15 in rims
different tire rim size
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Junior User
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
From: Toronto Canada
different tire rim size
Hi , I own a 1990 aerostar 4.0 with aluminum tire rim. One of the tire starts leaking again around the rim. I had it fixed by one shop before and it is good for several months. My question is should I have it fixed again or can it be fixed permanently. Another question is that my friend has 4 aluuminum rim to give me but the size is 15 inches. I believe the factory rim size is 14 inches. Can I use the 15 inch rim instead? I know I have to buy new tires for them. Thanks.
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 510
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From: Portland, OR
different tire rim size
I would hesitate to use them. You would have to use a low profile (wide/short) tire but the rims are probably more of a pick-up width (probably from a 4x4 Ranger?). If you used a taller pick-up type tire, use the shortest height you can find but you may still have rubbing, speedo and computer problems (computers are sensitive to final drive ratio changes). Plus, braking may suffer from the extra inertia of the larger tires.
On the other hand, if someone has successfully used this type of rim, I would like to know the details (tire size, other mods required.
Be careful,
Mark
On the other hand, if someone has successfully used this type of rim, I would like to know the details (tire size, other mods required.
Be careful,
Mark
New User
Joined: Jul 2005
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2004
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I would go for it. As a matter of fact I was planning to replace my 14" with 15" the next time i need tires because there are limieted choices in the 14" size. Just use a lower profile tire and the final diameter will be the same.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 389
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From: Rochester, NY
There have been a lot of threads discussing using 15" wheels. Do you know what the rims your friend has came from? If they're just some "extra" unknown wheels he has laying around, there's a fair chance that the bolt pattern, offset, or hub bore could be wrong and it won't fit anyway. But if they're from a Ranger or a Jeep or something, then you might be in luck. Regarding having to go to lower profile tire, well, that's true. But the 14" tires on the van stock are pretty tall. Finding a size that has the same diameter for a 15" wheel should be no problem. It's probably easier then finding tires in the stock size. The key is to make sure they have an equal or greater weight rating.
Regarding the sealing/leaking issue in the intial question, well, it is fairly common for aluminum wheels to leak over time. Often, they start to corrode around the bead surface and the porosity that results allows air to escape. The best you could do is to have the tires removed, the bead surfaces cleaned up (maybe a wire brush?) and then have sealant applied when the tires are put back on. This may or may not work solve the problem, though, depending on the severity of the corrosion.
Regarding the sealing/leaking issue in the intial question, well, it is fairly common for aluminum wheels to leak over time. Often, they start to corrode around the bead surface and the porosity that results allows air to escape. The best you could do is to have the tires removed, the bead surfaces cleaned up (maybe a wire brush?) and then have sealant applied when the tires are put back on. This may or may not work solve the problem, though, depending on the severity of the corrosion.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,416
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From: Mitchell, SD
Another idea for the sealing issue, (and probably cheaper) is you can buy inner tubes and have them installed. That would solve the leaking problem.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 8,062
Likes: 35
From: Central Oregon
I have a 90 Aerostar, got it when it was a year old, it came with 15" wheels when new. I changed to 14" wheels with a p215 70r 14" tire to lower the ride hight. reajusted the speedo gear to work the speedo at the correct speed. The van handles alot better sitting a little lower. I have driven it 250000 miles now, and we still love the van.
Former ******
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,901
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From: Salt Lake City, Utah
Inner tubes is a bad idea. Consider there are reasons for most manufacturers useing tubeless radials. The number one reason, is tires with tubes, holding that kind of weight do not do well at todays freeway speeds. You always have a certain amount of flex in a tire. With a tube type tire, the inner tube will rub against the tire and create heat. This heat can easily exceed the rateing of the tube and the result is a blowout. Well designed radials are far more resistant to blowouts at speeds over 50 MPH.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 201
Likes: 0
From: ALCONA ONTARIO
I plan to upgrade to 15" on my 92 shorty too.
I really like the multi spoke chrome wheels on the newer Rangers, I think the chrome is actually some sort of cover or veneer that goes on top of the painted steel wheel??
Anyone used these on an Aerostar? If so, Id like to see pictures.
I really like the multi spoke chrome wheels on the newer Rangers, I think the chrome is actually some sort of cover or veneer that goes on top of the painted steel wheel??
Anyone used these on an Aerostar? If so, Id like to see pictures.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 5,860
Likes: 4
From: Metro Detroit (Redford)
Originally Posted by 93nighthawk
Wal Mart carries inner tubes in the auto section. I have never used them, but once when I had a slow leak a tire mechanic recomded it.
Some tire mechanic. Can't even fix a slow leak.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 5,720
Likes: 5
From: Washington state
Fast food tire shops hire kids on commission that are not careful with aluminum wheels which are easily damaged on the tire machine, gouges in rim contact area. Have them demount the tires and inspect for a gouge. Smooth the gouge with a fine file and then crocus cloth the wheel rim bead area to clean. Clean the tire bead area and tire rim with alcohol or carb cleaner, remount and have them tank test for leaks.
Also, don't let them touch the lug nuts with an impact wrench for wheel reinstallation. Warped rotors guarenteed
Also, don't let them touch the lug nuts with an impact wrench for wheel reinstallation. Warped rotors guarenteed
Originally Posted by dtong_ck
Hi , I own a 1990 aerostar 4.0 with aluminum tire rim. One of the tire starts leaking again around the rim. I had it fixed by one shop before and it is good for several months. My question is should I have it fixed again or can it be fixed permanently. Another question is that my friend has 4 aluuminum rim to give me but the size is 15 inches. I believe the factory rim size is 14 inches. Can I use the 15 inch rim instead? I know I have to buy new tires for them. Thanks.