Wheels and tires 15x8

[buzz88]

Thinking of swapping out my 87 B2 the 15x7 explorer wheels and 235 75 15 tires for 30x9.5 on 15x8 wheels, or maybe 16x8, any suggestions for 8 inch wide wheels and offset? I like the look of what I have but would like a wider stance. Thanks

 

[Shran]

I have Mickey Thompson 15x8's and BFG 30x9.50-15 tires on my Explorer. I believe they have 3.6" backspacing, -22mm offset. Definitely a wider stance, if you had these on your truck, they would rub in certain places when turning (I had them on a 1st gen Ranger too.)

Maybe these pics will give you some idea what you're getting into and you can choose a wheel design of your liking:

No lift

After 1.5" lift in the front

31" Duratracs on the same wheels

Those Duratracs on my other Explorer:

 

[buzz88]

Thanks- nice 1st gen explorers especially the sport. I ran 30x10.5s which are rare on 15x8 on my old 89 B2 and that was a great setup no rubbing somehow stock

 

[gaz]

buzz88,

On my 87 BII, I am currently planning to mount 235/75r15 Cooper Discoverer A/T's on 15" x 8" black steelies (pulled from a late 80's Jeep) to dodge the cost of regearing for the next few years. If you have 3:73's, that is the perfect tire size.

I like the idea of using stock Explorer wheels, the set you have look nice; pretty sure they can handle 30x9.5's, though 15x8's are hard to knock! I used 15x8's when I 1st went to 30.5x9.5 without fender trimming, no lift, only the slightest rub on the outside with steering cranked to the stop.

 

[buzz88]

Yep the explorer wheels I have are nice just wish they gave the wider stance. Thus the thinking on the 8 inch wide wheels - always liked the wider stance and felt more stable, even if it wasn’t!