What spacer to fit 285/75/16?

[Dignan]

I have a 2002 Mercury Mountaineer and I'm trying to fit 285/75/16 tires. I had them mounted at a tire shop and they said it was contacting the upper a-arm on the fronts. I didn't get a chance to measure it, or even see it for that matter. Has anyone put this size tire on a stock rim? What size spacer did you use? or for those using after-market rims to fit them, what is your backspacing?

Thanks

 

[Dignan]

bump.......

 

[Ronin8002]

I am sure Kazer or someone will weigh in on this but I think you're going to want 4.25" - 4.5" of backspacing for 285s

 

[Dignan]

Is stock for the 02s 3.5", I can't remember. I am looking at using spacers rather than new wheels, so I just need confirmation on the numbers. A. what stock is and B. that someone has run 285/17/16s with 4.25" or 4.5" backspacing. If those numbers are accurate, I'll start looking for .75"-1" spacers, but I don't want to get too little and still rub or too much and stress the bearings more than necessary, etc.

 

[ProTech]

I just did a 3 inch body lift and BTF spacers. I bought 285/75R16 Kuhmo Road Venture MT KL71. They did hit, however I bought spacers at NAPA, they are 5/16 of an inch spacers and now nothing hits. I got an alignment and no rubbing even at lock. The part number I bought at NAPA is BK 7354955. Hope that helps. I love the two lifts, changes the look and attitude of the Explorer.

 

[Dignan]

I just did a 3 inch body lift and BTF spacers. I bought 285/75R16 Kuhmo Road Venture MT KL71. They did hit, however I bought spacers at NAPA, they are 5/16 of an inch spacers and now nothing hits. I got an alignment and no rubbing even at lock. The part number I bought at NAPA is BK 7354955. Hope that helps. I love the two lifts, changes the look and attitude of the Explorer.

Well that is good news and bad news. Its good because it confirms my suspicion that I didn't need very much space. I was thinking of getting half inch spacers which would allow even more room, so maybe I'll go ahead and pull the trigger on that purchase. The bad news is that the part number you gave me doesn't look like it will be my best bet. It might be ok for you, but the specific warning on their website that says not to use it on off-road vehicles worries me. I don't plan on getting too wild in this car since the other explorer is my off road vehicle, but you never know where you'll end up or which car you'll be driving. That and also, the spacers don't appear to be hub-centric. I'm not an expert in this area, but all that I have read about spacer for explorers says they need to be hub-centric.