Upgrading tire after a flat. 1996 2.3l 2wd.

[Pastrysqueezer]

I have a 1996 2.3l 2wd ranger that got a flat tire. It has the stock 215/70r/14 tires and rims.

It's incredibly hard to find that size for some reason. Someone nearby has 235/75r/15 tires from a 2001 ford ranger. Would those fit on my ranger? I see the 2001 has the same lug pattern. But I'm worried about rubbing and offset issues. Thanks.

 

[TigerCub]

I've got 2011 XL 2wd, running Kenda 225/70r/15 can't complain as long as it's kept under 80mph.

 

[SenorNoob]

I ran 235/75R15 on a stock 88 4x4. I think you'll be fine on a 96 2wd. Pretty sure it's been done before.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

My first Ranger was a 2wd and came with 225/70-15 and when I needed tires I couldn’t find anything I liked until I stepped up to a 235/75-15 (spoiler, 30x9.50-15 tires are often rebadged 235/75-15). Back then I actually called Ford and enquired about the change in tire size and they said you could go up or down a size without really affecting anything. So that’s what I did and never looked back. I’ve run that size on a few of my RBVs over the years, it seems like a good size for a stock rig and seems to work well with 3.73 gears.

01 rims may not fit over the hub on a 4x4 in the 97 and older stuff, but with a 2wd that’s not an issue. They shouldn’t rub on anything either unless your suspension is shot.

 

[sgtsandman]

I'll concur to what the others are saying. We had a later model RWD Ranger at work at one point with 225/70R15 tires on it and there seemed to be plenty of room left in the wheel well. So, your '96 should be good as well.