New member. Moving from flat land to the Sierras

[SierraRanger]

Hi, I have a Stock 2wd '97 Ford Ranger XLT 4.0 with the Splash Suspension and Wheels. 'working up on 280 K miles since new.
I recently moved from the flat lands of California to the Sierras of Nevada and have to figure out how to mount snow or all weather tires on the truck. 'hope to learn some things here, and also to be able to pass along what I've learned. thanks.

 

[JoshT]

Welcome to the club.

with the Splash Suspension

Wait, you've got a Splash, or atleast the springs from one? Those are actually lowered slightly from the factory. That definitely changes things in regards to your tire questions, the larger diameter tires that have been suggested may not fit that truck. You might want to hold on taking the advice we've given in that thread. Add this information over there see what changes for suggestions.

 

[MaicoDoug]

I used to live in the mud flats...the earthquakes are murder out here. Love going rock hunting anywhere where you moved to. Even going for dinner at Virginia City! Welcome sRanger. Are you'll stay'in fer the night? Carson City is real good folks! The Splash was a lowered option, I believe you may want to run 31" or taller.

 

[SierraRanger]

Thanks. Yes it's an XLT with the Splash Suspension and wheels, but it looks like a standard Ranger. I'll look at the other recommendations, and than for reacting!

 

[CrabGuy]

Others will chime in on tires options. For me, driving at night in the Sierras countless times, the 1st thing I would upgrade is the lighting. The Ranger was fine in town but the headlights were pretty poor for mountain driving. Driving with the fog lights on was an improvement but not enough to illuminate the road a safe distance ahead. Lighting was the one upgrade I always wished I had made.

 

[SierraRanger]

Others will chime in on tires options. For me, driving at night in the Sierras countless times, the 1st thing I would upgrade is the lighting. The Ranger was fine in town but the headlights were pretty poor for mountain driving. Driving with the fog lights on was an improvement but not enough to illuminate the road a safe distance ahead. Lighting was the one upgrade I always wished I had made.

Thanks BG, I agree with the need.. So I have the original clouded headlights. What lighting did you add to you Ranger? thanks.

 

[CrabGuy]

I replaced the entire headlight assemblies and bulbs with OEM style replacements from RA. Same with the fog lights. I had no success at all trying to buff them out. All of my lenses looked like a chihuahua with cataracts. It really helped but I still would have liked to have dedicated driving lights for the mountains and off road.

 

[SierraRanger]

Thanks. RA? Is that Raxiom Axial?

 

[rumblecloud]

Rock Auto -- all the parts your car will ever need...

You're welcome

 

[SierraRanger]

Duh, OK, If I get driving lights figured out for my truck, I'll send you the information. thanks!