Since I'm towing a Casita with the AWD and can't get decent 14" tires anymore I want to upgrade to 15". Wondering how wide anyone has gone without rubbing the front tires on the wheel well. General opinion seems to be that the OEM 15x7's will work but the original wheels are 14x6. Any opinions out there or should I hunt down maybe a 16.5. The wider wheels should, I hope, help with some of the sway. Already replaced the springs and struts front and back but the sidewalls on the tires still make it a mushy side to side ride. ???

 

15 x 7" will fit no problemo assuming the wheels have a low-mid offset. Something off a FWD chassis will most likely give you clearance issues.

 

Hey thanks for the speedy reply Car Guy. I've seen this before but not sure what it means and how to ask guys on Craig's list about the offset. If they are stock rims off a 2WD Bronco or Ranger that should be good?

Can you explain offset?
Thanks.

 

Okay, I've read a ton of discussion on this forum about this conversion since you can't get decent 14" tires anymore. Check this link for everything you need to know about what works. Size, lug pattern, offset for most every car. There ya go.
http://www.roadkillcustoms.com/hot-r...#axzz2x7fpTWJa

 

I run 15x7 Explorer slicer rims from the 90-95 Explorer. No issues so far and it has been 7 years.

I would worry about the Ranger 2wd rims not having a big enough hole for the front hubs to pass correctly through.

 

Hi

I have run both a 205x75x15 on a Mustang 94 alloy wheel and a 225/60/16 mustang wheel on several Aerostars. They 16 is more responsive, lower profile. More expensive tires.

The 205's are a little bit thinner, quieter and get slightly better gas mileage.

Both fit easily, speedo is very close within 1-2 mph @ 65.

Both are load rated beyond the original specifications. For AWD I would choose a 205/75 or 215/70 15 as to be sure to minimize wear on the drive train.

I did run the 225 16's on my AWD this winter as they are studded snow tires.

Watch out for newer mustang wheels offset is different and caps may not fit.

Look at my 96 and you will see how clean they look.

 

I use a LT tire 14" 6ply, Maxxis Bravo MA-751. another option.

 

OMG THANK YOU! SO much easier than changing to 15's. I could not for the life of me find 6 ply LT's. Cheaper too. Thanks for the tip.

 

If you get the wheels off a 1996ish Ford Explorer, they fit perfectly, no rubbing issues.

 

I had 99 Explorer rims with 215 65R 15 Falkens on the back of mine. Lasted 40K, but not an aggressive tread.