has anyone tried running 8" rims instead of the stock 7" i am considering running 15 x 8's on a 96 XLT. mostly looking for something to fill out the wheel wells a little better and also better handling on the road (lots of winding roads here). i have les schwab (kelly) wild country 30 x 9.5 tires that i love. any suggestions or expereience would be great. thanks.
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slightly wider wheels?
- Thread starter turnston
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Hi Trunston,
If you are looking for something to fill out your wheel wells, why not go for wider tires. You should be able to put 31X10.5's with no problems. Also putting 15"X8" wheels without having say, 12" wide tires exposes the wheel rims more to possible contact with things that could dammage them, because the tire won't bellow out past the rim as much. Tread(tire) width, not wheel width gives you better handling. Hope this helps Dead Link Removed
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Happy Wheelin'
Ray L. Dead Link Removed
97 XLT 4X4 4.0L SOHC
[This message has been edited by Ray Lobato (edited 09-09-1999).]
If you are looking for something to fill out your wheel wells, why not go for wider tires. You should be able to put 31X10.5's with no problems. Also putting 15"X8" wheels without having say, 12" wide tires exposes the wheel rims more to possible contact with things that could dammage them, because the tire won't bellow out past the rim as much. Tread(tire) width, not wheel width gives you better handling. Hope this helps Dead Link Removed
------------------
Happy Wheelin'
Ray L. Dead Link Removed
97 XLT 4X4 4.0L SOHC
[This message has been edited by Ray Lobato (edited 09-09-1999).]
thanks for the reply Ray
to be honest, i am a little unhappy with the loss of performance in going from the stock tire size up to the 30x9.5s, and woudnt want to go up another size. the truck is just a little more sluggish (although i did add those monroe sense a tracs and they certainly helped the handling).
i put thousands of miles a year on logging roads but dont really do any "hardcore" off roading. (anymore)
i am no tire expert, but woudnt the 8" rim spread the tread a little wider where it meets the pavement? also, i am considering going with an inexpensive rim (black spoke) so woudnt be super concerned with dings...
Tom (turnston)
to be honest, i am a little unhappy with the loss of performance in going from the stock tire size up to the 30x9.5s, and woudnt want to go up another size. the truck is just a little more sluggish (although i did add those monroe sense a tracs and they certainly helped the handling).
i put thousands of miles a year on logging roads but dont really do any "hardcore" off roading. (anymore)
i am no tire expert, but woudnt the 8" rim spread the tread a little wider where it meets the pavement? also, i am considering going with an inexpensive rim (black spoke) so woudnt be super concerned with dings...
Tom (turnston)
Mando
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Hi Turnston.
I think you will not have any problem with 15X8 wheels as long as you keep backspacing same as stock. I run 31X10.5R15 BFGs on 15X8 ARE wheels on mi '92 with minimal rubing on the inner fenderwell (full lock only). If you maintain backspacing and increase wheel width in 2", the center of your tire treads will be moved one inch outward, and 30X9.5s should not touch anywere. Any way, pay attention to Ray: 15X8 wheels are more exposed to damage than 15X7 when on rocky terrain. I personally think your tires will look better on 15X8s and widening your truck's stance by 2" will help you with stability (not grip, just stability). You also need to consider that your tires will spread more mud and dirt on the sides of your Explorer if you go with the 15X8s (a pain in the neck...).
Take care,
Mando
I think you will not have any problem with 15X8 wheels as long as you keep backspacing same as stock. I run 31X10.5R15 BFGs on 15X8 ARE wheels on mi '92 with minimal rubing on the inner fenderwell (full lock only). If you maintain backspacing and increase wheel width in 2", the center of your tire treads will be moved one inch outward, and 30X9.5s should not touch anywere. Any way, pay attention to Ray: 15X8 wheels are more exposed to damage than 15X7 when on rocky terrain. I personally think your tires will look better on 15X8s and widening your truck's stance by 2" will help you with stability (not grip, just stability). You also need to consider that your tires will spread more mud and dirt on the sides of your Explorer if you go with the 15X8s (a pain in the neck...).
Take care,
Mando
yoyoracing
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Hi Turnston,
I have 31x10.5 BFG AT's on 15x8" centerline hellcats with 3 3/8" backspacing and the tires look just right. With the 3" body lift, the rig looks like it should have from the factory. The handling is better than I expected (I actually had the thing go near sideways under heavy braking to avoid some jerk who didn't stop at a stop sign, and had no fear of rolling), but that may be due to the trailmaster SSV shocks (which seem too stiff most of the time).
I have 31x10.5 BFG AT's on 15x8" centerline hellcats with 3 3/8" backspacing and the tires look just right. With the 3" body lift, the rig looks like it should have from the factory. The handling is better than I expected (I actually had the thing go near sideways under heavy braking to avoid some jerk who didn't stop at a stop sign, and had no fear of rolling), but that may be due to the trailmaster SSV shocks (which seem too stiff most of the time).
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