Increase tire size issues?
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 29
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Increase tire size issues?
2002 Ranger XLT 4dr 4x2 with 225-70/R15 tires. 3.73 rear end, auto trans, 3.0 motor. Needs new tires. Want wider tire and possibly higher using same rims. Not sure rims are original, they are 7 spoke alloy, don't know width yet. I want extra width to increase traction and stability for towing 2,600lb rated boat. Want extra height mainly for looks. Suggestions of what I should/shouldn't do???
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 31,930
Likes: 1,499
From: Ottawa, Ontario
A wider tire only increases traction in certain offroad conditions and on clean dry pavement, on everything else it actually reduces traction. Install a taller tire also reduces the final drive ratio which isn't favorable with the smaller motors, but since you are starting with 3.73 gears as long as you don't go too crazy you won't lose too much towing power. Up sizing to 235/75r15 would be a good step up giving you both a taller and wider tire, I know 31x10.5 or 265/75R15 fit the 4x4 trucks but the 2wd Rangers with coil spring front suspension sit lower than the torsion spring versions so I'm not sure those will fit that truck without rubbing.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,980
Likes: 2
From: central ohio
with a 3.0 you might want lower gears, the 3.0 makes its power at a fairly high rpm, and if your going with bigger tires the lower gears would help. i went from 3.45's to 4.10 gears, did have 225/70/14 tires, i now run 255/70/15's in the summer, 235/75/15's in the winter. havent towed much with it, just my pickup box trailer. motor i have is the 2.3/4 cyl.
Mountain Pass
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 217
Likes: 5
do you tow the boat now? if yes, is power adequate? does the trailer have brakes?
how often do you tow?
a tire with a taller sidewall will be less stable, stick with 70 series.
a taller tire decreases the effective final gear ratio, slower acceleration, slower on hills.
a taller tire has more mechanical advantage AGAINST the brakes, doesn't stop as fast.
yes a bigger tire looks better, but will it perform better for your purposes?
you mentioned alloy wheels, most factory alloys are 7" wide and easily accommodate tires wider than 225.
how about a 235x70-15? slightly wider & taller, close to the same weight.
have you looked at tire specs yet?
I prefer TireRack.com choose your tire, look at the specs for height, width, load rating, wheel sizes, weight of tire.
how often do you tow?
a tire with a taller sidewall will be less stable, stick with 70 series.
a taller tire decreases the effective final gear ratio, slower acceleration, slower on hills.
a taller tire has more mechanical advantage AGAINST the brakes, doesn't stop as fast.
yes a bigger tire looks better, but will it perform better for your purposes?
you mentioned alloy wheels, most factory alloys are 7" wide and easily accommodate tires wider than 225.
how about a 235x70-15? slightly wider & taller, close to the same weight.
have you looked at tire specs yet?
I prefer TireRack.com choose your tire, look at the specs for height, width, load rating, wheel sizes, weight of tire.
Thread Starter
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
A wider tire only increases traction in certain offroad conditions and on clean dry pavement, on everything else it actually reduces traction. Install a taller tire also reduces the final drive ratio which isn't favorable with the smaller motors, but since you are starting with 3.73 gears as long as you don't go too crazy you won't lose too much towing power. Up sizing to 235/75r15 would be a good step up giving you both a taller and wider tire, I know 31x10.5 or 265/75R15 fit the 4x4 trucks but the 2wd Rangers with coil spring front suspension sit lower than the torsion spring versions so I'm not sure those will fit that truck without rubbing.
Thread Starter
|
5th Wheeling
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
with a 3.0 you might want lower gears, the 3.0 makes its power at a fairly high rpm, and if your going with bigger tires the lower gears would help. i went from 3.45's to 4.10 gears, did have 225/70/14 tires, i now run 255/70/15's in the summer, 235/75/15's in the winter. havent towed much with it, just my pickup box trailer. motor i have is the 2.3/4 cyl.
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