Factory wheels on bigger tires?

[03 Ranger]

I am lifting my 2003 Ranger Edge 3" and I want to use my factory wheels on the new tires. The tire size will be between a 30 and 32 undecided. Any suggestions? Has any one done a front seal on their differentail need some tips. Thanks

 

[JohnnyO]

You didn't say if you had 15" or 16" wheels, but a 265/75-15 (31") or 31x10.50-15 would fit on the 15" and a 265/75-16 (32") would fit on the 16".

A 32x11.50-15 or 285/75-16 (33") might fit but in that case the stock rims are 1) really too narrow and 2) have too much backspace and the tires would probably rub on the inside.

 

[03 Ranger]

They are 15" wheels.

 

[LoneRanger93]

I had 33x12.50s on the stock 15x7s for a while back, ran them at a little lower psi than recommended and didn't have problems but I would expect long term consequences might be uneven tire wear

 

[03 Ranger]

I'm going to go with 31/10.5x15. This should ride good with a 3" lift.

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

lots of guys are running 31's on stock trucks and it looks good. 31's with a 3" lift are going to look a little small IMO. i'd go with 33's...

 

[Evan]

I ran 31x10.5s for a while on my stock 15 inch wheels and they looked and performed perfect.

I also ran 33x12.5s on the stock wheels. Those got squeezed a bit so I kept them aired down a bit and they did just fine. For a 12.5 I'd recommend a wider wheel, with a 10.5 you'll be just fine.

 

[GatorBlue92]

i also ran 31x10.5x15 tires on my stock 15x7 wheels for a year or so and they worked just fine

 

[Natedog]

BFG also makes 33x10.50x15 that are nice. 3" lift will prolly rub some in front with 12.50" width 33s. Don't forget axle re-gearing too.

 

[03 Ranger]

I will need to re-gear the axle for the new tires? So, if I put 33/10.5X15 on my truck they will probably rub. What about 32X10.5?

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

you dont HAVE to re-gear..but you SHOULD.

depending on your current gearing, 31's might be ok. no facotry gearing is deep enough for 33's IMO.

33's might rub a little, but not bad. 32's shouldnt rub at all.

 

[03 Ranger]

Not really understanding the whole gearing thing. If I go with 32x10.5 will I have to do gearing? The gears are still factory.

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

its largely personal preference. it also depends on what gearing you have now (you need to check your axle code on the door jamb sticker, or the tag on the axle itself). if you have 3.73's or better, you can get away with taller tires without as much loss in performance. if you have 3.27's or less, then your truck will be an absolute dog with taller tires.

 

[03 Ranger]

I have a 4:10 gear ratio in the rear.

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

4.10's are usually good for 31's, and OK for 33's. i'd much prefer 4.56's for 33's though...