I recently picked up a 1994 5spd 2.3 base model single cab. The rims are super goofy very small and sucked in as far as they’ll go I believe the tire size is 195 or so.. I know someone giving away a set of explorer rims and seats as well (which is another question)... how much bigger tire size/weight can I go before it starts lowering my mpg, because I hate the tires and rims but love the mileage!!! Additionally I have the full bench in my ranger.. can I do a 1994 explorer seat and console swap?? I imagine I’ll have to drill new holes but any help is great

 

That's going to depend on several things, How tired is your engine, gear ratio of your rear end, your driving style.
Changing tire size will also affect your speedometer/odometer, but is correctable, so keep that in mind when est. your gas mileage.
Also with your 4x4, try the rims on the front for fit before you buy, the center hole may be an issue.

With a regular cab Ranger, most people find the Explorer seats sit to far forward and to high, the console is an easy addition, just get all the brackets that go with it.

 

My engine has 223,000 on it no noises or ticks feels strong. It’s a 2wd not sure the ratio.. i don’t understand how I could add the console with a full bench seat set up..I have the chance to get it all for free only reason I’m thinking about it

 

IMHO... yes !

Any change in Tire size will affect the mpg on that little engine unless you re-gear to compensate, so to be on the safe side, decide on what tire you want and build/change everything around that.

Explorer Seats... my '03 standard Cab, was way too tight with the Explorer Seats in it AND the '03 Cabs are larger than the '94 Cabs. I wanted them but not at the price of having to almost climb over the steering wheel to get in, ok so not that bad... but I am 6'2, sitting in the Explorer seat in the Ranger, my legs were rubbing the steer wheel with the seat all the way back.

It would be far better to find a Ranger with a set of bucket seat, from a standard cab or at least seats that had bolt-on tracks, and use them, far less hassle.

I started with a 60/40 seat in my EDGE, swapped Ex Seats in and then swapped the EX seats for a set of Ranger Buckets, swapped the tracks from my seats to the Buckets, all fit perfectly.

The Console, I assuming it is a shorty console, goes to the front of the seats, the reason 2011Supercab stated it is an easy addition is, AFTER you do the buckets, it is a bolt in to fit the console. My '03 had the hole locations marked with dimples, drill them out secure the console.

If you don't do the Buckets then there isn't much to do about the Console.

Check the JYs for seats, if you find a good set of Buckets seat frames, not bent but needing covering, it might be something think on because the bucket seats for the Ranger are getting scarce.

Good Luck on your projects and your search !

Ltr

 

^^^ +1 ^^^

Another factor is the new height of your rig will have a bit more wind resistance. It's gonna push back a little more decreasing your mileage.

 

Yes, +1

Short thin tires = better MPG

Tall wide tires = less MPG

 

I'm guessing your tiny tires have already geared your truck. Find the gear code on the door tag and your tire size. Unless you go truck tire size I doubt it would change that much. Here is a gear/tire size chart to help.

With a 1:1trans ratio. Black is optimum. Yellow will increase fuel economy at the expense of acceleration and blue is for towing and performance at the expense of fuel economy

 

Looks like I have a 3:45 rear.. am I wrong to say going off the chart that if I went a tad bigger I’d get the same or a bit better mpg??

 

Are you guessing the gear by the chart or did you look up the code on your door tag? Yes, bigger tires would give you more milage at the expense of acceleration