205/75R15 on 15x7 rims - will it work?

Sevensecondsuv · Aug 10, 2007

So my ranger is in desparate need of new tires. The ranger currently has 14x6rims with 215/70R14 tires on them. The only thing is that I have a nice 3.73 31-spline 8.8 with a tight trac-loc sitting in my garage as well. The 14" ranger wheels do not fit on the 8.8 due to the center hole being too small. So I'm planning on getting a set of 15" tires installed on a really nice set of 15x7 jeep rims I have in my garage that will fit the 8.8, finally allowing me to install the 8.8 on the ranger.

I want to go with 205/75R15 tires but it seems like they might be a little too narrow for 7" wide rims. However, all the tire manufacturers list approved rim widths of 5-7" for that size tire. Has anyone tried this combo? How did they work and look?

JoshT · Aug 10, 2007

First I'd ask myself what tires I like. After I did that I'd look to see what sizes are available in a 15" rim. Finally I'd take those to the Miata.net Tire Size Calculator and use it to compare them to your current tire size, that'll give you a rough idea of the size you would like will look like.

Personally I would like a little wider, not much just a little. If you're wanting stock size those would be about right if you can find them in that size, though from what I can tell they are still a little bigger than stock. Near as I can see the best match to stock size would be a 215/65R15. I can't tell you if they will fit a 7" that varies on a per brand basis, I can tell you that it would be in the sweet spot for a BFG Radial T/A (that's the style I'm going to put on mine eventually).

Sevensecondsuv · Aug 10, 2007

Yeah, I know the overall diameter. It's just what I want with 3.73 gears. With my new head on the engine (see sig.) the cam will give highest efficiency at a cruise RPM of 2600-3200. So with the M5OD's overdrive ratio and 3.73 gears, a 27" diameter tire works out perfect.

I just want to keep them as thin a possible for gas mileage reasons. 215/70R15 is my other option as it is nearly the same diameter.

Just wondering if anyone has actually run this setup and how did it work.

martin · Aug 10, 2007

That's the stock combination for an 89 waggoneer. It works ok on them so it should work on a Ford.

almostclueless · Aug 10, 2007

205's are pizza cutters......yes, they'll fit

Sevensecondsuv · Aug 10, 2007

almostclueless said:
205's are pizza cutters...

which is why i want that size

GIJoe4500 · Aug 11, 2007

I use to have 235/75r15s on my stock 1988 2wd ranger. They rubbed just a little bit, but wasn't bad at all.

GIJoe4500 · Aug 11, 2007

oh, and I have a 2.0L and 3.73s. It ran up and down the highway just fine.

Mac · Aug 11, 2007

I myself would go with the 215/70's. I'd be more concerned about getting the right back-spacing to make sure everything does clear.
Dave - Rockford West, class of '64' Makes me an old fart.

205/75R15 on 15x7 rims - will it work?

Sevensecondsuv

New Member

JoshT

Well-Known Member

Sevensecondsuv

New Member

martin

New Member

almostclueless

New Member

Sevensecondsuv

New Member

GIJoe4500

New Member

GIJoe4500

New Member

Mac

Well-Known Member

Sponsored Ad

Sponsored Ad

Staff online

Members online

Member & Vendor Upgrades

Latest posts

Truck of The Month

Recently Featured

Follow TRS On Instagram

Latest Album Photos

TRS Events

25th Anniversary Sponsors

Check Out The TRS Store

Sponsored Ad

Sponsored Ad

Sponsored Ad

Amazon Deals