Question about wheel size
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Elder User
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: North Alabama
Question about wheel size
Any suggestion on changing wheel size? The 215 14" tires seem to be scarce; wondering if I should buy new rims and use a 15 or 16" tire, and if so, what would be recommended? Any ideas how this would affect speedometer readings?
Thanks!
Thanks!
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I was never that happy with 14" wheels on my 94 ext, so recently I changed over to 15" chrome OEM wheels from a '99 Ranger with 215/70-15 Brigestones. I was concerned over the effects the larger dia. wheels would have on the speed sensitive components, but needn't have worried cause there have been no ill effects. I really like the way my van looks AND rides AND handles, email me at for any pics as i do not have a web host for pictures right now.
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Click on the hotlink below for a picture, thanks to Racerguy.Here is my '94 with '99 Ranger-Explorer 15" wheels with 215/70-15 Brigestones. I MUCH prefer the bigger wheels on the Aero's as the 14's never looked "right" to me.
I was concerned with a few things (see my previous post above) but there has been no downside with this change. My speedo may be off a touch now, but it's not noticed during any driving. https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gal...=49683&width=2
I was concerned with a few things (see my previous post above) but there has been no downside with this change. My speedo may be off a touch now, but it's not noticed during any driving. https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gal...=49683&width=2
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Is you acceleration noticibly slower since you have effectivly chaned your gear ratio. How about gas Milage?
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No, really the 4 liter has PLENTY of torque that even with it loaded down with road-trip-to-Vegas essentials (vintage go kart race last March) and all the seats filled with family members, it didn't effect it in any way. Fuel mileage has stayed constant at 22 hwy and 15 town.
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From: CFB Petawawa Canada
There is no real differance between 215 70/15s and 215 75/14s only .35 inchs. I had 215 75/15s on which were one inch bigger. The only downfall was the balloon feeling. I'm going to try the 70 or 205 75/15s.
You don't have to recaliberate, if you stick to +/- .4 inches. Remember that the Windstar has 205 75/15-215 70/14s.
You don't have to recaliberate, if you stick to +/- .4 inches. Remember that the Windstar has 205 75/15-215 70/14s.
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Gotta' love the good info coming through on here! I was still wonderin' weather I should have checked into recalibrating my Aero, but now I can relax a bit! 
I guess they (15" wheels) just look more in proportion to me, I also like the dish these wheels have.....it's just enough
I guess they (15" wheels) just look more in proportion to me, I also like the dish these wheels have.....it's just enough
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Sacramento
Tire sizes
I went from 215-75-14s to 225-70-14s on my stock '96 rims. They are a bit widerthan the stock size, but are exactly the same circumference, according to the charts. So the speedo is still accurate, and the wider stance looks better, somehow. As many tire makers don't seem to make the 215-75-14s this year, it's an easy swap.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Petaluma, Ca.
I put on 15" Ranger steel wheels with 215/65 15's. The diameter is exactly the same as the stock 14" wheels. The ranger rims have a " deep dish " look and look great. I got Yokohama touring avids from Tire Rack. Great tire, great price.
Beaned
Beaned
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My 89 has 205/75 14's on it right now. Door sticker says it should be 215's. How much would the 205's throw out things like the speedometer and odometer? Enough to worry about or not?
I might be making a temporary change to 205's up front and the proper 215's in the back for $$ savings until I can buy new rubber. It'll give it that 'cool 80's stance'!! :P (Okay, it'll be pretty lame, but it will work as a stop-gap measure!!)
I might be making a temporary change to 205's up front and the proper 215's in the back for $$ savings until I can buy new rubber. It'll give it that 'cool 80's stance'!! :P (Okay, it'll be pretty lame, but it will work as a stop-gap measure!!)
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Joined: Sep 2004
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From: Northern PA
My door sticker says 215/70 OR 215/75 X14. I've noticed some speedo error with the 215/70, if those roadside radar trailers are accurate. I've also noticed the scarcity of 215/70 tires. Good thread, looks like I'll have more options to look at for tires now, need new ones soon.
94, those wheels look good on that 'star.
94, those wheels look good on that 'star.