Bigger Tires... YES!!!
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Former ******
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Salt Lake City, Utah
Bigger Tires... YES!!!
Well, I know there has been some discussion about what tires fit and what provides a smooth ride. Well, I just put these tires on my van.
They are 215/75/R14 Light Truck tires. They are pressurized to 55 PSI, which give improved firmness and the larger circumference allows them to ride fairly smooth. I needed the beefier tire to withstand the weight I frequently carry in this thing. These should last a lot longer than the smaller passenger tires, which were just wearing too fast because of the load. There are no rubbing or clearance related issues that I can tell.
They are 215/75/R14 Light Truck tires. They are pressurized to 55 PSI, which give improved firmness and the larger circumference allows them to ride fairly smooth. I needed the beefier tire to withstand the weight I frequently carry in this thing. These should last a lot longer than the smaller passenger tires, which were just wearing too fast because of the load. There are no rubbing or clearance related issues that I can tell.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 7,015
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From: SoCal
I think that is the size of tires that came stock on my van, so it should not have clearance problems. Are LT tires sized differently from passenger car tires? I'm sure the LT tires are stronger, and more appropriate for heavy hauling, as long as your wheel bearings hold up.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 389
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From: Rochester, NY
215/75-14 and 215/70-14 were the two stock sizes Ford used, so those aren't any bigger then normal. I don't think being an LT tire has a big impact here. Tire Rack only list one tire in this size, which isn't an LT tire, so I can't quickly come up with comparison info... The tires I had on my van were 225/60-16's, which are the same diameter as the 215/75-14, but obviously one size wider. Never had an clearance problems with those. The shorter sidewall did make things somewhat firmer, but at the same time made turn-in much better...
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Former ******
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Salt Lake City, Utah
The first tire shop I went to told me that the 70s were the largest. Guess he didn't do his homework. In any case, I'm happy with them. The difference between a passenger tire and an LT tire is pressure and ply. A passenger tire will typically be between 30 - 45 PSI and 4 - 6 ply rated. An LT tire will typically be 45 - 80 PSI and 6 or 8 ply rated. Not sure how the wheel bearings will do, but I'm not paticularly worried about them.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 5,720
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From: Washington state
rear wheel bearings will be fine with 500 to 1k lbs loads
same bearings as used in Ranger PU, lots of them in this area used in service industry 1 man lawn care loaded down pulling trailer
Aero was designed to carry heavier loads than car like vans
just use full synthetic 75w90 rear end gear lube and change every 50k, will outlast tranny and engine
love that blue on your Aero, not many in this region that color
same bearings as used in Ranger PU, lots of them in this area used in service industry 1 man lawn care loaded down pulling trailer
Aero was designed to carry heavier loads than car like vans
just use full synthetic 75w90 rear end gear lube and change every 50k, will outlast tranny and engine
love that blue on your Aero, not many in this region that color
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Former ******
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Salt Lake City, Utah
It is due to be touched up somtime later this year. I am also getting the rocker panels redone before they become rust holes. The rust is just atrting to form. My local paint shop says that would do it for $500 per side, which is not bad. They would also add drainage holes to the panels as part of the package.
Unfortunately my next big prject is getting the front driveshaft replaced. The boot that goes over the front of the transfer case has failed and the splined shaft has seized in place. since if couldn't slide in and out like it should, the universal joint failed instead. It makes a lot of vibration at any kind of speed, especailly over 65 mph. I'll probably have that changed out by the end of June. I will also get my tranny fluid changed over to a full synthetic as well, I'll let you all know how that goes.
Unfortunately my next big prject is getting the front driveshaft replaced. The boot that goes over the front of the transfer case has failed and the splined shaft has seized in place. since if couldn't slide in and out like it should, the universal joint failed instead. It makes a lot of vibration at any kind of speed, especailly over 65 mph. I'll probably have that changed out by the end of June. I will also get my tranny fluid changed over to a full synthetic as well, I'll let you all know how that goes.
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 4,452
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From: Southern California
Hi Khan:
I saw that front drive shaft boot on Ebay a few weeks ago. I got mine fom the dealer instead, and it was quite expensive, about 30 dollars for a lousy boot.
I saw that front drive shaft boot on Ebay a few weeks ago. I got mine fom the dealer instead, and it was quite expensive, about 30 dollars for a lousy boot.
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Former ******
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Salt Lake City, Utah
Well, for me replacing the boot is not the problem. The problem is getting the driveshaft out of the transfer case so that it can be repaired or replaced. It is seized it there tight. The shop said they will likely have to go at it with an air hammer till it either breaks loose or they determine it is stuck in there for good, at which point they may have to cut it off and replace the sleeve and the driveshaft and any other related parts in the transfer case. Really sucks, but from looking at it, it will have to be done and soon.
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Former ******
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Salt Lake City, Utah
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Former ******
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Salt Lake City, Utah
Hmm, turns out I can't even get the boot from the dealer. They have discontinued it. I'm gonna do a bit of searching for one, but if not, the shop says they can adapt one.