!7" rims and 33" offroad tires already on stock 4x4 ?

[cowboy701]

Hi all, a wantabe here, just joined, and about to pull the PIN on a 2002 4x4 ext cab. and it already has nice 17" rims and 33" tires, looks like plenty of clearance at least for the hwy,but do you think they will rub a lot offroad ? It has not been lifted, I did drive it a little at about 55 MPH the tach shows about 2700 Rpm. For my use offroad 80% in town 20% but I do have to drive it 120 mi to take it where its going to stay, all FWY. think it will hurt the motor ? Thanks for any info, never had a ranger before. Cowboy701

 

[RavoHimself]

is it a stick or auto? at highway speeds your tach should be around 2k-2500 for best fuel economy. 2700 and only 55 is high unless it wasn't in OD. if its not in OD put it there and driving the 120 mi will be fine. if it was already in OD then stick to 55 and stay in the right lane and you will be fine. the PO probably regeared it for the new tires but went a little over kill.
for offroad it will be good but you lose your top end

as for rubbing. pictures help. more than likely he cranked the torsion bars. heavy offroading will probably rub but class 6 roads and light off roading should be fine. but again. pictures help.

 

[cowboy701]

Ravo, thanks for the input, it is auto, and to tell you the truth I really don't know if I was in OD or not for the few minutes I drove it. and as far as staying at 55 on the 10 FWY in so. cal. is really life threatening,Hee Hee, even the semis run 70+ I clocked one the other day doing 95 with a set of doubles, sometimes in # 1 lane, out of five, any way you are right I should keep the speed down at those R's, not any side roads in all places. I am still thinking about this truck, supposed to tell him yes or no in the AM, still not sure, later on I could probably trade for some smaller tires and wheels, but thease look so darn good !! and owner stated he hasn't done anything to lift, just the 17 wheels and tires.

 

[kiragyu]

ask the OD if he re geared it and if so to what

 

[cowboy701]

Kiraguy, no on thre regear, Bone stock

 

[JohnnyO]

A narrow 33 will fit with a torsion twist. Won't rub much if at all off-road because there isn't that much travel in the suspension.

 

[bilzy7]

Post a photo of it plz? Love to see other rangers. I'm thinkin of 17 rims myself...

 

[bilzy7]

ya my 31 1/2 on stock front end rubbed bumper cause it was bent a little. I couldn't imagine 33's inflow thing but it's probably because it is old n sagged maybe. Doesn't seem it.

 

[RavoHimself]

did you get it? smaller tires would only make it go slower or make your rms go higher.
sounds to me like it didn't go into overdrive if he hasn't touched the gears

 

[cowboy701]

YEA !!( I think,) I got it anyway, BTW it only has 16" rims and pro comp 285/75/16 tires, Don't know where he got the 17" in his add, and they looked big to me and I didn't check untill I was ready to buy, Took my GPS in it for a test drive, and it was only off 5 MPH, slow, so will know more about the susp. when I get it offroad,the 4lo light on the dash doesn't light up, the 4wh light will light, just tried them at a stop, not moving, what do you Think ?? something expensive ? anyway offroad, how would I really tell if it was in 4lo or 4 hi? maybe the RPM huh? Hey, all you guys have been really helpful and I really appreaciate It !! I know I will have a lot more questions to come, as my first Ranger, I have to have a good 4X4 as we will be going out on the desert alone, my SO. and me, and if I can figure out how to post pics I will !! Cowboy701

 

[cowboy701]

PIC maybe !!

Hope this works !!

 

[ForOffRoadDriving]

looks good, ive always liked those honey comb grilles!

 

[RavoHimself]

you will know if its in lowrange. it moves a lot slower as to give you more torque and control off road

 

[4x4junkie]

Looks like a nice clean truck

If I remember right, to get it into Low Range you have to be stopped, the truck shifted into Neutral (if auto), and your foot on the brake before it will shift into Lo.