Big tires on a stock off-road package?

[metalmike]

I'm looking to throw some bigger tires on my 99 Ranger for mild off-roading (basically playing around on dirt/sand trails and roads). I currently have the stock off-road package, but I'm going to put in some Belltech 6400 shackles, Explorer leafs, and do a little torsion bar cranking to level the truck out. I'm not looking to go any bigger than 31" tires, and would like to keep my stock 16x7's if possible. What would you recommend?

(I'm also on a tight budget)

 

[Ranger Sport Honduras]

i would say it will look good.
and u can keep the stock rims

 

[legoms013]

With the setup you mentions many guys (maybe gals too lol) run a 33x10.5 on the stock rims without any rubbing with the upgrades you mention.

Tight budget is a common theme now days.

 

[daniel3507]

I dont think you would need to to anything to the rear to fit 31s

 

[superds]

Isn't the stock tire size on that 245/75R16? That's about the same height as most 31" tires. You should have no problem going to a 31" or 32" tire, or possibly even a narrow 33", as legoms013 pointed out.

 

[metalmike]

To Superds: That's the exact tire size I have on there right now, so I think I'll step it up to 33". I think 10.5 is too wide for my 16's though, so what's a good narrow 33"?

 

[superds]

The most common narrow 33" that I see is the BFG MT in 33x10.50R15, unfortunately this does nothing for you since it requires a 15" wheel!

I would also look at either a 265/75R16 (approx 32") or a 285/75R16 (approx 33") Both will fit on a 7" wide wheel but some will tell you the 285 is getting a little bit wide for a 7" wide wheel and should be put on an 8" wide wheel. The 265 wide tire is common to find from the factory on 7" wide wheels.

Another tall and skinny option is a 235/85R16 tire, this is about 32" again. A little taller (and skinny) would be 255/85R16 at a shade over 33", although this tire size is getting kinda rare. Both of these two options would likely require a high load rating tire, like used on 3/4 and one ton pickups, some might find the ride a little harsh, others say it's ok.

 

[Yellowsplash]

I have warrior shackles and a 2" torsion crank with 265/75/16 bfg a/t's on factory 16x7 wheels on the sport trac...it sits perfect with this combo.

 

[JohnnyO]

A 285/75-16 is a narrow 33" and will fit fine with those mods. If you plan on flexing it a lot though, I'd go with a 265/75-16 instead to be sure they won't rub.

 

[Original_Ranger84]

I got 285/75/16's under my truck without lifting and no rubbing... With a 2" T bar crank you should be in the clear.