1994 Bronco Eddie Bauer
5.8 L automatic, 230,000+ miles

Currently my ride has worn out 31x10.50's on the stock 15x7.5 rims. I like the rims and I'd like to get as much tire as I can on those. I've also decided I'm not interested in lifting it at all. I'm not going smaller than 31x10.50's and based off of other threads it sounds like some guys use 33x12.50's without a lift. What sort of problems or issues can I expect with the 33x12.50's? I am not overly concerned with the occasional rubbing at full or close to full lock on a turn, but if putting that size tire is going to require cutting or modifying the fenders, I'd just as soon go down a tire size instead. I will mostly be on paved roads, very rarely do I see myself doing anything truly "off road".

 

You could split the difference and go with 32x11.5x15. However, the only tires that I know of in that size are BFG ATs.

 

The 33x12.50s can be fit, expect to either space your bumper out or trim it slightly, along with extra radius arm and maybe sway bar rubbing. Expect your odometer to be slightly off and you may experience a drop in performance, but the odometer can be adjusted to match the new tires. I'd just guess you might lose at least 1 MPG or more. You could probably fit 32x11.50s with avoiding spacing/trimming but sometimes you just have to put em on to see. Everybody's trucks will handle bigger tires a little different from varying suspension components, age, wheels, generation, etc.

 

You might want to check tire manufacturer's web sites to see maximum tires that you can put on 7.5" wide wheels.

The Yokohama 31x10.50 that I have on my 7.5" wide wheels were spec'd for wheel widths of 7" min through 9" max. They ran all their tread width, diameter, revs per mile etc. measurements mounted on a 8" wide wheel.

They show for 32x11.50 and 33x12.50 tires a 8" min, 11" max wheel.

Above 33" diameter, they show 8.5" minimum wheel width.

 

I have 33" on my Bronco. It has a 4" lift though. Even with that, I get some very small rubbing on the radius arms that were installed with the lift.

As others have said, 33" on stock height may be pushing it a little much but possibly doable. If you aren't going to lift it, I'd probably go with 32s. My 33" are BFG all terrain and I think they are really good tires, they just aren't cheap, so if you can only get that brand in 32 I don't think that's a bad thing.

 

Just space the bumper and trip the plastic skirt and they can fit.

But no one has said it an I will, you will loose more than 1mpg if you go to 33"s. I originally did fit these tires on the stock rims and they do work but have a higher chance of the tire coming off the rim.

To compensate for this you would need to regard to 4.11's in front and rear. I currently run 33/12.50/15 on stock 3.55 gears and I went from about 14mpg to 10-12.

 

The 351 has no trouble pulling 33's with 355 gears. I really could not tell a difference with mine. With 230k, if those are the original springs, I would expect some major rubbing. You could install some moog f250 springs, it will just level the truck and get you enough clearance. Will also improve your handling. They are relatively cheap and easy to install. You will need an alignment afterwards though. I would run a 33x10.50 tire on the stock wheels.

 

Thanks for the help men! I ordered some Toyo Open Country AT2s in the same size (31x10.50) and will hopefully get them mounted next week. I'll post a picture.

 

Those are nice tires. Good luck!

 

Enjoy those tires!

 

I went with cooper 31's as well.....

 

It's better to get a slightly smaller size (and 31's are not small) and not have any issues with a stock rim, than to push it and regret the choice later. I think you made the right choice.