The door tag on my '98 Explorer says to use 26 PSI (Cold) on stock tire and rim size P235/75R15. I bought two tires last week (Goodyear Wrangler RT/S) and they were inflated to 35 PSI.

I know the overinflation might help on fuel economy and will hurt ride quality. I'm more concerned about tire wear. I lowered them all to 32 PSI, 6 PSI above recommendations.

What PSI are you guys running? I noticed a dropoff in ride quality as the PSI was increased.

Eric

 

The 26 PSI is the old inflation for the Explorers. It was attributed to some of the blowout/rollover issues. Apparently they issued replacement stickers for these trucks so replace the one that is there and they raised the pressure. The one on my 97 still has the original. I refuse to run that low, and use 35PSI all around. That number is what I am comfortable with, there was no science behind it. I think that Ford recommends 32PSI for these vehicles now, but someone else will need to confirm that here.

 

I go with 32-33 all around on my '05 Explorer.
A bit softer ride than 35 lb all around.
Higher than the Exploder original 26 lb.

 

Are you serious about the change in PSI amount per Ford? So I am 32 PSI and that will work fine. I'm glad I posted this and thanks for the quick response!

Eric

 

As I said, I only think that is the correct number. Someone here will have to confirm it to be sure. I also recall that I read about the new stickers either here or on one of the other forums. The seach function seems to be a little to loose in what it considers a match for my terms so I can not use that to locate the information.

 

BlueOval5.0

I have a 2000 explorer with 255/70/R16 and I put 40 psi in them there was way to much roll in the truck. On your explorer 35 psi would be best, But I would NOT go under 32 psi. cold. Most tire max at 44 psi hot temp..

 

I had a 97 Explorer until I just purchased a 05. I always ran 32-33 PSI in my tires, regardless of what Ford said. I try to stay 3-5 psi below the max inflation pressure rating on the tire. This will allow for expansion as the tire heats up during use. You sacrifice some ride quality (reason Ford had lower pressure), but you make up for it in tire life and fuel economy. I had a set o Pirelli Scorpion IIs that lasted 65k before I blew two tires on the highway due to a truck loosing debri in fron of me. I also averaged 20 mpg going 70 mph highway. This with a 4.0 SOHC 4 door Explorer with 3.55 axles. Best gas milage I saw was 24-25 mpg doing 55-60 highway. So yes 32 PSI is best setting, just confirm max tire pressure, should be 35 psi.

 

I don't know if I'd worry about the Ford manual... instead check with your tire manufacturer. I've got BFG's in an LT-rating, and the air pressure totally depends on the application and load. If I'm towing with a fully loaded vehicle, I can fill up to 50 PSI if need be.

Again, it depends on the load I'm carrying, and the type of tire. Check with Goodyear... they'll be able to give you exact PSI requirements for your P-rated Wranglers on an Explorer.