Tire and Stance

Patrick · Sep 4, 2016

Hello all. Thought I'd get some opinions if nobody minds. I've got a 94 Mazda B3000, 2wd. I'm trying to decide if I want it to look like a stock 4x4 with 255/70r15s or go with some wider tires and keep the street look. If I put the all terrains on, I'd lift it 1.5-2 inches. Keeping the suspension stock, I'd want to go with some 255/60r15s maybe. This would be using some stock 15x7 wheels from a newer b-series (they look just like the 94 4x4 wheels).

Two questions...

Would some 255/70r15 tires be worth it considering the loss of torque? They are 29.1 inches, vs the current 26.5 inches. I have 3.73 gears with an automatic (also concerned about burning up the tranny with larger tires).

Alternatively, if I went with the 255/60r15 tires, they would be 27.1 inches. But I'm concerned that they will rub at full turn. Anybody know if they'll fit? The fitament guide only covers lifts and tall tires.

http://cloud.tapatalk.com/s/57cc83f2b1bed/IMG_20160820_192430.jpg?

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Patrick · Sep 4, 2016

Just fixed a link.

tinman_72 · Sep 4, 2016

I don't know about the 255/70R15's but I have 255/60R15's all the way around my stock height 4 cylinder Ranger with 15x8 rims. No rubbing issues at all. I love them.

Patrick · Sep 4, 2016

What's your backspacing?

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MrGiggles · Sep 4, 2016

I'm running a 235/75-15 on a stock 2wd with no rubbing. These are 28 inches tall.

You could always swap to a 4.10 axle to help with the larger tires.

chvlfrk · Sep 4, 2016

Fyi>>>

235/60R15's where a stock size on the mid 90's Ranger/BX000's. Hava friend that had a 95 with them, so they don't rub on 15x7 wheels, and my Son has those on 15x8's on his 93 & 99 with no issues.

I've got 255/70's on 15x8's on my 98 with no issues also.

I'm sure your aware that goin taller/shorter size tires will throw your speedo off at the same time it changes your final gear ratio.

Also, howbout some pics of your project.............

tinman_72 · Sep 4, 2016

Patrick said:
What's your backspacing?

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I don't know. I traded a set of steel 15x8's to a guy for the set I have now. I originally ordered the steel 15x8's to fit my 87 Grand Marquis. I ran them on the Ranger for several years and I never had a problem with them either.

Patrick · Sep 4, 2016

Pics? Sure. Here's my leaf spring switch with a spacer to level it out. Also put some variable rate coils on the front. They handle nicely.

The truck. The paint and interior are mint. All the suspension bolts have been a dream to take apart (no rust). Got to love these California vehicles. [emoji3]

Thanks for the input so far. What I'm leaning toward is putting the 255/60r15's for now. Maybe once the A4LD blows up I'll do a manual swap and lift kit. I think an axle swap plus everything else is more money than I want to spend at the moment.

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monstermazda · Sep 5, 2016

31x10 are the biggest I would go for 3.73 here's a chart I go by its close. Black is ideal but going one size into the yellow well be fine.

A 2 inch lift will get you 31x10 under the fenders and then add 3 inch body lift will get you 33x12.5 no rub

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Patrick · Sep 6, 2016

In case anyone is interested... Update! Just got my wheels back from the powder coater. They are from various late 90's b series trucks on Ebay. Went with 38-91020 with clear coat. Going to go with some Cooper Cobra Radials in the 255/60r15 size. I just wish there were a 255 or so tire that was 27.5 diameter... a good happy medium.

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97RangerXLT · Sep 6, 2016

My 97 Ranger Supercab came from the factory with a 2" lift and 265/60r15 tires. Basically 31" tires and 3.73 gearing. No issues with power either, but I do have the 4.0 in it

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Blown · Sep 7, 2016

I see your larger tire size as a loss in braking and power. You won't regain the braking without an upgrade to your brakes, nor the power without a gearing change and gas mileage will go down.

You can do the math along with the opinions. 26.5 to a 29.1 is about a 9% decrease in braking and torque. 3.73 gears are now effectively 3.39. A change to the 255 60R15 is less change.

There is nothing wrong in doing upgrades in phases, but you will notice a difference until you change gearing. I would swap-in an Explorer axle with 4.10's, limited slip, and disk brakes. Then it will be in the range for a larger tire.

http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1518065#post1518065

MrGiggles · Sep 7, 2016

Blown said:
I see your larger tire size as a loss in braking and power. You won't regain the braking without an upgrade to your brakes, nor the power without a gearing change and gas mileage will go down.

You will experience approximately a 13% decrease in braking and torque. 3.73 gears are now effectively 3.18 with a torque reduction to the ground of 28.6ftlbs.

There is nothing wrong in doing upgrades in phases, but you will notice a difference until you change gearing. I would swap-in an Explorer axle with 4.10's, limited slip, and disk brakes.

You can get a 27.5 with a 16" rim. 265-75R16

http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1518065#post1518065

Unless I'm interpreting your post wrong, a 265/75-16 is very near 32" tall.

Patrick · Sep 7, 2016

He probably just had a typo. I think the auto transmission is a large factor for me. I'm not willing to change it out unless its broken. My old 92 single cab 3.0 with a standard tranny feels like a race car whenever I drive it, in comparison.

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Patrick · Sep 7, 2016

Went to tighten my u-bolts (they're new), and found this wonderfulness. Hit something on the freeway in the dark this morning while exiting. Perhaps ill do that 4.10 gear swap after all... aye aye aye... [emoji22]

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