the lug pattern is supposedly the same on Mazda 3 as on Ranger, but will it fit? spacing?
anyone tried this?

 

The bolt pattern is only part of the equation. Fwd vehicles generally have a much different offset so the wheels would likely rub the front suspension, the width would be narrower as the wheels are farther in so the handling would be worse, and they would look retarded being in so far. Not to mention that they wouldnt even bolt on the front without modifications as the rangers hubs stick out too far and is most likely a larger diameter than the hole in the wheels. You could buy spacers which would space them out properly amd solve the hub issue but for that price you could find a good set of used wheels that are meant for the ranger.

 

ok
that's why I am asking the question: more to it than mere lug pattern.
getting frustrated, though... cannot find wheels for this thing at reasonble price. the only ones I see are thousand-dollar specialty pimpy things. I just want a solid alloy wheel [that rolls straight/smooth!] that shines like crazy when you clean/polish, like the stockers I had on my GMC.

 

Try LMC Truck for OEM wheels. Their aluminum wheels run about $120 to $200 per wheel plus shipping. Have you tried finding Ranger or Explorer wheels at salvage yards in your area? They would be another option. Also check some of the FTE sponsors to see what they have and their prices.

 

i do need to check the local junkyards. i had hesitated because I don't know the right term for what I'm looking for
aluminum solid wheels?
the disk-type with the round holes that were on the rangers and B'trucks in years past.... not very descriptive but I dunno what to call 'em. I think some called them "bullet-type" or somesuch
and the newer shiny ones with the oval-looking openings, i've seen on explorers and some rangers [edge?].
et cetera

 

Just ask for original equipment wheels.

 

I have 15" explorer alloys on my ranger. They look just like the ones in this ebay auction: 15" ALUMINUM WHEELS FOR MERCURY MOUNTAINEER / EXPLORER:eBay Motors (item 200394153144 end time Oct-23-09 11:50:31 PDT)

These wheels bolt right on with no mods. Any explorer from '91 to '03 or '04 will bolt on. The newer explorers have a different offset I believe.

 

I got a set of 16's on mine with tires for less than 800 and the tires I have on their arent cheap...Just find a reputable tire shop and you can find a set reasonably