Tire sizes....again????

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Jul 21, 2005 | 09:07 PM

mike02expe

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Tire sizes....again????

I know this has been asked several times.. but here I go.. I have seen several posts when I searched reagarding the largest tires that can be run on a stock 4X4 expe.. I have a 2002 model and I am currently running 285/75r16 pro comps.. I seem to have room to run 33x12.50 or 305/70r16s if I want without rubbing? I saw one post where someone was running 315/70R16 on a stock expe? So what is the largest tire anyone has run on a stock expe? I am going to replace my tires and wanna fill the well to the max without rubbing...

Thanks,
Mike
2002 expe 4X4 5.4 ltr

Jul 21, 2005 | 11:19 PM

Luzer27

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From: Tucson

Man I am going to stick with a 285/75/16 for full use. What I mean is I don't use my Expy as my primary offroad vehicle so I don't want to lift it. With that said I have been out and one beer led to another and next thing I know I am into some serious 4 wheeling. Now with all that said here is what I am getting at. If you want full use full suspension travel with the truck also on steep grades I believe a 285/75/16 is your limit (32") it is not the suspension that gets close to rubbing it is the front fender rear sheet metal. I thought I was in a situation once where I was going to crunch it but managed to find a way out. I don't doubt a 305/xx/16 will fit but I think you will be limited to light offroad. Look into the 2" daystar lift as an option it is really cheap. Also possibily a 4" but now you are talking 1000 bucks minimum. Good luck let us know what you decide.

Dave

Last edited by Luzer27; Jul 21, 2005 at 11:21 PM.

Jul 22, 2005 | 01:05 AM

mike02expe

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I understand what you are saying.. It is no use of squeezing more rubber in if you can't use it and stand the chance of damaging your ride.. The only problem i have found is that the daystar lift only has a kit for the rear spring, and nothing for the front end... What do they expect us to do with the front end after lifting the rear?

Thanks - Mike

Jul 22, 2005 | 09:15 AM

MOOK929RR

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I have 33inch BFG Mud Terrains and i have no problems with them rubbing on or offroad(2001 XLT). There is a user that has a 35 inch tire on a completely stock expi, all he did was space out the front bumper 1 inch so the valance wouldnt rub. He claims he has no problems and no rubbing. check his pics here:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gal...&albumid=11911
I was thinking of trying this, and Im not worried about rubbing or damaging the truck, i just dont want my gas mileage to be any worse than it is when im paying $65 to fill this thing every week!

Jul 22, 2005 | 09:17 AM

Luzer27

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From: Tucson

Wow Mike, I never really searched for the 2' till I read your post. I guess the torsion bar guys are outta luck. Maybe someone will show us the hidden light. I leveled my truck witht the torsion bars since the rear sat higher but only about 1". 2" would be the death of the ball joints. I know there is a 2" body lift that would do the same but they are pretty much laughed at by the hardcore 4x4 crowd. Is the 4" out of the budget?

Dave

Jul 22, 2005 | 06:30 PM

mike02expe

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No, the 4" isnt out of budget, I was just curious as to why they made a rear coil lift when they had no options for the front .. Cranking your torsions an inch isnt a problem but trying to get 2 or more is suicide on you joints.. .

Jul 27, 2005 | 11:55 AM

blackexpo

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From: VA

Don't worry about the "hardcore" offroaders, do what you want for your ride. When my current set of stock tires go out I will put on a 3" body lift and 35 X 12.50 tires with aftermarket backspaced rims. This will give me 1.5" additional ground clearance, larger contact patch with some float, and a slightly wider stance. If Ford had used a rim wider than 7" I wouldn't have to change the rims.

I was very please with the stock performance offroad (minus the steps) and this will only improve it. You're not going to take a daily driver full size SUV through Tellico or Moab anyway.