages
249
Reaction score
0
City, State
Fort Valley, VA
Year, Model & Trim Level
'99 XLT
I have new 31x10.5x15 BFG T/A KO's on there and really like them. Unfortunately I have some rubbing when I turn the wheel about 90% (enough to get around in a parking lot). While I have no problems trimming the inner fender I also seem to hit a little on the plastic piece that covers the sheet metal (no idea what to call it).

So, the questions:

Will this hurt the tires in the short term until I find a way to fix it?

Do I try to trim the plastic edging piece?

I have an add-a-leaf I haven't installed - does that only raise the back or will that help in the front somewhat too? I think the shackles only raise the front

And, I don't want a major lift so if I went with something like F-150 coil spacers then how hard are they to install and do they make the truck feel any less stable?

Thanks
 



Join the Elite Explorers for $20 each year or try it out for $5 a month.

Elite Explorer members see no advertisements, no banner ads, no double underlined links,.
Add an avatar, upload photo attachments, and more!
.





Shackles and AAL are only for the rear. You mentioned the coil spacers, those are for the front.

Rubbing on plastic isn't bad, it's metal that will chew up the tires. However, try to fix the rubbing as much as possible as eventually you could chew things up too much.
 






The best idea is to leave the tuperware alone. If you cut the plastic it will make a sharp edge that you dont have now. The add-a-leaf you have will only help the back, so install it and then put a coil spacer in the front. Or you can call jcwhittney and get 1 1/2" lift coils same as the spacers. I have the spacers in my 92 4door and it handles just fine. Hope this helps.

Mark
 






I've seen it posted elsewhere but never looked it up. Does tupperware refer to all the plastic fender piece?

How hard is the installation of either the coil spacer or lift coil relative to, say, an AAL? I've looked into AAL's pretty good so I understand how to do them. I'll have to dig around and look for the part number for the F-150 coil spacer.
 






Just so happens I have some 1.5 in. coils for a X/ Navajo for sale if your interested. I used to run them with my 31-10.5's. I also have rancho shocks.

The coils are easier to install than the aal First time doing it you are looking at two hrs.

tools: Floor jack, two jack stands, lug wrench, and 1 1/8 in. wrench.
 






Mine rubbed a bit on the drivers side, I crawled under and drilled a hole in the inner plastic fender then pulled it back and zap strapped it to my body mount. Gave me just enough to lose the rub.
 






ld50 - Interesting idea. I'll give that a try first and see if that solves everything. It certainly doesn't look like I need much more clearance so that might do the job fine
 






so are lift coils the same as coil spacers? it seems like lift coils would be actual coils. is that correct?
 






Originally posted by redrig
so are lift coils the same as coil spacers? it seems like lift coils would be actual coils. is that correct?

yes, you are correct. The spacers just lift the spring up from it's mount while new lift coils are designed with different lengths and springrates to provide lift.
 






Hvac Man I am interested in the Front coil spring spacers if you have them. How much would they cost me. Let me know okay. I'll send you a pm also.
 






thanks alec , also ive been trying to figure out if buying aal and lift coils seperate is cheaper than the skyjacker 2" lift but i cant find the lift coils for a price. any idea on how much they are
 






you will have to call one of the supply stores ie 4wheel parts and ask how much they cost. or look in a jc whitney book they sell 1 1/2 and 2 inch lift coils also.
 






you will have to call one of the supply stores ie 4wheel parts and ask how much they cost. or look in a jc whitney book they sell 1 1/2 and 2 inch lift coils also.
 






hey thanks for the info, but i already ordered the whole kit. figured that way id get all the right stuff. thanks again
 






Cool good luck on the install and dont forget the all important alignment.. post some pics when you get it all done
 






Back
Top