Ranger Wheels to Explorer and Vise Versa?

[X~FACTOR]

Like a good member of this site I did my search and came up with some very informative and not so informative threads. Since no one would sell me rims for the Explorer, I have to use the Ranger lie to get some answers. Now the question is, lets say I found a wheel and tire package with some crazy offset and it barely fit the Ranger (but the website guarantees it will fit), would it be safe to assume that it would also barely fit the Explorer and vise versa?

Thanks all.

 

[Hokie]

By fit do you mean... no rubbing? I really don't think the wheel wells would be that much different... obviously the bolt pattern is the same

 

[section525]

Don't forget the caps might not be correct also. Up until 98 Rangers had hubs, which left a big hole in the cap.


But c'mon. Specifics here.. or is this top-secret?

 

[98X5.0]

X-FACTOR: I PM'd ya! Check it out! I'll keep the secret too!

 

[X~FACTOR]

lol... no secret, Section. Just a straight up question . I just want to make sure the wheels and tires i will order will fit right up. I don't want the hassle of shipping them back, you know. It's unfortunate I have to beat the system by saying I own a Ranger.

Hey, Dustin, thanks for the PM. It was very helpful.

So... lets say the people at TireRack say, 18x8.5 fitted with 285/50 would fit the Ranger 4WD, would that mean it would fit the Explorer 4WD also?

 

[section525]

Yeah.. but another problem you'll have it the weight of that vehicle on those wheels. They may say your Ranger is too heavy. I know that's been a problem before. That's why you traded your Ranger in for an Escape! Remember?

 

[Runnin'OnEmpty]

I'm running a set of Mazda truck alloys on mine. The specs on them (diameter, width, offset, backspacing) are exactly the same as the Ranger, and exactly the same as the Explorer. With all the wheelwell space on the Explorers, I'm fairly certain that anything that fits a Ranger will fit an Explorer.

Like 525 says, you need to take into consideration if it's 2 or 4 WD. The 4WD's have a larger hub bore diameter. This may not be as critical on aftermarket wheels, since most of them offer only one bore size, and it's large enough to fit both 4 and 2WD.

 

[Doug]

I don't think you'll have a problem with the hole size. I knew someone who was running 98 sport rims on his 97 ranger.

 

[X~FACTOR]

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[X~FACTOR]

Hole size is not really my concern more than the offset. Lets say for example a 20x9 with "X" amount of offset fits a Ranger would that mean it would fit the Explorer with the same exact amount of clearance inside and out?

 

[section525]

What year Ranger? I can show you pictures of the same wheels on a '96 X and a '94 (93-97) Ranger.

 

[X~FACTOR]

I think I may have confused everyone with my question. Everyone knows I can't explain ****.

The numbers above were just an example. Let me try again.

If I call the TireRack people and ask them to give me the widest 20" wheel with the biggest tire they have to go on a '97 Ranger 4WD and they say they have one and it's guaranteed to fit the Ranger, would that mean to me that it is also guaranteed to fit my '97 Explorer when I put them on?


*on the side note. i just realized that this thread is going down hill faster than my previous threads. hehe*

 

[98X5.0]

X Factor: I know exactly what you mean, but, I guess none of us have the knowledge to say: "yes I guarantee 100% that anything that fits a Ranger will fit an Explorer." We don't wan't to screw you over with false info! Like I said , I used the Sport Trac "lie" and mine fit perfect. I know the wheel we were talking about fits the Sport Trac so that one should not be a problem. Now with a 285/50 it's hard to say, but it still shouldn't be a problem. I know they recommend a 255/55/18. I checked the widths out back when I was considereing a 285 and the difference was only like 3/4" per side. I know mine would fit a 285/50 with no rubbing, but that's a different wheel. If the wheel has enough offset even the 255 is going to look meaty.

Are you looking at a different wheel now? Did you see the set of 20"s for sale in the FOR SALE forum? Very similar to the wheel we discussed.

I know how painful this is since I just went through it! BUT, it is worth the hassle!

If it were me, I would jump on that killer deal! I am glad I did!

 

[X~FACTOR]

Thanks, Dustin! Well explained once again. I'm in no rush for this because I just got done shopping for my wife's Rav4. I got her 17x7.5 with 255/55 at TireRack. Plus winter is coming up so if I did get them now I would probably wait and put them on come spring time.

Which killer deal are you refering to? The 18" at TireRack or the 20's on the for sale forum?

 

[98X5.0]

Well, they are both pretty good deals, but the $99 Mesa is what I was refering to. Hey, Show us the RAV when you get it done!