bigger tires

[mud junky]

trying to find out about putting bigger tires on my new ranger. i have owned a 2000 ranger before and upgraded from the stock 245/75R16 (31x9.50R16) to 265/75R16 (32x10.50R16). i had nothing but trouble with the front end. although admitedly i beat the hell out of it. i ended up selling it and getting a commuter car and my 88 bronco II to beat on. that was several years ago, and things have changed. i needed a truck again. i just bought a 2003 Ranger FX4 for my DD and still have my 88 broncoII for playing in the woods. i want to give my truck a more agressive look with some aftermarket rims with a smaller back spacing than the factory rims, and some bigger tires. im thinking 285/75R16 (33x12.50R16). am i asking for trouble if i do this? or because i wont be beating on it the way i did my 2000 should i be fine with this set up? sorry i realy dont know much about the front end of Rangers after 1997. i know the TTB D35 could more than deal with this, but im not shure about the IFS sence i had nothing but problems with my old IFS ranger. thanks.

 

[kcm1582]

I'm sure the front end can handle it no problem. I've seen a few rangers on 35's with a lift. The only problem I can think of is 285's will probably rub, and the wheel bearings might not like the new offset. I've been running 265's, I like them, and I haven't noticed any problems from them.

 

[mud junky]

if the front end can handle it ill be doing a body lift to fit them. also il not talking about a rim with no back spacing. i assume that the factory rims are 16x7's with a 4.5" back spacing. the ones im looking at are 16X8's with a 4" back spacing.

 

[DRanger024]

I've been running around for the last 5 thousand miles and some mild abuse with the setup in my signature and have had zero problems. No clunks, rattles or squeeks and the alignment is as good as the day it was done. Just make sure your font end is good and healthy (i.e. good ball joints/tie rod ends/alignment) and dont worry about it. If you dont plan on beating on the truck, you have absolutely nothing to worry about. Yes it is going to be a little harder on the front end but not by much. Oh and my wheels are a 3.75" back space.