Wheels and Tires

[mwebby93]

Hey guys, I've been browsing the forum for the last week or so. Today I spent a long time searching about lifts and looking across the web for what I am going to go with. Right now I want to narrow down my choices and try to get an ideal cost.

I have a 2004 ford explorer sport trac. From my research and about a million open tabs, I have decided that I want to do:

1. PA Body Lift
2. Pro Comp Add-A-Leaf
3. Warrior Shackles 153
4. TT

The reason I want to do the add-a-leaf is because I tow trailers, either hauling junk, transporting motorcycles, building material, etc. I also wanted to do the warrior shackle because mine look a bit rusted and I'd like to just have new shackles.

My current tires are worn pretty good and I am going to need new ones very soon. I figured if I need new tires, why not try and do all these upgrades and just get tires that'll fit the lift rather than buy the factory tire size and have to buy bigger tires later. So my question is what would be a recommended tire size and wheel size for these upgrades? This is my daily driver and I don't offroad pretty much at all (maybe I will with some upgrades ) but I'd like the ability to, plus the offroad looks great. I've seen a lot of people in the range of 33-35". I need something that will be reliable for travel and great in the snow.

I am almost clueless when it comes to tires and what would fit correctly. Like I said, I have been looking for a few hours today and I'm at the point where I have so many tabs open that I forgot why I left them open haha. If I can be pointed in a direction, that would be great.

Also, sorry for repeating another thread like this, I hate starting new threads on forums when there have been countless others about the topic but I want to be certain I order the right parts since this is my daily driver.


EDIT: Can someone also point me in the direction of new body bushings? I figured from what I have seen its recommended to replace them if you do a body lift.

 

[mwebby93]

I'm about to order the BL kit and Prothane 6-116 Body Mount Kit. I was wondering what AAL I'd need for my 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac 4x4. Will the Pro Comp Add-A-Leaf Kits - 13120 work for my truck? Heres the link to the AAL:

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/exp-13120

Also, are there any drawbacks to doing AAL and warrior shackle? I saw my shackles where pretty rusty so I figured I would replace them at the same time I am under the truck and why not get an extra 1.5-2" lift.

 

[NewTrac17]

After researching many different tires, and even starting a thread, I chose to get goodyear duratracs 285/75/16 load range E. So far the tire is awesome, but I can't speak of how it does in the stow because I haven't had the opportunity to drive with them in the snow. My trucks still has power, just shifts a little later than before, my gas mileage wasn't really affected, and I haven't noticed any road noise. Plus I got my tires at discount tire for $190 each.

Not sure if you are looking for wheels as well, but when I got tires I upgraded my wheels to MB 352 16X8.5 5-114.3 -6MTB.

Not a great pic, but here is an idea of how my truck sits with only a body lift and new wheels and tires. No tire rub

 

[OffTrac]

I would probably hold off on the add a leaf until you get the shackles in and see if you still want more lift. If you do get it, the 13120 that you posted is correct. Having that on my truck, though, I would like to try the long add a leaf instead. It won't be listed for the Sport Trac, though. It's Pro Comp 13132.

Sounds like you're on the right path, though. Definitely do the body mounts at the same time.

It'd be hard to recommend 35s for a daily driver that doesn't get off road much. 33s or 285/75R16

 

[mwebby93]

Thanks for the replies! I got my BL in the mail today, waiting on the bushings. I really like both of your STs. Been looking around a lot and my minds going crazy with what I want to do haha