Right now I am running 245/75/r16. I am in need of 4 tires bad and yesterday had a blow out. Someone I know offered me a set (with rims) of 265/70/r15 that came off a 1997 Ranger 4x4. Can anyone tell me...will these fit. Will I have any problems? Rub? Handling? Bad gas mileage? Anything? Thanks.
Thanks all. Is there any difference between the 70 and 75? I mean I know there is a difference, but will it be an issue? What is this difference?
I'll try to make this not seem difficult. First, the tire sizes. The first number is the overall width (not the width of the tread). The last number is the rim/wheel size (we'll get to that in a minute). The middle number is called the aspect ratio. In simple terms, it's the percentage of sidewall compared to the overall width (the first number). So, on the original tires, the sidewall's height is ~75% of the width of the tire. There is a very complex equation that you can calculate the overall height of the tire. Most manufacturers list that themselves because the equation is college-grade math.
Now, about the wheels; since you would be going to a smaller wheel, you should see if the person who is trying to sell you this stuff would allow you to test fit one first. I know it's a lot of work, but it will be a real downer to buy them & find out that they hit the brake calipers. I would think that they should fit
except that your suspension & brake parts were first introduced in 1998 models (coil spring/A-arm). The 1997 was still using the old I-beam front suspension. Those used smaller brake parts, so 15" wheels worked fine for them.
I say they will work, but like the old saying goes: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.