Oversize A/T Tire Experience

[PNW Ranger]

lil_Blue_Ford

I ended up getting a set of 30x9.5x15 Yokohama Geolandar A/T tires. Perfect tires for this 1998 Ranger. Really improves the stance. Of course, I had to upgrade the tires from the Walmart/OEM size tires. For my family's safety.

I don't notice a big difference in drivability. with the slightly larger tires. But still, I'm always looking to improve this old Ranger? Would installing a TransGo shift kit improve the performance and/or driving experience of this Ranger. I'm going to hang onto the Ranger, so not afraid to throw a little money at it. Just trying to understand the benefits of the shift kit.

Again, I have a 3.0 Liter V6 and the 4 speed (3 speed +OD) automatic transmission.

Thanks
Alan C.
PNW Ranger

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

Did you guys say full version or lite version of forscan?

Probably full, huh?

So I never tried lite because I originally got Forscan to program keys which the recommended setup was the full version on a laptop with a corded connection (no wifi or Bluetooth adapters) to prevent the chance of signal disruption when doing the keys. So that’s what I use.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

lil_Blue_Ford

I ended up getting a set of 30x9.5x15 Yokohama Geolandar A/T tires. Perfect tires for this 1998 Ranger. Really improves the stance. Of course, I had to upgrade the tires from the Walmart/OEM size tires. For my family's safety.

I don't notice a big difference in drivability. with the slightly larger tires. But still, I'm always looking to improve this old Ranger? Would installing a TransGo shift kit improve the performance and/or driving experience of this Ranger. I'm going to hang onto the Ranger, so not afraid to throw a little money at it. Just trying to understand the benefits of the shift kit.

Again, I have a 3.0 Liter V6 and the 4 speed (3 speed +OD) automatic transmission.

Thanks
Alan C.
PNW Ranger

Glad you’re happy with the tires!

I would definitely get the tire size adjusted in the computer, since shift points, power, odometer and speedometer are all affected by tire size. It may be relatively minor, but worth doing if you can.

A shift kit and keeping any adjustable bands adjusted correctly will help with accurate, quick shifts with a minimum of slippage. Slippage builds heat and heat is the enemy of automatic transmissions. Shift kits also help address particular known problems. Looks like there’s more options now than when I originally looked into it. I’m not exactly sure which transmission you have, but it can probably be identified from the trans code on the door sticker

 

[CamTheHedgehog]

Glad you’re happy with the tires!

I would definitely get the tire size adjusted in the computer, since shift points, power, odometer and speedometer are all affected by tire size. It may be relatively minor, but worth doing if you can.

A shift kit and keeping any adjustable bands adjusted correctly will help with accurate, quick shifts with a minimum of slippage. Slippage builds heat and heat is the enemy of automatic transmissions. Shift kits also help address particular known problems. Looks like there’s more options now than when I originally looked into it. I’m not exactly sure which transmission you have, but it can probably be identified from the trans code on the door sticker

I need to bite the bullet and get Forscan, I want to make a new key as my current one is almost completely worn out, and I want to save my backup as, well, a backup. Plus I still haven't tweaked stuff after putting on bigger tires.

 

[CamTheHedgehog]

Any suggestions for the adapter to get? it feels like there are a million out there.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

Any suggestions for the adapter to get? it feels like there are a million out there.

That I can’t exactly say other than maybe go with something recommended from Forscan that has a CAN/BUS switch. I only have a basic cable and really could use upgrading to a better cable

 

[Uncle Gump]

Any suggestions for the adapter to get? it feels like there are a million out there.

OBDLink MX+ OBD2 Bluetooth Scanner for iPhone, Android, and Windows https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JFRFJG6?tag=959media-20

 

[Uncle Gump]

This one if you have a laptop...

OBDLink EX FORScan OBD Adapter https://www.amazon.com/dp/B081VQVD3F?tag=959media-20

Both these are the recommended adaptors by forscan.

 

[Dsatt]

I have a 1998 Ford Ranger XL, 4x4, automatic transmission, 3.0 Liter V6. It has the stock tire size 235-75R-15, Walmart specials. Just looking a the rig, it's obvious that the tires are undersized for the wheel wells. So I'm considering buying a set of bigger A/T tires, either 30x9.5R 15 or 31x10.5R 15.

I'm looking to do mild off-roading on the forest roads here in the Seattle area. Not rock-crawling. I'm looking to keep the Ranger stock otherwise.

If you've installed oversize A/T tires on a similar Ranger, I'd appreciate hearing about your experience. Good, bad, unexpected, or quirky.

Thanks

PNW Ranger

 

[Dsatt]

I have a 98 ranger XLT 4.0l 4x4 with 35" mud tires with just a 3"body lift and yes they rub the frame when turning deep left or right and that's with 2 1/2" spacers. Had 33 12.50s on there with no lift just adjusted torsion bar a little and had no problem at all, no spacers, no rubbing. 31" is where you want to be, you will have to do nothing but put them on and drive that thing straight up a tree. Hope this helps

 

[SenorNoob]

I haven't run into anything this adapter can't do with Forscan.

VGate Vlinker

I've had it hooked to an 04 Mustang, an 01 F150, a 15 Explorer, a 16 F150, and a 15 Sentra. Could read all sensor data on all of the above and on the 15 Explorer and 16 F150 had multiple pages of options. Even crazy things, like stealth mode for police usage on the Explorer.