different years different wheel sizes

[southeastranger]

My family owns three rangers, a 1999 sport, a 2006 xlt and a 2008 xlt. All three were bought off the dealer floor. My question is why the 06 came with 16 inch rims and the others came with 15 inch. Also it seems the 08 sits a few inches lower. Was ford messing around with wheel sizes or is it dealer related?

 

[RonD]

Welcome to TRS

No messing around, different models and option packages came with different tires and wheel sizes

Have a look here(toward the bottom) for Ranger wheel styles: http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/wheel_fitment.shtml

Ride height would change with options and of course 2WD or 4x4

 

[don4331]

Ford lowered the '08+ Ranger for handling/fuel economy.

http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/front_suspension.shtml again toward the bottom.

 

[JoshT]

If they are torsion bar trucks, in 2008 Ford changed the torsion bar adjusters (Keys) which resulted in a lower ride height. If you've ever heard of the pre-key mod on a Ranger, that's what it is. Installing the pre-2008 keys on a 2008-2011 truck to lift the front end a couple of inches.

As Ron said, different wheel sizes were available as options or part of trim packages. In the 80s - early 90s you could have 14 or 15" wheels. IIRC mid to late 90s you could get 14s, 15s or 16s on a Ranger. 2000 they could be delivered from the factory with either a 15s or 16s. It definitely seems that the 15s were more common.