99 2wd explorer rims on a 93 2wd ranger

[jlbutler]

99 2wd explorer rims on a 93 2wd ranger

I can't find anyone else having this issue...maybe I'm losing my mind....

Same bolt pattern on both the rims, but the 93 2wd hubs are smaller, leaving a gap around the hub to rim. The ranger had 225 70R14 deer hoof rims and the explorers are 235 75R15 tear drop type. It was said in the tire info thread that 235 75R15 could fit and they do fit fine, except the rim and hub part. I've done research into the hub-centric vs lug-centric debate, and I don't want to start another thread on that if I can help it

I vaguely understand the older 2wd Rangers had smaller hubs, but is it only those 2wd? As in, the new 2wd wheels fit the new and old 4x4 hubs?

If I want to use the Exploder rims, what options do I have? I need to replace the bearings, is it possible to replace my 93 hubs with the newer, larger hubs?

 

[tinman_72]

I have been running wheels on my '93 Ranger that I had originally bought for my '87 Grand Marquis. The hole for the hub on these wheels are larger than the hubs on my Ranger. I have been running them for ten years. Never had a problem.

 

[JoshT]

So what's the issue you're having? Just that there is a gap between the wheel and hub? I'm assuming from what you say that the stock wheels did not have a gap there?

Best option you have is to just bolt the on and go, that little bit of a gap isn't a problem if you've properly seated and tightened the lugs. Regardless of how they came from the factory Rangers (Explorers and BIIs too) and the various designs of factory wheels have been run lug centric for a couple of decades with no issues what so ever.

If you're really worried about that gap, so what they do with most cars running aftermarket wheels, install hub rings. They are rings, usually some sort of composite, that fill the gap between the hub and the larger bore of aftermarket wheels. You'll need to measure the inside diameter of the wheel's bore and the outside diameter, you'll need the measurements in MM. Then buy rings with matching diameters.

If it makes you feel any better about running the explorer wheels, I have mixed and matched ford wheels a bit with no concern about hub diameter. Not just newer Ranger wheels on older ranger, but also a couple style of newer Ranger wheels on a Probe. So far as wheel fitment was concerned I never had an issue with them. Traction and tire fitment was another story, but that wasn't an issue with the wheels.

 

[jlbutler]

Thank you for the replies, I'm guessing why I hadn't come across anything about it is because they're lug centric anyway. I'll just mind the tightness of the lug nuts.

I don't do any serious hard driving or heavy cargo so I wasn't too worried about the lug-centric/hub centric thing. I know on my mustang the rust froze my wheels on once and changing them was a bad experience. I'm just a fan of doing things the way they were, but I love these rims, and the extra few inches of height is nice.

Next is those wheel bearings, shocks and bushings

 

[don4331]

Rangers (and just about all personal vehicles - I think there are some German autos which are exceptions) OEM wheels are hub centric.

Lug centric rims either have studs/bolts with an unthreaded portion of the shank where the rim contacts or oversized holes in rim and corresponding nuts which precisely fill the gap between the studs and the holes in the rim. (Basically, avoiding having threaded surface supporting the weight of the vehicle).

And so long as lug nuts are tight and you have 5 or more lug nuts; there are rarely issues, they really should have hub rings. (Just because one has got away with it for a decade, doesn't mean it should be promoted. )

You should try to change aluminum hub centric wheels in -40°C. Corrosion between aluminum and steel plus differences in thermal expansion rates had the 'deer hoof' rims VERY securely attached to my Ranger...

Aside:

One of the reason spacers get such a bad rap - they often aren't hub centric and on cars with only 4 bolts, they don't get installed perfectly... Result is vibration or worse.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Rangers (and just about all personal vehicles - I think there are some German autos which are exceptions) OEM wheels are hub centric.

Lug centric rims either have studs/bolts with an unthreaded portion of the shank where the rim contacts or oversized holes in rim and corresponding nuts which precisely fill the gap between the studs and the holes in the rim. (Basically, avoiding having threaded surface supporting the weight of the vehicle).

I think you made a mistake, shown in red.

All the early fords I have played with, from 1968 to 1993 including Rangers, have a lug centric design. The wheel nuts have a cone that fit into the hole on the rim to place the rim properly. IMO A gap around the hub will not be a problem. However I have had a problem with the studs breaking on my race truck, probably from people putting too much torque on the wheel nuts. I r+r'd all the studs and am using a 3" spacer on the rear end of my race truck with no problems so far.

 

[don4331]

alwaysFlOoReD:

No mistake: If you have 'cone' nuts, the rim is supposed to be hub centric. All the OEM rims I have played with were hub centric.

I have also seen 100s of incorrectly installed rims, e.g. '98+ rims with their 2.83" hole mounted on '83-'97 Rangers with 2.5" hubs. The fact that they install results in people just doing it and moving on.

Using the threads, which are a natural stress riser, to support the weight of the vehicle is asking for broken studs. (Not that over torquing doesn't increase the problem).

The spacers on the front of my Ranger are hub centric and use a slightly thinner cone nut; those on back (thinner as I am running Explorer rear end) are lug centric and have the correct nuts (short shank extending from cone). Note: I have hub rings installed as well, but then I am anal...

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

@ don
It seems you're right and what I've believed for so long is incorrect. However the following link puts my mind at ease somewhat;
https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/reasoning-behind-hub-centric-and-lug-centric-wheels.764338/

 

[don4331]

alwaysFlOoReD:

Everyone gets lucky once in a while The next time I do a bone headed response, just don't flame me too bad.

Don