Question on tire size.

[tx_rooney]

I'm wondering where to post this question.

Is it vitally important that all four tires be exactly the same size? I have a 2000 Explorer XLS, 4.0 OHV. It not the AWD version with a V8, but I've been told it is considered all-wheel-drive because the default setting is Auto. Command-trak maybe, I don't have the owners manual handy.

One tire is bad and will not hold air more than a week. The tire shop told me it was damaged when installed new and also had been run flat. Can't I replace just two tires? Is the resulting difference in circumference that big of a deal? The Goodyear Wranglers have probably 70% tread left.

Thank you!

 

[corkey]

the shop that installed it should be looking after that if they damaged it on first mounting,,
that means the bead is gouged, or split,

it has to be the same if you are going to use 4x4 at all,even if the differential is open, there could be a torque difference if you use a smaller or larger tire , that could damage a few different things, the transfer case ,the front or rear differential, or an axle,,

 

[Glen4X4]

The way your 4X4 system is designed, its in 2wd til it senses a rear wheel spinning faster than the front, so as you see having different sized tires on your explorer can cause problems. But as far as new tread against 70% tread on the same size tire, I don't know if it will make enough of a difference to cause problems.

 

[corkey]

yeah , just a diffence in tread depth shouls not affect your truck , as, long as they are the same as in 235 75r 15, like a 225 75r 15 won't work ,

 

[tx_rooney]

Thanks for the replies. The tires are stock size P235/75R15, but I'm guessing on the 70% tread. It sounds like I'm probably okay replacing just two tires and it will not harm the transfer case, etc.

If anyone has first hand experience to share, that would be great.

 

[Glen4X4]

Thanks for the replies. The tires are stock size P235/75R15, but I'm guessing on the 70% tread. It sounds like I'm probably okay replacing just two tires and it will not harm the transfer case, etc.

If anyone has first hand experience to share, that would be great.

I almost forgot, my 96 explorer she runs it in 4auto all the time and right now on the front is different tires than the rear and it runs fine. Also wanted to mention you can manually control your "auto" 4X4 in your explorer if you want, just search key words, "brown wire mod" there is a great right up on how to do it to manually control your auto 4X4 if you like.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Your thread was renamed, and moved to the tires & wheels section.