15" wheel recommendations?
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 194
Likes: 1
From: Surrey BC Canada
Some Ford Explorers have disc brakes in the rear, and some have drum brakes.
I don't see any issue if the tire diameter and width is the same as the Aerostar.
Although I suspect those fuel saving tires are nothing but marketing ingenuity.
I don't see any issue if the tire diameter and width is the same as the Aerostar.
Although I suspect those fuel saving tires are nothing but marketing ingenuity.
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 3,432
Likes: 7
I've used fuel saver tires on my Taurus. 34 mpg at one time speaks for itself. That is with a 1996 Tautus LX Wagon with the 3.0L Duratec motor. They do what they claim, assuming of coarse that you do everything to help them get their best, i.e., tuned motor, proper alignment, keep them filled to the recommended pressure etc. They have less rolling resistance, the difference is very noticeable. The ones I've used are very quiet too. But on an Aerostar AWD, most of your economy losses come from other sources.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 8,209
Likes: 12
From: Black Hills of SD
I scored an almost new set of 15" Goodyear wranglers on steel wheels, 205 75 15, and ran them on my 93 for 2 1/2 years. I scrounged through my hubcaps and found a nice set of dog dish caps from some 60s Ford car, painted the wheels black. Since the van was white it made it look like some kind of cop wagon. I really liked the taller tires, made the van not look so wimpy soccer mom-ish. I saved those tires and wheels when I bought my 97 and they will get a repaint and go on it this spring. They threw the speedo off maybe 3-4 mph at 75. Since my 97 has 3.73 gears, I'm looking foreward to a little taller ratio, might even spring for a new set of 215 75 15s.
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 3,432
Likes: 7
Ok, I will be picking up the wheels next week. I plan on doing some refinishing before installing them. Gonna go with the Blizzak DM-V1 215/70 R15 for the remaining winter months, then switch over to an all season/summer tire for the rest of the year. I'll show you what they look like when I get them done. I'm also gonna be picking up the disc brake conversion parts I need. The calipers are gonna be coming off a Lincoln Mark VII. This gives me nice large rotors and large pads for better cooling. Basically the same setup my mom's van has, but I will install mine right. I will also put together a parts list so that others can duplicate the setup, for those who have a need for better more durable brakes.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 194
Likes: 1
From: Surrey BC Canada
UPDATE: I finally got around to purchasing and installing new tires for my recently purchased used 1999 Explorer 15 inch rims, which appear to be the exact same as "94 4liter" rims. NOTE: This is the first time I have had them installed on my AeroRustStar.
I ran into a problem with the chromed plastic center hubcaps. They need special lug nuts to hold the center hub cap in place. I purchased a set of 20 for $8.40 US at RockAuto (I am not going to reveal how much it costs to ship them to Canada). The Dorman part number is "611-199". I think all the Explorer/Ranger center hub caps require these specially designed lug nuts.
Any how, after I installed the rims with the new Michelin Destiny 215/70/15, I looked at my AeroRustStar and thought these tires may be too big. But after driving around it seemed this was what it was meant to be like. There is no rubbing issues what so ever, but it took a few days getting used to climbing up to enter the drivers seat.
I ran into a problem with the chromed plastic center hubcaps. They need special lug nuts to hold the center hub cap in place. I purchased a set of 20 for $8.40 US at RockAuto (I am not going to reveal how much it costs to ship them to Canada). The Dorman part number is "611-199". I think all the Explorer/Ranger center hub caps require these specially designed lug nuts.
Any how, after I installed the rims with the new Michelin Destiny 215/70/15, I looked at my AeroRustStar and thought these tires may be too big. But after driving around it seemed this was what it was meant to be like. There is no rubbing issues what so ever, but it took a few days getting used to climbing up to enter the drivers seat.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 7,014
Likes: 207
From: SoCal
SO they are noticeably taller than the stock tires, that you have to step up a little higher to get into the van? How does the speedometer read now? How about things like acceleration and braking?
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 194
Likes: 1
From: Surrey BC Canada
My stock tire is supposed to be 215/75/14 which is 26.69 inches in diameter, which is no longer available in any quality brand. The 215/70/15 is about 26.85 inches in diameter. Practicably the same. I have been running undersized tires for so many years because the proper tire is no longer available. The speedo reading is off by about half a mile per hour.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 194
Likes: 1
From: Surrey BC Canada
I would like to add some concerns I have with the 15 inch Explorer rims that I purchased, which are the exact same as "94 4liter" rims. I polished them with "Mothers Chrome Polish" as they were very dirty and had some minor surface rust issues with the chromed cover plate insert. Today I looked at all my hard work in polishing the rims to look like new, and they did look like new when I finished polishing them a couple of days ago, but today I noticed the same rust on the rim inserts returning again. 
There is another issue with these fanciful Explorer steel rims. The tend to collect a pool of water in between the rim. This is only an issue if you park your Aerostar on the street, instead of in a garage.
I purchased these rims for $25 a rim, and I think I got a great deal. But if want something better, get the aluminum versions of the Explorer/Ranger rims if you can afford it. But keep in mind the chromed plastic center caps require specially designed lug nuts.
There is another issue with these fanciful Explorer steel rims. The tend to collect a pool of water in between the rim. This is only an issue if you park your Aerostar on the street, instead of in a garage.
I purchased these rims for $25 a rim, and I think I got a great deal. But if want something better, get the aluminum versions of the Explorer/Ranger rims if you can afford it. But keep in mind the chromed plastic center caps require specially designed lug nuts.
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 3,432
Likes: 7
Thats because products like mothers just strip away surface oxidation, along with any protectant coating that might have been left. My experience with Mothers, Meguires, Flitz, etc. If that they look nice when you are done, but leave most surfaces more vulnerable to future corrosion. Depends on the the surface of course. When I get my rims (gonna be picking them up tomorrow), I am going to be sanding them and stripping the old finish down till I get a good surface. Then I will use a high temp primer intended for stoves to prep them for new paint. Once they get painted, I will use a clearcoat that is meant for wheels. That should give me a nice looking and durable result. I will have to show them off when they are done. I need to do the same on my Thunderbird.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 194
Likes: 1
From: Surrey BC Canada
Thanks for the info Khan. These Explorer rims are not very well designed. 
1999 Explorer Rim | Flickr - Photo Sharing!
I was thinking of spray painting some type of clear coat solution after removing the surface rust corrosion on the rim inserts.
What would you recommend for a clear coat?
1999 Explorer Rim | Flickr - Photo Sharing!
I was thinking of spray painting some type of clear coat solution after removing the surface rust corrosion on the rim inserts.
What would you recommend for a clear coat?
Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,529
Likes: 35
From: Kansas
My advice to anybody who truly wants this size to to call a genuine Hankook tire dealer.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 194
Likes: 1
From: Surrey BC Canada
Hi Kruse, I paid $107.02 CAN (107.29 US) per tire for my 15" Michelin's. The used Explorer rims that I bought cost $25 per wheel.
I am going to sell my Aerostar aluminum rims for the same price that I paid for the bargain priced used Explorer steel rims.
Anybody want 4 used Aerostar aluminum rims with under sized tires for $100?
I am going to sell my Aerostar aluminum rims for the same price that I paid for the bargain priced used Explorer steel rims.
Anybody want 4 used Aerostar aluminum rims with under sized tires for $100?
Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,529
Likes: 35
From: Kansas
I had a little time and did an internet search for the 215/75/R14 tire. I found that www.tires-easy.com has the Hankook tire for $63.40 each and shipping for a set of four tires is $69.28. Thinking that their web site might be outdated, I gave them a call and they assured me that they have them in stock. Not too bad of a price for somebody who wants to keep the original size, has a tire shop who will mount a brought-in tire or for somebody who has their own tire and balance machine. I do realize that a 15 or 16 inch replacement tire would probably make it handle a little better, but I could live with that price.