Hi, I have a 96 3.0 2wd but it only has 14" tires. There is a nice set of 235/75R/15 's mounted on 5 lug rims. Are all 5 lug rims the same pattern? Will these 235/75R/15's fit without rubbing?

 

On the Rangers, the bolt pattern is 4.5" 5 lug, however, on the full size trucks, it is a 5.5" 5 lug.

Ranger is also the same pattern as the Explorer and the Mustang

 

They shouldn't rub, my ranger came stock with 225/75/R15s. Just make sure that the backspacing is right and the lug pattern is right.

 

yea, mine came stock with 14x6 inch rims with 215/70/14. the lug pattern is the same for 2 wheel drive toyota's, solara, acura RSX, honda CRV and many other imports as well as domestic vehicles. The only problem you'll have to worry about is the backspacing. I had bought 19x8.5 rims with a 3 3/4inch backspacing which worked out perfectly since the bigger the rims u go, themore backspacing is allowed.

 

I've got an '02 Edge w/premium wheel package. It's built w/factory 245-70-16 Goodyears (although I switched to Michelins). No rubbing what so ever. I work for a tire place, and from my own experience, you're pretty much good to go all the way up to a 20" rim depending on 2/4 wheel drive. You can go to a 18 with no problem at all (or any size smaller) with 2 or 4 wheel. Once you go 18 and up, putting them on a 4 wheel may require spacers, depending on offset. I have future plans to put 17" 94-97 Cobra wheels on it. They're beautiful, and not only is the bolt pattern correct, they're hubcentric (no vibes from the wheels).

 

jeep wranglers have the 5 on 4.5 circle also, i got a set of steel wheels with tires off a 91 wrangler to use in the winter. the center hole is bigger, so you will have the vehicle weight on the lug studs and not the center hub of the rim like you would on a stock rim where the center hole fits the hub tightly. probly not a real major concern unless you really load the truck heavily, ive ran these rims the past 2 mnths and not had any problems, keeps the salt off my good alum factory rallys.

 

Anyone ever ran 18x10s in the rear and 18x8s or 17x8s in the front? Is it even possible without modifying anything?

 

re: Anyone ever ran 18x10s in the rear and 18x8s or 17x8s in the front? Is it even possible without modifying anything?

I've mounted several tire/rim set ups on tons of stuff, including Rangers. The answer to your question is no, I haven't ran such a setup, but I do know, yes, it is possible to run this type of set up, but I just want to say this. You have a 2.3, prior to my Edge, I had a 2.3 Splash. Great gas mileage, but lowsy accelleration. It would only be worse rolling larger "stock." No matter what you're going for, I highly recommend sticking to one size all around. I bleed Ford Blue, but I'll be the first to step up and say Rangers don't do well with alignment wear unless properly rotated (believe me).
My suggestion is this, find a good set of used Cobra/Gt wheels (17x8) because they cost less than most aftermarket, fit the way they need to, and typically are of better quality. Secondly, you'd be almost dead-on with a 255-40-17 or 275-40-17 so far as keeping your speedometer on track. Understand though, because of the whole Explorer/Firestone issued a few years back, shops like mine won't sell you anything bigger than a 16" wheel to avoid liability. My suggestion, look for Mustang wheels at Tirerack.Com (not enough selection for a Ranger search), find a set of genuine Motorsport wheels that catches your eye, and pay a local shop to install them for about $50-$60 bucks. If some other company mounts/balances them it's not the resposibilty of the shop that bolts them on your truck. And best of all, by going with this one size & rotating, you'll get 15 to 25k more miles out of your tire investment. That's from a "pro."

 

Thanks for the info. , Stangods.

 

If I wanted to run 18x8's all the way around, would I have to change my backspacing? If so, what backspacing should I use?

 

No problem.......No, actually you should have close to a zero offset. My suggestion is sticking to a wheel with zero, to a maximum, 25 offset (and that might be pushing it try 0 to 15 for best fit). Closest I can recommend for the tire size is 255-55-18. There are a few manufacturers for this size. My personal pick is the Falcon Ziex (your choice of course).

 

Sounds good, I had some Enkei's on a Grand Prix that I used to have. I had the Falcon Ziex tires on them, they were nice.