2wd with bigger rear tires

[commradd]

So I just put a Powertrax no-slip in my 2wd ext ranger yesterday. The thought just crossed my mind, should I put larger and meaner tires on the rear? Maybe a 4" lift in the rear to make room? Or is this just a dumb idea after to many glasses of Christmas cheer? I know they wouldn't do as well on the ice, but everywhere else they probably would. Deep snow, mud, sand. I'm wondering if it would look like hell though. Anyone have any pictures?

 

[Andres629]

It WOULD look pretty crazy... I'd say just throw some of the stock blocks from a 4x4 under there, and lift the front end to match.

 

[commradd]

Do all rangers have the same leaf spring width? Or are there certain years I need to watch for on the 4x4's to pull the u-bolts and blocks? I've thought about doing this anyway. My springs are a bit saggy in the rear.

 

[Slim]

So I just put a Powertrax no-slip in my 2wd ext ranger yesterday. The thought just crossed my mind, should I put larger and meaner tires on the rear? Maybe a 4" lift in the rear to make room? Or is this just a dumb idea after to many glasses of Christmas cheer? I know they wouldn't do as well on the ice, but everywhere else they probably would. Deep snow, mud, sand. I'm wondering if it would look like hell though. Anyone have any pictures?

Just buy an F-650 dually tow truck man. Way easier. Live your dream.

On a more serious (and hopefully helpful) note - while I do think you've had maybe one too many rum-spiked egg nogs, i'd say that a 4" lift sounds excessive, but this, of course, depends on just how big you want to go in the rear (and what you have up front). If you had 235/60R15 or 225/70R15 up front and wanted to put 31" BFG All Terrains out back i'd say maybe no. Just my opinion, though. I love rake and bigger tires out back, too, but not if it's so extreme - especially in the tread department.

If you do it though, post up some pics.

 

[Slim]

Do all rangers have the same leaf spring width? Or are there certain years I need to watch for on the 4x4's to pull the u-bolts and blocks? I've thought about doing this anyway. My springs are a bit saggy in the rear.

Same width = 2.5". And you might even be able to re-use your stock u-bolts if they're long enough (if you want - different people say different things about this). I know mine are plenty long enough to add 2" in there.

 

[Andres629]

Do all rangers have the same leaf spring width? Or are there certain years I need to watch for on the 4x4's to pull the u-bolts and blocks? I've thought about doing this anyway. My springs are a bit saggy in the rear.

Well, if they're saggy, just pull the leaves and blocks as well. A word of warning though, don't re-use u-bolts. Just saying... it's what's holding your rear end on there.

 

[martin]

I'll second not using u-bolts, if you go to a spring shop they will get you what you you need at very reasonable prices. cheap insurance.

 

[Original_Ranger84]

Maybe a 1 or 2" lift and some PHAT tyres. Like 295/50/15's in back or something like that.

 

[Mac]

Wide tires do not work well in snow, go narrow. You do not have to raise the rear at all to get some wide tires in there. Teddyzee is running 295/35/18" on his and it lowered. Backspacing is what to watch for.
Dave

 

[chvlfrk]

Lil' more info>>>

What are your intentions?

4" of lift in the azz and some 33" tires would look like a 2wd tractor puller IMO.

Are you look to run A/T or M/S tires or is this a street truck?

Mine are street trucks, current build is 94 RAT Ranger:

28x15x15 tires on 15x12 Welds with modified rear suspension setup:

 

[adsm08]

Looks good rat. I like.

 

[Original_Ranger84]

Wide tires do not work well in snow, go narrow. You do not have to raise the rear at all to get some wide tires in there. Teddyzee is running 295/35/18" on his and it lowered. Backspacing is what to watch for.
Dave

But they would work great in mud and sand. As long as you don't go overboard on the width you should be good.