Question for the Masses

[Merlin Tibbitts]

Hi guys,

Been a while since I've been here, I got a question that may have been asked here before. I'm due for new tires on my Explorer I would like to put bfgoodrich all terrains on it. The vehicle is a 2002 xls so she is running her stock size 235 70r 16, I would like to step it up to the xlt size of 245 70r 16. The suspension is stock, will I have any issues with rubbing etc.

Thanks,

Merlin

 

[yeet1331]

Should be just fine.

 

[Merlin Tibbitts]

Should be just fine.

Yeah, I dug further into it and it would make sense that it would not make a significant difference considering that the xlt and Eddie Bauer edition is running the 245 70 16. I just had them installed yesterday before our big snow storm and I'm scheduled for a wheel alignment this afternoon.

Thanks for the reply!

Merlin

 

[CDW6212R]

You'll be fine with the new size. I've been using that size for my 98 and 99 even though the stock sizes were 29 and 30" tires. That 245/70/16 is a 29.5" tire.

The speedometer is the only thing you might watch with those stock range size tires. Older Explorers all had an ideal tire size of 30" for the speedometer, that's 1991 to 2001 for sure, all of them. The speedometer reads a little fast for smaller tires like the old 235/75/15's(29"). The later 2nd gens had 255/70/16's, which is a 30" tire. I might guess the 3rd gens like yours still do best with a 30" tire, but I'd wait for someone else to confirm that, than take my guess for it. You will know it if you have any local speed displays that use radar to show your speed. Many people have a GPS application also which is fairly accurate.

Compare your speedometer to those, and then you will know how accurate your dash is with the actual tires you have.

 

[Merlin Tibbitts]

You'll be fine with the new size. I've been using that size for my 98 and 99 even though the stock sizes were 29 and 30" tires. That 245/70/16 is a 29.5" tire.

The speedometer is the only thing you might watch with those stock range size tires. Older Explorers all had an ideal tire size of 30" for the speedometer, that's 1991 to 2001 for sure, all of them. The speedometer reads a little fast for smaller tires like the old 235/75/15's(29"). The later 2nd gens had 255/70/16's, which is a 30" tire. I might guess the 3rd gens like yours still do best with a 30" tire, but I'd wait for someone else to confirm that, than take my guess for it. You will know it if you have any local speed displays that use radar to show your speed. Many people have a GPS application also which is fairly accurate.

Compare your speedometer to those, and then you will know how accurate your dash is with the actual tires you have.

Great info!

I had the alignment done today and it appears that they could not adjust my rear driver side due to strut wear. My vehicle is pushing 185,000mi so I'm not surprised, I have been looking at the Rancho quick lift for a while now. They quoted me about $1400 to put new struts on, what is the collective opinions on the Rancho lift struts?

I'm not going for a "monster truck" but would like to improve the vehicle's ride.

Thanks!

 

[CDW6212R]

I gather that the big expense in the 3rd and 4th gen trucks, are the rear suspensions, rebuilding them. The bearings and hubs are the big deal there, so if that $1400 doesn't include the bearings or hubs, I'd go elsewhere for help.

 

[Merlin Tibbitts]

I gather that the big expense in the 3rd and 4th gen trucks, are the rear suspensions, rebuilding them. The bearings and hubs are the big deal there, so if that $1400 doesn't include the bearings or hubs, I'd go elsewhere for help.

I agree, I asked them about the rancho setup and they quoted me 2x more than the prices I was seeing online... huge flag. Now it makes me wonder if they "really" had a issue on adjusting my alignment. I'm looking at my trusty Chilton manual and it looks like there are some components that should be replaced in the process of installing and removing the struts. I have not come across anything mentioning the hub bearings but considering the mileage etc I may open up a can o' worms diving into it.

On another note I set up a 3 year alignment service with them, seemed like a good deal at the moment considering that I just put new tires on her. I would be curious to see what another shop says so in another 6 months I plan on scheduling a appointment with another location just to verify.

This is why I do as much wrenching as possible, I don't trust shops.