Hello, everyone,

I'm looking for a replacement for my tired old '86 Ranger. I'm considering buying a 2004-11 if I can find one at a good price in the configuration I want (Supercab, 2.3, 5-spd. manual).

I'm a little concerned about the traction control on the newer trucks. I understand that it can be turned off temporarily when needed, but I've also read that it will throw an error light when different size tires (specifically the spare) is used. Will this system cause me problems if I use different size tires on the front and back axles of a 2WD vehicle, or does it only get upset if the difference is side-to-side on the same axle? I often put on bigger snow tires in the winter, and don't want to have problems doing this. If so, my choices are limited to the 2004-09 trucks.

Thanks,
Regan

 

pick up trucks should utilize the same tire size on all 4 wheels it is safety issue

if your state DMV sees that you utilize 2 different tire sizes , you could face hefty fines

 

I guess different states have different laws, but on a 2WD truck it is common practice in this area to switch out rear tires between seasons. No fines involved, and they pass annual state inspection just fine. Tires mismatched on one axle would be a safety issue, but two different sizes on each axle are not an issue unless the truck is misloaded or overloaded. UNLESS, as with the newer systems I am questioning, the truck thinks it is smarter than you are. That is the whole reason for my question.

On a 4WD, yes, the tires do need to be matched in size on all four corners.

 

the newer vehicles speed sensors are tire size matched , meaning all 4 tires must be of the same size in diameter
this is for proper 4 wheel ABS function , if not , ABS will constantly fire the 2 front wheels because it thinks the 2 front wheel are slipping in traction

even on 2 wheel drive vehicles as well

 

I sure wouldn't mix tire sizes. Hell, the owners manual says not to upgrade the stereo cause it could mess up the RSC..........lol