93 4.0 4x4 5 speed 3.73 gears...best tire size?

[Vincenthdfan]

Hello,

I just got told my tire with a nail in it was unrepairable today on my truck, so I am faced with buying 4 new tires and I'm trying to figure out what size I want to go with.

Its a 93 Ranger Supercab 4x4 with 4.0 3.73's and a 5-speed (converted by me from being an automatic).

Door sticker says originally 265/75R15 which is an oddball equivalent of a 31" tire.

My truck currently has 30x9.50-R15's on it which are about 28" tall from previous owner.

With my 3.73 gearing I'm looking at what tire is going to work best for this engine gas mileage wise??

I have been trying to figure out what the majority of 4x4's with 4.0 ohv's came with for tires with 3.73 gearing without much luck?

I would assume 235/75R15's?

Am I better off going to that tire size for better mileage (and cheaper tire price)??

I don't really care about trying to make the truck look like a mudder...I grew outta that a long time ago, lol.

Just want it to be as fuel efficient as possible for dirtbike hauling up in the hills.

 

[Denisefwd93]

A nail??? I've had nails screws bolts plugged, none ever leaked.

I had a 93, basically the same truck you have. 265 75 15 automatic it was awful on gas

the 94 I have now came with 31x10. It's 5 speed, great on gas they're both 4wd. and both have/had 4. 0

 

[Vincenthdfan]

Yeah, when they pulled the tire off they said it was delaminating internally (belt separation), so they refused to repair the hole and wouldn't re-install it on the rim...had to drive home on the spare.

Not the first time this has happened to me, just my luck.

Everything I read states that 265/75R15 and 31x10.50-R15 are about the same size.

I'm just trying to decide what size tire is going to deliver best economy with the 4.0 and 3.73 gearing.

I'm under the impression Ford did the 265/75 tire option mainly for looks to make that model look more beefy and off road capable...I may be wrong?

 

[JohnnyO]

Stock tire size would give you the best mpg, either 265/75 or 31x10.50, would keep the rpm down since the 4.0 OHV is not a revver like the 4.0 SOHC. 235/75-15 would have less rolling resistance but if you're on the highway a lot would probably use more gas since the rpm would be slightly higher.