What size tires look good on a ranger with only trimmed fenders?

[mike2891]

I have a 1986 4x4 ranger, extended cab w/a 2.9l v6. The fender wells are starting to rust pretty bad so I figured I would just cut off the entire flared part on all 4 fenders. I don't plan to put any lift or anything on it at this time. Most of the pictures I've seen with trimmed fenders are just minor trimming. I was curious if anybody had any pictures of an old style ranger/broncoII with this much fender trimming & larger tires. I'm trying to figure out what size tire I can run with it filling the gap nicely but not rubbing. I'd hate to buy something & not like how it looks and want to change to a size larger/smaller.

 

[fordboi415]

you might be able to clear 33s

 

[MikeInIdaho]

There was a build thread on here a while ago titled "redneck Rebuild", I think he cleared 32-33" by trimming about 3" off the fenders. Great no-buck buildup, truly any inspiration to those of us still trying to wheel while living well below the poverty line

 

[mike2891]

Thanks for the info guys. Am I going to run into any problems driving with 33's & everything else bone stock? This is a cheap beater and I don't really plan on throwing much money or work into it. I dont plan on any rough wheeling - mostly just using it to haul stuff & drive back into the woods to our camp in the summer.

 

[240cubes]

i had 33's on my 88 b2 with no lift for a little while. i took a ton off the front fenders and about 3-4" off the rear. problems ive run into were, attempting to articulate the rear axle more than a few inches b/c it stuffs and shreds very easily and you might wanna whack the inner rear fender well to make it flush if you can because the tires used to rub pretty bad on it over large bumps. if i can find any pics ill try to post them

 

[Sunk]

Your acceleration is gonna suck a big one with that 2.9, and there's a good chance your front axle won't last with those 33s, depending how you wheel.

 

[Jason]

There was a build thread on here a while ago titled "redneck Rebuild", I think he cleared 32-33" by trimming about 3" off the fenders. Great no-buck buildup, truly any inspiration to those of us still trying to wheel while living well below the poverty line

If you are well below the poverty line you aren't going to get above it by breaking your truck for fun.

 

[MakerOfBeast]

ive got 33s on my 89 ranger, but it took a combination of a 2" body lift and bushwhacker cutout fender flares to clear them. I still rub the inner fenders on the front and rear even though i cut or the wheel wells, in the front the wheel well is level with the inner fender. I am running 33 12.50/15s on 10x15 wheels with a deep offset. You might get buy with less rubbing with a narrower wheel but i doubt it without the body lift.

 

[mike2891]

Well I think I'll just stick with around 31's unless I get a great deal on something else.

 

[ckblum]

If you are well below the poverty line you aren't going to get above it by breaking your truck for fun.

I'm poor and I wheeled my 87 Ranger on 31's without breaking anything and I had plenty of fun. And I'm just a stupid inexperienced kid, I'm surprised I never snapped anything in my D28 lol.

I think 31's would be the best, maybe a 32 if you can get it. Buy used tires, that's what I do to keep it low cost, that way if you don't like the look you can resell them for the same price if you didn't drive them too much and find another set in a different size.