• Welcome Visitor! Please take a few seconds and Register for our forum. Even if you don't want to post, you can still 'Like' and react to posts.

97 Ranger XLT rwd wheel + tire sizes.


stephen1231

New Member
Joined
Jul 10, 2020
Messages
9
Reaction score
0
Points
1
Location
canada
Vehicle Year
1997
Make / Model
Ford Ranger
Transmission
Automatic
Hey all, I have a 1997 ford ranger XLT RWD. 4.0L V6. It currently has 225/70/R14s on it. I'd like to get a bigger rim/tire, just wondering what my options are and any suggestions would be appreciated ! Thanks in advance
 


Uncle Gump

Token Old Guy
TRS Event Staff
TRS Forum Moderator
Supporting Member
VAGABOND
TRS Event Participant
Joined
Sep 17, 2018
Messages
13,701
Reaction score
13,159
Points
113
Location
Ottawa IL
Vehicle Year
2006/1986
Make / Model
Ranger/BroncoII
Engine Size
4.0L SOHC/2.9L
2WD / 4WD
4WD
My credo
Lead follow or get out of my way
You need to consider your gear ratio first.

Should be listed on the door tag if it's the original rear end.
 

stephen1231

New Member
Joined
Jul 10, 2020
Messages
9
Reaction score
0
Points
1
Location
canada
Vehicle Year
1997
Make / Model
Ford Ranger
Transmission
Automatic
Here is the door tag. could you point me in the right direction?
 

Attachments

Uncle Gump

Token Old Guy
TRS Event Staff
TRS Forum Moderator
Supporting Member
VAGABOND
TRS Event Participant
Joined
Sep 17, 2018
Messages
13,701
Reaction score
13,159
Points
113
Location
Ottawa IL
Vehicle Year
2006/1986
Make / Model
Ranger/BroncoII
Engine Size
4.0L SOHC/2.9L
2WD / 4WD
4WD
My credo
Lead follow or get out of my way
Code 95 says 8.8 open 3.55 gear.

Any taller of a tire will surely make the powertrain suffer performance wise.
 

stephen1231

New Member
Joined
Jul 10, 2020
Messages
9
Reaction score
0
Points
1
Location
canada
Vehicle Year
1997
Make / Model
Ford Ranger
Transmission
Automatic
So not recommended to go bigger than 14inch rim? or if I go 15 inch rim get smaller profile for tire??
 

Uncle Gump

Token Old Guy
TRS Event Staff
TRS Forum Moderator
Supporting Member
VAGABOND
TRS Event Participant
Joined
Sep 17, 2018
Messages
13,701
Reaction score
13,159
Points
113
Location
Ottawa IL
Vehicle Year
2006/1986
Make / Model
Ranger/BroncoII
Engine Size
4.0L SOHC/2.9L
2WD / 4WD
4WD
My credo
Lead follow or get out of my way
you can go 15 inch wheels for sure....

I don't think I would go any taller personally.
 

ericbphoto

Overlander in development
TRS Event Staff
TRS Forum Moderator
Supporting Member
U.S. Military - Veteran
TRS 20th Anniversary
VAGABOND
TRS Event Participant
GMRS Radio License
Joined
Feb 7, 2016
Messages
15,211
Reaction score
16,346
Points
113
Age
59
Location
Wellford, SC
Vehicle Year
1993
Make / Model
Ford Ranger
Engine Type
3.0 V6
Engine Size
3.0L
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Total Lift
6"
Tire Size
35"
My credo
In theory, theory and practice are the same. In practice, they are different.
So not recommended to go bigger than 14inch rim? or if I go 15 inch rim get smaller profile for tire??
Exactly. You can use a 15” rim but get a tire that has the same outside diameter as your original tires.
 

4x4junkie

Forum Staff Member
TRS Forum Moderator
TRS 20th Anniversary
Joined
Aug 19, 2001
Messages
10,749
Reaction score
580
Points
113
Location
So. Calif (SFV)
Vehicle Year
1990
Make / Model
Bronco II
Engine Type
2.9 V6
Engine Size
2.9L V6
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Tire Size
35x12.50R15
Having once owned a 4.0L Ranger with 3.55 gears and 225/70R14 tires, I can safely say there is a little bit of leeway there in going to bigger tires (3.55:1 is a relatively short ratio for 26.4" tires). Going to a 225/70R15 (27.4") shouldn't be an issue (235/75R15 (28.9") should be OK too, though at that point you may infact start to notice some difference as compared to the original (smaller) tires, and the speedo will need recalibrated).
 

O No 3.0!

Active Member
Joined
May 23, 2019
Messages
176
Reaction score
61
Points
28
Location
Knoxville Tn
Vehicle Year
1997
Make / Model
Ranger xl 3.0
Transmission
Automatic
I just put a set of '01 mustang wheels on my 97 with 245/50/16 tires. The tires are a little short, but the difference between those & the 14's is night & day. Completely transformed my truck from a wallowing pig to a fun little truck that handles decently now. I bolted them right on with no spacers or anything & they sit right & don't rub at all. I got them from pull- a-part for about $150 with good tires.
 

Sponsored Ad


Sponsored Ad

Staff online

Member & Vendor Upgrades

For a small yearly donation, you can support this forum and receive a 'Supporting Member' banner, or become a 'Supporting Vendor' and promote your products here. Click the banner to find out how.

Truck of The Month


Kirby N.
March Truck of The Month

Recently Featured

Want to see your truck here? Share your photos and details in the forum.

Follow TRS On Instagram

TRS Events

25th Anniversary Sponsors

Check Out The TRS Store


Sponsored Ad


Sponsored Ad

Sponsored Ad


Amazon Deals

Top