Lifts and Max tire sizes - Ford Explorer Ranger Enthusiasts "Serious Explorations"®

*Joe93* · 01-11-2003, 08:31 AM

Lifts and max tire and wheel sizes for explorers
This is a quick reference guide I have put together based on information gathered from the Explorer Forum. Remember this is just a guide. You may have to do some fender trimming to fit these tires on your explorer. Others things can change what size tire you can run on your explorer. Like fiberglass fenders, rim width and rim backspacing.. I figured this would help some of you that were pondering what size lift to run what size tires.If anyone would like to add something go ahead and post it and I will add it to my list. If any of the moderators could make this a sticky that would be great. Hope this helps.

91-94 explorers.
No lift- 31x10.50x15 on 15x8 inch or stock (15x7) rims
1-2 inch suspension lift- 31x10.50x15 - 32x11.50x15 on 15x8 rims/ may require some extensive fender trimming
2-3 inch suspension lift- 32x11.50x15 on 15x8 rims
3-4 inch suspension lift- 32x11.50x15 - 33x12.50x15 on 15x8 rims/ may require fender trimming
4-6 inch suspension lift- 33x12.50x15 - 35x12.50x15 on 15x8 rims/ may require fender trimming
2 inch body lift- 32x11.50x15 on 15x8 rims/ may require fender trimming
3 inch body lift- 33x12.50x15 on 15x8 rims/ may require fender trimming
2 inch body lift and 1-2 inch suspension lift- 32x11.50x15 - 33x12.50x15 on 15x8 rim/ may require fender trimming
2 inch body lift and 2-3 inch suspension lift- 33x12.50x15 on 15x8 inch rim
2 inch body lift and 4-6 inch suspension lift – 35x12.50x15 – 36x12.50x15 on 15x 8 rim/ may require fender trimming
3 inch body lift and 1-2 inch suspension lift – 32x11.50x15 – 33x12.50x15 on 15x8 rim/ may require fender trimming
3 inch body lift and 2-3 inch Suspension Lift – 33x12.50x15 – 35x12.50x15 on 15x8 rim
3 inch body lift and 4-6 inch Suspension lift – 35x12.50x15 – 36x12.50x15 on 15x8 inch rim

95-2001 (including 2dr 95 - present)
No lift- 31x10.50x15 on 15x8 rim or stock (15x7) rim
1-2 inch suspension lift - 32x11.50x15 on 15x8 rim/ may require some extensive fender trimming
4 inch suspension – 33x12.50x15 on 15x8 rim
2 inch body lift – 32x11.50x15 on 15x8 rim
3 inch body lift – 33x12.50x15 on 15x8 rim/ may require fender trimming
2 inch body lift and 1-2 inch suspension lift – 32x11.50x15 – 33x12.50x15 on 15x8 rim/ may require fender trimming
2 inch body lift and 4 inch suspension lift - 33x12.50x15 – 35x12.50x15 on 15x8 rim/ may require fender trimming
3 inch body lift and 1-2 inch suspension lift – 33x12.50x15 on 15x8 rim/ may require fender trimming
3 inch body lift and 4 inch suspension lift – 33x12.50x15 – 35.12.50x15 on 15x8 rim/ may require fender trimming.

You may be able to run 33x10.50x15s inplace of 32x11.50x15s

2002-2005 Ford Explorers
Click here for lift option #1
Click here for lift option #2
No lift - 32x10.50 or equivelent in Metric Measurements on Stock Wheels (265/75/R16 or 265/70/R17) - no modification needed!

Tire Size Calculator

For An Updated Chart Please Visit Here: Chart Only

*Digger196* · 01-11-2003, 08:42 AM

great chart!

*Joe93* · 01-11-2003, 08:47 AM

Thanks

**Alec** · 01-11-2003, 09:32 AM

I am gonna sticky it in this forum.

Some of the estimates are a little optimistic. Like most people need more than a little trimming to fit 32s with just a TT/War or spacer/War 1.5" suspension lift. Also, the chart doesn't list 33x10.50 tires that I can see. You can usually fit 33x10.50s if you can fit 32x11.50s.

But great none-the-less!

*Joe93* · 01-11-2003, 10:04 AM

Thanks Alec for the info. I updated the list. Anyone else have anything I should change or add? I know it aint perfect but I thoughtI would try and help out and keep some of the recuring posts down.

dan swedish man · 01-11-2003, 10:53 AM

sweeeeeeet!

Crankcase · 01-11-2003, 09:14 PM

That's a good reference....now the test will be if newbies read it first...

*jimbo74* · 01-11-2003, 09:43 PM

its a sticky...so hopefully... but i doubt it... as long as we refer them to this post...

*Joe93* · 01-11-2003, 09:48 PM

We can all hope. I made it to try and keep some of the recuring posts down. So hopefully it will help

LStoudenmire · 01-12-2003, 01:17 PM

Good Move. I had been thinking about doing the same, but you beat me to it. This should come in quite handy.

*Ru Dawg* · 01-15-2003, 11:37 AM

I am getting ready to buy new tires and I definitely am going bigger. Are all 95 XLT's equipped with 8" wide rims? And just to clarify, I can put a 11.5" wide tire on an 8" wide rim? I thought I read somewhere before that 10.5" is the widest you should go on an 8"wide rim.
Also, when you say fender trimming, are we talking the outer metal of the fender or the indide portion of the fender?
Thanks all!!

**Alec** · 01-15-2003, 04:10 PM

Your stock rims are probably 15x7 with 4.5" of backspacing. 32x11.50s will work, larger and I'd go with wider rims.

Trimming can include just inner plastic/metal, or outer metal. Depends on how much you need to do!

*SGR1600* · 01-15-2003, 09:23 PM

I'm doing a 2" suspension lift (TT with add-a-leafs and shackles). I'm looking into BFG 32x11.5x15 tires. How much trimming will be nessecary? What, exactly will need to be trimmed? I assume it's not too hard to do??

**Alec** · 01-15-2003, 10:24 PM

Depends on the individual truck. Most people trying to fit 32s with only 2" of lift have to do a considerable amount of trimming. The rear shouldn't need any, but the front....

Let's see, the inner fender liner, the rear corner of the front fender, the front bumper, and you still might hit the top of the fender upon compression. Or....they could fit easily. It all depends on the truck! My suggestion is to find someone with 31 or 32s and testfit them after doing the lift, then decide.

*SGR1600* · 01-15-2003, 10:29 PM

As far as 32s are concerned I like the 32x11.5x15 BF Goodrich All Terrain TA/KO. I haven't looked into 31s, what tires do you recomend comperable to the BFG's?

**Alec** · 01-15-2003, 10:32 PM

Procomp ATs or XTs are good.

Willet · 01-26-2003, 02:12 PM

What about a 31/12.50X15? Anyone know what you would need to fit them?

*Chew_12* · 01-26-2003, 02:15 PM

Wow so i can fit 35's on a 6in lift?? Without trimming?

*Joe93* · 01-26-2003, 02:25 PM

more then likely you will need to trim your fenders a bit

**Alec** · 01-26-2003, 03:13 PM

35s with 6" of lift will definately require trimming, but not too much hopefully.

01-11-2003, 09:32 AM	#4
Alec Mod Emeritus Houston, Texas 2008 JK Join Date: Apr 2000 Posts: 16,061 Vehicle Specs	I am gonna sticky it in this forum. Some of the estimates are a little optimistic. Like most people need more than a little trimming to fit 32s with just a TT/War or spacer/War 1.5" suspension lift. Also, the chart doesn't list 33x10.50 tires that I can see. You can usually fit 33x10.50s if you can fit 32x11.50s. But great none-the-less! __________________ Alec "Dr. Candlepower" Rosenbaum Daily: 2008 JK Gone: EE "Splat", 2003 VW GTI VR6, 85 Bronco project

01-11-2003, 10:53 AM	#6
dan swedish man Wannabe Elite Explorer malmoe, southern sweden 96 Explorer Join Date: Oct 2002 Posts: 82 Vehicle Specs	sweeeeeeet! __________________ tt & home made shackles 3"BL and 31"s on black steelies best mod - removed pinstripe!

01-11-2003, 09:14 PM	#7
Crankcase Moderator Emeritus Vancouver B.C, Canada 1992 XL Ex-Police Join Date: Sep 2001 Posts: 9,560 Vehicle Specs	That's a good reference....now the test will be if newbies read it first... __________________ Explorer Family 1992 XL Mine 1992 XL Sisters 1992 XL Dads 1994 XL Moms Ex-Moderator: Modified Explorations Drivelines New Member Forum ***Guest star poster....

01-11-2003, 09:43 PM	#8
jimbo74 Elite Ranger NorCal 98 XLT Supercab 4x2 Join Date: Dec 2000 Posts: 17,691 Vehicle Specs*	its a sticky...so hopefully... but i doubt it... as long as we refer them to this post... __________________ My Truck

01-12-2003, 01:17 PM	#10
LStoudenmire Wannabe Elite Explorer Charleston, SC Join Date: Dec 2001 Posts: 905 Vehicle Specs	Good Move. I had been thinking about doing the same, but you beat me to it. This should come in quite handy. __________________ 1994 Explorer Sport, Black on Grey, 15"x8" Series 97 Black RockCrawlers, 31"x10.5" BFG AT/KO's, 2" Lift Springs w/ Warrior 153's

01-11-2003, 08:31 AM	#1
Joe93 Elite Dakota Colorado Springs, CO Join Date: Feb 2001 Posts: 1,617 Vehicle Specs	Lift and tire size info for explorers Lifts and max tire and wheel sizes for explorers This is a quick reference guide I have put together based on information gathered from the Explorer Forum. Remember this is just a guide. You may have to do some fender trimming to fit these tires on your explorer. Others things can change what size tire you can run on your explorer. Like fiberglass fenders, rim width and rim backspacing.. I figured this would help some of you that were pondering what size lift to run what size tires.If anyone would like to add something go ahead and post it and I will add it to my list. If any of the moderators could make this a sticky that would be great. Hope this helps. 91-94 explorers. No lift- 31x10.50x15 on 15x8 inch or stock (15x7) rims 1-2 inch suspension lift- 31x10.50x15 - 32x11.50x15 on 15x8 rims/ may require some extensive fender trimming 2-3 inch suspension lift- 32x11.50x15 on 15x8 rims 3-4 inch suspension lift- 32x11.50x15 - 33x12.50x15 on 15x8 rims/ may require fender trimming 4-6 inch suspension lift- 33x12.50x15 - 35x12.50x15 on 15x8 rims/ may require fender trimming 2 inch body lift- 32x11.50x15 on 15x8 rims/ may require fender trimming 3 inch body lift- 33x12.50x15 on 15x8 rims/ may require fender trimming 2 inch body lift and 1-2 inch suspension lift- 32x11.50x15 - 33x12.50x15 on 15x8 rim/ may require fender trimming 2 inch body lift and 2-3 inch suspension lift- 33x12.50x15 on 15x8 inch rim 2 inch body lift and 4-6 inch suspension lift – 35x12.50x15 – 36x12.50x15 on 15x 8 rim/ may require fender trimming 3 inch body lift and 1-2 inch suspension lift – 32x11.50x15 – 33x12.50x15 on 15x8 rim/ may require fender trimming 3 inch body lift and 2-3 inch Suspension Lift – 33x12.50x15 – 35x12.50x15 on 15x8 rim 3 inch body lift and 4-6 inch Suspension lift – 35x12.50x15 – 36x12.50x15 on 15x8 inch rim 95-2001 (including 2dr 95 - present) No lift- 31x10.50x15 on 15x8 rim or stock (15x7) rim 1-2 inch suspension lift - 32x11.50x15 on 15x8 rim/ may require some extensive fender trimming 4 inch suspension – 33x12.50x15 on 15x8 rim 2 inch body lift – 32x11.50x15 on 15x8 rim 3 inch body lift – 33x12.50x15 on 15x8 rim/ may require fender trimming 2 inch body lift and 1-2 inch suspension lift – 32x11.50x15 – 33x12.50x15 on 15x8 rim/ may require fender trimming 2 inch body lift and 4 inch suspension lift - 33x12.50x15 – 35x12.50x15 on 15x8 rim/ may require fender trimming 3 inch body lift and 1-2 inch suspension lift – 33x12.50x15 on 15x8 rim/ may require fender trimming 3 inch body lift and 4 inch suspension lift – 33x12.50x15 – 35.12.50x15 on 15x8 rim/ may require fender trimming. You may be able to run 33x10.50x15s inplace of 32x11.50x15s 2002-2005 Ford Explorers Click here for lift option #1 Click here for lift option #2 No lift - 32x10.50 or equivelent in Metric Measurements on Stock Wheels (265/75/R16 or 265/70/R17) - no modification needed! Tire Size Calculator For An Updated Chart Please Visit Here: Chart Only Last edited by FROADER; 05-19-2009 at 08:30 PM.

01-11-2003, 08:42 AM	#2
Digger196 Elite Explorer ECX Member Winston-Salem, NC 98 Cherokee Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 2,550 Vehicle Specs	great chart! __________________ 2006 F-250 CC

01-11-2003, 08:47 AM	#3
Joe93 Elite Dakota Colorado Springs, CO Join Date: Feb 2001 Posts: 1,617 Vehicle Specs	Thanks

01-11-2003, 10:04 AM	#5
Joe93 Elite Dakota Colorado Springs, CO Join Date: Feb 2001 Posts: 1,617 Vehicle Specs	Thanks Alec for the info. I updated the list. Anyone else have anything I should change or add? I know it aint perfect but I thoughtI would try and help out and keep some of the recuring posts down.

01-11-2003, 09:48 PM	#9
Joe93 Elite Dakota Colorado Springs, CO Join Date: Feb 2001 Posts: 1,617 Vehicle Specs	We can all hope. I made it to try and keep some of the recuring posts down. So hopefully it will help

01-15-2003, 11:37 AM	#11
Ru Dawg Elite Explorer Wyomissing, PA '95 XLT Join Date: Jul 2000 Posts: 963 Vehicle Specs	I am getting ready to buy new tires and I definitely am going bigger. Are all 95 XLT's equipped with 8" wide rims? And just to clarify, I can put a 11.5" wide tire on an 8" wide rim? I thought I read somewhere before that 10.5" is the widest you should go on an 8"wide rim. Also, when you say fender trimming, are we talking the outer metal of the fender or the indide portion of the fender? Thanks all!! __________________ Dave's Truck My Truck Enjoying the Beach!! Explorers don't kill people...people kill Explorers!!! Can't sleep....clowns will eat me!!

01-15-2003, 04:10 PM	#12
Alec Mod Emeritus Houston, Texas 2008 JK Join Date: Apr 2000 Posts: 16,061 Vehicle Specs	Your stock rims are probably 15x7 with 4.5" of backspacing. 32x11.50s will work, larger and I'd go with wider rims. Trimming can include just inner plastic/metal, or outer metal. Depends on how much you need to do! __________________ Alec "Dr. Candlepower" Rosenbaum Daily: 2008 JK Gone: EE "Splat", 2003 VW GTI VR6, 85 Bronco project

01-15-2003, 09:23 PM	#13
SGR1600 Elite Explorer ECX Member Chappaqua, NY '97 XLT 4X4 SOHC Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 689 Vehicle Specs	I'm doing a 2" suspension lift (TT with add-a-leafs and shackles). I'm looking into BFG 32x11.5x15 tires. How much trimming will be nessecary? What, exactly will need to be trimmed? I assume it's not too hard to do?? __________________ 2" rearched leaf springs, 2" tt, 2" body lift, 32x11.50r15 AT tires, Rancho RS5000s, KKM, Gibson exhaust, Mobil 1. ...skid plate in the works Shep's '97 XLT 4x4

01-15-2003, 10:24 PM	#14
Alec Mod Emeritus Houston, Texas 2008 JK Join Date: Apr 2000 Posts: 16,061 Vehicle Specs	Depends on the individual truck. Most people trying to fit 32s with only 2" of lift have to do a considerable amount of trimming. The rear shouldn't need any, but the front.... Let's see, the inner fender liner, the rear corner of the front fender, the front bumper, and you still might hit the top of the fender upon compression. Or....they could fit easily. It all depends on the truck! My suggestion is to find someone with 31 or 32s and testfit them after doing the lift, then decide. __________________ Alec "Dr. Candlepower" Rosenbaum Daily: 2008 JK Gone: EE "Splat", 2003 VW GTI VR6, 85 Bronco project

01-15-2003, 10:29 PM	#15
SGR1600 Elite Explorer ECX Member Chappaqua, NY '97 XLT 4X4 SOHC Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 689 Vehicle Specs	As far as 32s are concerned I like the 32x11.5x15 BF Goodrich All Terrain TA/KO. I haven't looked into 31s, what tires do you recomend comperable to the BFG's? __________________ 2" rearched leaf springs, 2" tt, 2" body lift, 32x11.50r15 AT tires, Rancho RS5000s, KKM, Gibson exhaust, Mobil 1. ...skid plate in the works Shep's '97 XLT 4x4

01-15-2003, 10:32 PM	#16
Alec Mod Emeritus Houston, Texas 2008 JK Join Date: Apr 2000 Posts: 16,061 Vehicle Specs	Procomp ATs or XTs are good. __________________ Alec "Dr. Candlepower" Rosenbaum Daily: 2008 JK Gone: EE "Splat", 2003 VW GTI VR6, 85 Bronco project

01-26-2003, 02:12 PM	#17
Willet Wannabe Elite Explorer Chesapeake, VA '00 Sport Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 82 Vehicle Specs	What about a 31/12.50X15? Anyone know what you would need to fit them?

01-26-2003, 02:15 PM	#18
Chew_12 Working Chandler, AZ '93 XLT Join Date: Dec 2002 Posts: 2,216 Vehicle Specs	Wow so i can fit 35's on a 6in lift?? Without trimming? __________________ Matt KKM Intake, Ravin Muffler, Silverstar Lights,Apten Dual Chip - BROKEN, Panasonic 3600 HU, Herculined Rockers, 5.5" SuperRunner SuperLift, SOA Rear , 33" Xterrians, and Black Rock Crawlers Broken Arrow and Sodier's Pass 4x4 Pics

01-26-2003, 02:25 PM	#19
Joe93 Elite Dakota Colorado Springs, CO Join Date: Feb 2001 Posts: 1,617 Vehicle Specs	more then likely you will need to trim your fenders a bit

01-26-2003, 03:13 PM	#20
Alec Mod Emeritus Houston, Texas 2008 JK Join Date: Apr 2000 Posts: 16,061 Vehicle Specs	35s with 6" of lift will definately require trimming, but not too much hopefully. __________________ Alec "Dr. Candlepower" Rosenbaum Daily: 2008 JK Gone: EE "Splat", 2003 VW GTI VR6, 85 Bronco project