Need help quick: 2003 Explorer Wheels/Tires

[thepotroast]

The tire/wheel combo really looks exactly how I wanted it, so one way or another, they will be staying on the truck.

Post some pics!!

 

[sstas]

Here are a few. I still have to wash off the blue paint on the lettering on the wall of the tires, and I'll actually be having them flipped so the black wall is on the outside.

 

[thepotroast]

That looks great, I really like the aggressive tread pattern!

I'm a lift kind of guy...I could definitely dig you putting a couple of inches on her...it would really make a difference visually to me at least, but it all depends on what you're after! A 2" front 1.5" rear roadbully lift would really set it off and also level it out so it doesn't have the factory "rake" where the rear sits higher than the front.

The lift is pretty easy to put in....and easy on your drive components at that height

 

[sstas]

The lift is pretty easy to put in....and easy on your drive components at that height

I've been considering the roadbully kit. Forgive my newbie lack of mechanical knowledge, but putting the lift on will reduce the strain on the drive components as opposed to leaving it at stock height?

What are the potential issues associated with putting bigger tires on a truck, and what can be done to avoid them(short of upgrading all necessary hardware)

 

[sstas]

Just another quick thing to add to anybody looking to get bigger tires...the 265/75 with a knobby mud tread will rub the dust guard in the wheel well at full turn. Trimming of the dust guards fixes that without the need for a lift, but I'm thinking about a 1.5 or 2 inch roadbully lift just to give a little extra clearance. I'm worried that the travel the suspension will allow if I hit a big bump will cause the tire to hit the fender since the tire is much larger than my stock ones.

Any size smaller than 265/75 would fit no problem with no rub at all.

 

[davesexplorer]

What do you think of the tires so far? I've had the same Hankook MT in 325/65R18 on my expedition for a lil while and I really like them. I get a bit of the typical mud tire road noise but it's liveable.

 

[sstas]

So far I have no complaints with the tires, but I've only been on them for 3 days. I'm still getting a tiny bit of rub somewhere(can't tell where because everything clears when I turn the wheel when it's parked), so I'm a little hesitant to really put them through their paces. I'll be able to give a better opinion after the roadbully lift is in and I can really get on them.

 

[thepotroast]

I've been considering the roadbully kit. Forgive my newbie lack of mechanical knowledge, but putting the lift on will reduce the strain on the drive components as opposed to leaving it at stock height?

What are the potential issues associated with putting bigger tires on a truck, and what can be done to avoid them(short of upgrading all necessary hardware)

You won't be reducing the strain, but as long as you keep the lift under 2.5" you won't really be adding to it either. Let's put it this way...those reverse offset rims you just put on will be putting more of a strain on your steering/suspension components than the lift.

Also, the lift is nothing more than some fabricated steel spacers that go in between the top of your shock/coilspring assembly and the frame....thus providing a lift. A traditional suspension lift will sometimes replace spindles, coils, shocks, control arms, etc. RB kits are spacers only....and about the only thing you will notice is a little more angle on your upper ball joints (again...stay 2.5" or less....) and you will need a new alignment (which would happen with any suspension modification).

Talk to Ben on here (RoadBully) and see what he recommends for your need. If you aren't wanting to go big, but just want to free up some room, I would stay around the 1.5" mark. As far as ease of installation, I would definitely say they are easier to put in than the body lift for the 3rd gen x's

 

[tim2003xlt]

I have tried to find a lift for my 2003 ford explorer and cant manage to locate one. can anybody help me I dont relly want to do the body lift because I dont have the place or the tools to do it. I have heard alot about a set of spacers from roadbully but cant find out how to order them or even if they r still being made. any info or help would be great. thank you

 

[CALDWELL]

RB spacers arent being made anymore, and if you dont have the tools for a BL, then you prob dont have tools for a spacer lift...

there is no actual kit for our explorers, just modified stuff