Guys - I traded my 99' 2x for a 2001 Edge 4x with only 20k miles on it, very nice truck. This is Ranger number 5 for me. I have a few questions.

1. The truck came with P245/75/16's on 16" Wheels. I rolled a 31x10.50x15 mounted on a 7" rim next to my truck and noticed the 31's were maybe 1/8" or so taller than what I had. Can I switch over to 15" rims on this truck? 31x10.50x15's are alot less expensive than P245/75/16's, especially when you are talking about off road tires.

2. If I can go to 15's will I have any rubbing issues with 31's on an 8" wheel?

3. Are there any replacement manual locking hubs for this truck like they made for the older 4x rangers? I converted over to warn manual locking hubs on my old 93' model and was wondering if I could do the same to this truck.

4. Other than the VSS sensor issue and the belt tensioner issue, are there any other problems I should expect with this truck, those two issues seem to be the most commonly discussed problems I have noticed being mentioned on this board.

5. Is there a way to turn off the warning bell that rings when the drivers seatbelt is not being used while driving. Before being lamblasted, I wear my seatbelt when I drive, for the most part, but when I am driving/crawling down a beach at 15 miles an hour I generaly do not wear one, please lets not get into why I should or should not, just tell me if I can get rid of the dinger or not.

Ok so far those are my questions, so far I have removed all of the mud flaps, got my windows tinted, and had a receiver hitch installed. Next will be an alarm and then I am either going to do wheels and tires or just tires, have to figure out if I can go to 15's or not. I do have a stock set of 15" ranger wheels from my 99' I could use though. Thanks in advance for the help -

 

The only main thing to look for as far as the smaller rims fitting is brake clearance. Are the new Rangers 4 wheel disc yet? If you have drums on the back then the front wheels will be your only concern.

My '94 has 14" rims and my tires are dirt cheap.

 

Thanks, it's a 2001 with rear drums, just figured or hoping someone has done this or tried his before me???

 

I belive the 01 xl rangers still came with the 15 inch wheels. And the brakes and everything is the same on the base and up trucks, so it should fit fine. As for the 31 inch tires, they should also fit fine. I have a set of 265/75-16's on my 98 4x4, which is like 31.5 inches, and I don't have any rubbing problems. Every once in a great while, they'll rub the little plastic wheel well liner, but thats it. I wish I had the money to buy some new 15 inch wheels.....Your right about the price difference on the tires. Plus 15 inch mud-terrains are just easier to find. But I pretty much only buy gently used tires (used maybe 10,000 miles, for about $30 each). So thats where i save some big money.

 

my 01 4x4 xtra cab has 15s on it with no problems. The same tire size u want

 

Thanks for the info, time to decide what I am going to do - either just replace the tires with some BFG Mud TA's at $700 for the 245/75/16's or get a new set of 15" rims and go with 31's at $575 plus new rims.....hmmmm decisions decisions......I LOVE TRUCKS!!!!

 

As for the seatbelt reminder, check your owner's manual. There are specific instructions to shut that off. It involves turning your ignition key back and forth and pressing the seatbelt release button simultaneously. I did it when I bought my '02 for the same reason. I don't want a beeping sound when I am turning the truck around in the driveway.

 

Thanks for the info on the seatbelt dinger, will check into that tonight -