4wd drive wheel on a rwd

[Sylvain]

I like better the stance of the ranger 4wd, My rwd sits too low so I was thinking about swapping to the stock 15" wheels with 235/75 tires but will it fit ? If not what modification I'd need ?

Just like this beauty https://bringatrailer.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/1612974108430c33be0cd29IMG_8342-scaled.jpg?fit=2048,1536

 

[RonD]

The largest Stock tires on 1990 Ranger 2wd were 26.5"
The 235/75 15 are 29"
So 2.5" overall difference, and 1.25" height increase

Shouldn't be a problem

 

[Uncle Gump]

I would also consider the gear your truck has.

Not that it a deal killer... but will most likely affect performance.

 

[wildbill23c]

I would also consider the gear your truck has.

Not that it a deal killer... but will most likely affect performance.

It'll definitely effect performance. Especially if the OP's truck is equipped with an automatic...they're sluggish in stock form, add larger and heavier wheels and tires and it'll be even worse. My 88 Bronco 2 had 205/75R15's on it didn't do too bad, but due to lack of all terrain tire selection for it at the local tire shops, I went with 235/75R15's just that bit of a jump made it even more sluggish. That's with 3.73 gears too, and unfortunately its an automatic so its totally gutless anyways.

My 87 Ranger 4x2 has 215/70R14's on it now, and with the 5 speed and 3.73 gears it does great and I get in the mid 20's for fuel economy...going with larger wheels and tires was something I had thought about doing as well, but fuel economy would go into the toilet with it.

Yes the larger 235's will work but you'll definitely see a drop in performance, highway cruising ability, acceleration, oh and your speedometer will be way off...mine is 4mph off with the current 235/75R15's on the Bronco 2.

 

[adsm08]

The 29ish inch tires will fit a 4x4, but it also sits 2 inches higher than your 2wd does. You may find it rubs.

Being a 90 you have slightly larger wheel arches than an 83-88, and you may have more luck.

 

[scotts90ranger]

They will fit, but they will rub occasionally, I wouldn't worry too much about that, rubbing will only be in the front and a handful of 1 1/4" washers under the coils will fix that...

The issue is that in the '80's to early '90's Ford really liked TALL gears, my '90 came with 3.08 gears, with a 4 cylinder and 235 70 15's that I ran for a while it was kinda annoying, 5th was completely useless and it took a lot of clutch slipping to get it moving... even on my '97 (even bigger wheel openings) with 235 75 15's and a 4 cylinder with 4.10 gears it was a touch too much... but very drivable with the 4.10's.