Tire Upgrade on 2003 Ranger
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Joined: May 2003
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Tire Upgrade on 2003 Ranger
I have a 2003 Ford Ranger Supercab Edge 2wd w/4.0l V6. It has the Goodyear Stock tires on there. They are 235 - 75 R15's... I was wondering if anyone has the same size tires already on theres and had changed them to a larger size and if so what size they would recommend. I want to keep the same wheel, but I would like to know if there are any larger size tires that I can get put on it. Thanks.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 158
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From: Atlanta area
Wheels too
The 15" wheels on your truck are going to be more and more restrictive as larger diameter wheels become the norm. By restrictive, I mean that a lot of the really good tires may not be made in a 15" size in the future. Consequently, changing the wheels to something larger might be something to consider if you're going to keep your Ranger a long time. In most cases, unless you are able to match the new tire circumference, you will have to recalibrate your speedometer which may cost around $100.
When it's time to replace my tires, I am seriously considering going at least to an 18" wheel because there will be enough room to upgrade the brakes to a larger disc on the front and a conversion to discs on the rear. It will also make cleaning and waxing them easier.
I'd be seriously considering doing it now but in a couple of years time, there is the possibility that the tire makers will be required to put rolling resistance ratings on the tires. This will help people improve their gas mileage a bit so I'm going to wait.
When it's time to replace my tires, I am seriously considering going at least to an 18" wheel because there will be enough room to upgrade the brakes to a larger disc on the front and a conversion to discs on the rear. It will also make cleaning and waxing them easier.
I'd be seriously considering doing it now but in a couple of years time, there is the possibility that the tire makers will be required to put rolling resistance ratings on the tires. This will help people improve their gas mileage a bit so I'm going to wait.
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2003
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I think 18" wheels on a ranger would be a bit much. This trend is going too far, trucks with huge wheels and skinny little tires really look sort of silly..Not to mention its not going to make the ride any better.
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 158
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From: Atlanta area
18" Wheels
An 18" wheel is not that big. I had 17" wheels on a Focus and it looked just fine. If you're used to looking at trucks with 14-15" wheels, it's going to take a while to adjust but not very long. I've seen some trucks with larger wheels (up to 20") and they didn't look bad at all. Though I've got 4WD, my purpose for buying it was traction on bad roads (only about 5% of my driving) so I want the fastest road wheels possible plus, as I said, room for larger brakes and for room to clean the wheel from outside to inside. Reducing unsprung weight will also be welcome on bumpy city streets.
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 158
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From: Atlanta area
Bigger wheels revisited
As luck would have it, I read a very interesting article about the problems big wheels pose. It's easy enough to slap a set of large wheels and tires on but because the diameter of the wheel is now much larger, the brakes have to work much harder since the wheels exert much more leverage against them. Additionally, the larger wheels raise the center of gravity and quicken the steering which reduces the margin of safety during times when the vehicle needs to handlle well.
I don't think the larger wheels will cause me many handling problems because I can lower the truck body about an inch (hopefully) to compensate for the move from 16 to 18" wheels but it will probably be necessary to upgrade the brakes substantially at the same time as the new wheels are installed.
I don't think the larger wheels will cause me many handling problems because I can lower the truck body about an inch (hopefully) to compensate for the move from 16 to 18" wheels but it will probably be necessary to upgrade the brakes substantially at the same time as the new wheels are installed.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Alvin, Texas.
Originally posted by Peter94
I believe 265/75 R 15's (31x10.5)will fit, maybe not since its 2wd, i know my 4x4 can fit them.
I believe 265/75 R 15's (31x10.5)will fit, maybe not since its 2wd, i know my 4x4 can fit them.
Well, since his Edge is a 4x4 without the t-case and axle, I bet he can get 265's or whatever the big tire size is programmed in by the stealership.
Tirerack.com has the tire size options available, btw....
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 1999
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From: Everett, Wa
You should have no problem with 31x10.5 for you truck and the stock rims. I had the same truck has you except 2001 and I used Goodyear ATX's, 31x10.5x15. I don't think you can go any taller or wider than this.
