Hey guys. For awhile i've been wanting to get slightly bigger wheels on my '89 Aerostar, as the 14" steelies that it came with don't leave me much option or availability for tires. I'm wanting to upgrade to some nice 15 or 16" aluminum wheels, and I spotted a set of wheels on a wrecked '05 Ranger at pick and pull the other day. If i were to install 1" or 2" bigger wheels than are mounted stock, would there be any issues with rubbing if i were to say install all terrain tires with meaty sidewalls? And furthermore would you suggest swapping out the stock rotors? I know it's good practice and I can probably grab them at the same time as the wheels, I'd just like to get some advice before i drop some money on wheels and tires.

Thanks!

 

You might have better luck asking these questions on a forum for the Aerostar. I realize you are looking at Ranger rims, but I seriously doubt you are going to have much luck with anyone here knowing the specs of that van well enough to know what will rub and what won't.

Edit: Here.. it's usually a backspacing issue with the rim when you are adding beefier tires. With a stock van, it would also depend on the maximum tire size you can run w/o rubbing on the fenders. It might be just a trial and error type of thing. Stock ranger rims usually have a larger backspacing.. so they don't stick out too far. That's why guys switch to aftermarket wheels when they upgrade tire sizes.. to push the tires out to avoid rubbing while turning/wheeling etc. But also.. guys lift their trucks to accomodate larger diameter tires without rubbing or destroying fenders.

 

Thanks for the help, yeah I understand if it's an obscure question, thought somebody might know it off the top of their head. And the early Aerostar and Ranger share a drivetrain, transmission and many other things (mine has the 8.8 axle and front coil springs for example) I felt that with the Ranger being a much more popular and frequently modified vehicle I would have many more questions asking about drivetrain mods here... and there are no active Aerostar forums. I guess i'll just measure out the clearances in the wheel well and quit being lazy about it.