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Running 31s

Flounder

0.2 GPA
Elite Explorer
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City, State
Pennsylvania
Year, Model & Trim Level
2024 F-150 Tremor
Alright guys, I need all who run 31's on a 1995-2001 Explorer to post your thoughts. Yes, I know the 4.0L has enough power to turn them, but unfortunately for me, when I picked up the Explorer and inquired on 4 new AT KO's, the guy said that 31's would burn out the 4.0L. I told him that gearing makes it easier on the engine. He said "Gearing doesn't matter." Of course, I know it does. However, my father (who would pay for the tires) took the guy word for word and is afraid to put anything but those stock craps back on.

All I need is a little note how your 4.0L performs with the 31's. Thanks guys... you can make an 1996 Explorer very happy if she gets these 31's :-)
 



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is your engine 4.0 sohc or ohv? sohc-205 hp and ohv-160

i have a 94 and 3.73 gears and 31 inch bfg at kos and i still chirp them all the time with my auto tranny. and the 160 hp ohv
 






I am running 31" BFG A/T ko's on the OHV 4.0. I dont know what gears I have, but I know that the truck has no trouble turning them. I haven't really noticed a change in mpg either, not that it would make a difference, the truck looks so much better with the 31's.

I see you have tow hooks, any pics of how you did it? Are they GM tow hooks?

Good Luck!
 






Pack, Dead Link Removed Hope that helps.
 






That looks good! Will it work on a '98? I hope so, I would like to do it this weekend. From the looks of it the GM hooks wouldn't work, the bumper might get in the way. What do you think?
 






My truck came from the factory with 31's as a stock option, along with the 4.0 and 3.73 gears.
 






Adam, I have 31's on my '01 with the stock 3.27's in them and have no problems at all. The guy at the tire shop is blowing smoke!! I guess he never considered that 31's are only 2" larger in diameter than 235/75-15s. You might be putting 5% more strain on the motor (If that). I don't even notice the difference. Towing a small trailer, or having 4 people in the vehicle will put a lot more stress on the motor than the 31's would!
 






Had 31's and now 33's, runs fine...
 












I just wore down a set of 31's with a 4.0 OHV and 3.73 gears. No problems at all with the motor
 






I forgot to ask, how many miles (about) did you get out of a set of AT KO's. The guy also mentioned that BFG has no mileage warranty...
 






I know I'll get some BFG-fan comments, but when at the tire store, I chose a set of Kelly Safari 31x10.5x15s... Why you ask? Well, first, the BFG's would take two days to come in and that would be the day that I am beach-bound. Second, Kelly offers a 40,000 mile warranty (which should last till I get a new 4x4!) on the tires while BFG offers none (Yes, I know BFGs will last, but my father didn't like the idea that BFG doesn't offer the same). So, in the end, I got the size I want and the Kelly Safari AWR looks like a pretty solid tire. Of course, only time will tell. And yes, I got the spare size also. Thanks for the engine help guys... without you I'd be running stock Wrangler RT/S still :) Oh yeah, it doesn't hurt that *I* didn't have to pay for them!

http://www.kelly-springfield.com/products/light/sawr.html
 






Expect to do some 50'000 + miles with the BFG AT. This tire sales person obviously gets a higher % on an other brand than BFG, or learned all about tires in the donut shop. The BFG AT are probably of the best tires around.

I had 31x10.5 on my Ex (SOHC engine, 3.55 gears) and had no problems what so ever. Again, I think the 31X10.5 BFG AT is an excellent tire for the Ex (BTW, I'm a dad myself, but luckily my older son just is 8! Any other parents in favor of driving age 18 here??? Oups, that was off-topic, sorry)
 






I have the ohv 4.0 in my ranger and run 32's no problem!!
 






I had BFGs on my Blazer and Kellys on my Jeep. The BFGs are definatly a longer lasting tire. But we live in the US and you have your choice.
As for the tire dude, he sounds like he needs some training. (I once had a car salesman tell me his Camero could go where my Jeep could.) Go figure.
 






Was this the same camaro guy that was on the radio show ("This is funny" post) with the "vintage" 86 camaro?? LOL..
 






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