Tire size limitation question

[sluggish]

I just picked up a 96 5.0 AWD to use as a donor vehicle for a 30-50's style body swap(haven't found that yet) and I have one question(for now). I do not plan to offroad at all, but would like to put a little meatier tire on it as it will be my daily driver in the winter. I basically am wondering what is the maximum size I could safely go with and not cause excessive/premature wear on the driveline components. I don't need 35's or anything like that, but maybe a set of 31's would look a bit better. However, I don't want to add significant stress to the components just to look a little cooler. If no increase in tire size is recommended for the stock components then I guess I will stick with stock. Keep in mind that the weight of the truck should significantly decrease once the Explorer body is gone.

 

[4pullingGM]

I think you would be fine with 31"s, shouldn't be a problem for it. 33"s even shouldn't affect it to bad.

 

[rocketcouch]

i just put 31x10.50 r15s on my truck and i did notice the weight difference ove stock but it drives just fine. they seem to fit the wheel well fine. ive had a few people tell me they rub at full lock and/or when off roading at stock height. if your keeping it on the street itll be fine. just to be safe and cause it looks better to me i used a 5/16 spacer on each tire with stock rims to keep from rubbing and its been fine.

 

[sluggish]

The rubbing issues will be determined down the road but they will be different than what you are experiencing for sure. Simply because it is going to get a 30-50's style body on it and the explorer body will be scrapped.