Getting new tires

[BobaAnt]

Hi guys I have a 88 ranger 4X2 extended cab, the tires on there right now are the stock which i think are the P195/70R14. If I want to put on the P215/75R15 tires would I run into any issues and if so how can i fix them?

 

[straycat]

The best thing to do is prefit a tire and rim on the front and see how it looks. I did this a lot when I was tinkering with all my trucks and cars over the years. Once you see where you are with it you can either keep it like that or add a bit of lift. Spacers, 2 inch body lift for starts. Don't forget...backspacing for the wheels is very important for a correct and safe fitment.

 

[BobaAnt]

Would I really need to check all of that ? I am only putting on the ranger 4x4 stock tires. I figured they would be exactly the same just an inch taller...or am I wrong?

 

[straycat]

It is hard to say. Most likey you wuill not have problems...but then again you might. Your truck came with 14 inch rims and it was set up for 14 inch rims. If you have a buddy with a 15 inch rim and tire, why not test it out first? Are you buying new rims and tires (or are getting them used)? If you are buying used tires from somebody try and see if they will let you fit one on first. If you are buying new ask the dealer if you can see what one looks like on it first. I have done this several times when I added taller and wider tires from a dealer or at a yard sale or in the local bargan trader or newspaper adds. If somebody needs to sell something, they are not going to say 'No'.

 

[BobaAnt]

alright I will try that then, if i do get those size tires will I have to change the gear in the transmission in order to have the speedometer work correctly?

 

[straycat]

It might be thrown off, but you can drive it and see. I like those digital speed detectors I see on the roads a lot.....I like to see how accurate my speedos are on all my vehicals. They are pretty much on the money when I check out my speedometer.

 

[adsm08]

They will work. I have an 87 Ranger and an 88 Bronco II, both 4x4 and both running P215/75/R15 tires. I also have an 88 Ranger 2wd that has mostly 215/75/15s

To go from a 195/70/14 to a 215/75/15 you will need 15 inch rims though.

You will probably need a new speedo gear, but the change won't be huge.

 

[Will]

Your truck is going to feel lazy after swapping those tires. You are giving the enemy a 10% advantage against your engine. You counter it by installing a 10% deeper gear. That's basically 1 step in gearing. If you have a 3.45, go to a 3.73.

I would keep the stock tires. That 10% disadvantage will cost you at the pump. Your motor will work 10% harder anytime you accelerate (going up a hill while maintaining a constant speed is accelerating). That acceleration uses fuel.

You are throwing away 10% of your torque by switching tires. That also accelerates clutch wear. The expense of the the tires and rims must be considered, especially since smaller tires are cheaper.

Those are the debits. Now let's see the credits:

Little bit bigger tires and new rims.

The credits end quickly. The debits keep on biting long after your tires and rims feel new, big and wonderful.