Consider this.
Obviously, the 2.3 has less power and torque than larger engines. The universal use of the 410 rear seems also obvious to maximize the torque and off-the-line performance of any 2.3 truck, 2wd or 4wd.
Tire size is a personal choice based on what your goals are with that particular truck, your truck, your choice. If you’re 100% concerned with an aggressive appearance that mimics a 4wd, an aggressive all terrain 235 15 is the ticket. If your looking for pulling power, low end torque is probably primary, so a wide low profile tire (225/60-14) will give the best”ratio” between the engine and the pavement, but they may look anemic. It’s obviously about balance, but not what we think, it’s what you desire.
Me, I love playing with many toys, and I worked hard and smart to be able to afford them. I’m definitely into the “image,” but ONLY ONLY ONLY after the performance I need and want, so I want adequate performance from something that looks cool. I’ve realized a lot of the TRS guys definitely are in the “bigger, stronger, faster, shinier” mantra, absolutely nothing wrong with that. My girlfriend’s son is happy with a rusty little trailer behind the kiddie van, and momma makes him paint the hitch every time he uses it. This is the whipped philosophy.
I suggest this if you’re on a budget. You can buy dirt cheap steelies or get them free if you cruise Craigslist and just search around. Then find some almost worn out but legal used tires ($10-20 each) and mount them up and drive around a while. Try a small set and try a big set. It’s usually $10-15 to mount the tires. From the small vs large comparison, you could probably zero in on something in the middle. But try that with a used set too. Then, if you like the balance of ride and performance, spend the money & sell all the used tires and wheels for what the cost you (or keep them for snow tires). Trust me, a balanced set of legal tires on Ranger rims will sell, even if worn. Maybe paint the rims in 3 minutes with black or silver Rustoleum.
Modify this to your needs and memorize it so when your buddies rag you, you can show them your process to get it just right so you don’t end up with $1000 of wheels and tires you don’t like (like them)!!
One last thought: you might be able to fool the minions into thinking your truck is a four-wheel-drive, but anybody with a brain is going to know it’s not. Don’t kill yourself by thinking you can kid everybody. It’ll be much more cool if you make your truck the best truck it can be, maybe a little bit different to draw attention.
& keep doing what you’re doing. It’s called research, it works, it saves time and money. This is fundamentally the right place and people (but if you’re getting your wisdom from me
...).
Hope it helps.
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