need tire/wheel advice

I'm getting tired of how my '96 explorer sport looks. It is currently a "street truck": 2" drop, 18x8.5 wheels, 255/45VR18 tires. I'm thinking of doing the torsion lift and throwing on some 31's. My question is does anyone know of any aggresive looking 31's that come in 18"? I'm also considering 31x11.50-17 MT on 17x10 wheels. It seems that most of you guys run stock rims or 8" wide. Would a 10" be too wide? Give me some feedback and opinions guys.

 

[Dre]

31- yes.

I've seen at least one 97 Sport with nice 31" Wrangler RT/S tires on it with no lifts. These were on stock rims and looked very good. I put mine on 8" rims and think it's enough. I don't think 10" rims would improve traction that much except for sand. The only advantage here might be that your truck will get a wider stand. As far as 17" rims, I can't help here but perhaps someone will. I didn't think they make 31's in 17" or 18" but I could be wrong.

15X8 rims with nice 31X10.5 tires would look nice on stock.

Later,

 

[JBHexplorer]

Ok, I've done a little research and narrowed it down to a few different options:

31x10.50R15 BFG A/T KO
31x11.50R15 MT Baja Belted
31x11.50R15 MT Baja Claw
31x11.50R16 MT Baja Claw
265/75R16 BFG A/T KO
265/70R17 BFG A/T KO
31x11.50R17 MT Baja Belted

All would be mounted on 8" wide wheels. I'm not interested in off-road performance. Strictly looks and on-road handling. Give me some feedback guys.

 

[RangerX]

If you only want looks and onroad performance, you should go with a shorter sidewall and a less agressive tread. The The Mikeys on your list are all very agressive tires, which look cool , but don't handle great. Maybe check out the Baja Belted HP. On your list, I would pick the 17" AT/KO, followed by the 16" AT/KO.

 

[Dre]

for looks?

If looks is all you need, take a closer look at Good Year Wrangler AT/S or RT/S tires. Handle good on hard surface and look good.

Later,

 

[ExplorGM]

MT Baja Belted Tires

If street handling is important and off road handling is not, stay away from the original Baja Belted tires. They are loud, and downright scary in the wet. They do handle curves pretty well and look awsome though... They wear very fast on the street. I use Dunlop Radial Rovers on the street and save my Baja Belted for the trail.
Rick