Another annoying wheel/tire discussion

[PetroleumJunkie412]

Preface: I do not know *anything* about wheels and tires. Nothing. Nada. Zip. Wheels are generally round. That's as far as it goes.

I'm looking to line up what I need for my 2011 for a wheel and tire combo to land the truck where I want it. I know where I want the truck to be performance-wise. So... I need some pointers. @Li'l Work Truck has been of assistance via DM, and I'm interested what the rest of yall have to chime in.

Currently running 245x75R16 tires on V8 explorer bars, lift keys, 1750lb rear springs, and lift shackles. I *despise* the setup. The truck is oversprung, rides like crap, handles like a jenga tower, and is "wobbly," especially at highway speeds.

The direction the build is heading is towards a street/highway/dirt road "spirited driving" truck. My SRT Challenger has been a bit of an inspiration. I want something that's an homage to the nature of that car, but I can still stop at the lumber yard after work and throw crap in the bed if needed. I don't have much, if any, lift planned (removing the lift I have installed), only enough to fit what wheels and tires I'd need if necessary.

I'm guessing I'm going to want something in the 18-20in rim size, but have absolutely no idea. (Challenger runs 245X45R20 iirc...) I do want to stay with thinner sidewalls if possible, but understand there are limitations to those (broken rims, etc) with dirt road stuff.

Overall I want something that's sure footed, grabs nicely, and leaves the truck wider than where it sits on stock rims. Snow isn't a concern as it does not get driven when there's salt on the roads.








Uh...... thanks for attending my Tedx talk.

 

[SenorNoob]

Considering the VAST differences in tire size prices, I'd have a rough estimate of my outside diameter in mind then go from there. Will the same size fit after lowering back to stock height?

Sounds like you're after something wider for traction? 265/50R20 would be almost exactly the same outer diameter of the current tire, (For gearing purposes.) and lower profile sidewalls and wider tread. It's also a common size according to a quick Googleing...

For that size looks like you'd want a 7.5-9.5in wide wheel. I'd aim for 8.5. That should be easy enough to fit onto the Ranger. Just make sure the offset is right.

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

265/50R20 would be almost exactly the same outer diameter of the current tire, (For gearing purposes.) and lower profile sidewalls and wider tread.

I wouldn't mind going slightly smaller tbh. 3.73 gears and current size are eh... been a lot better since I got the fuel issues straightened out, and should be better whenever magnum powers sends my damn blower back to me. But still. Wouldn't mind slightly less tire.

 

[bobbywalter]

i would have to drive it to understand...

e rated 265 16 is what i would run for general duty..

355 gears? i suspect alignment needs dialed a bit.