I recently started to work on the ranger a few months back. As of now, I have an HNM 5.5 kit in the front and simple f31 Deaver springs for the back. Their all sitting in the garage. The problem is I don't understand enough about tires and wheels to know what I'm getting myself into. I've definitely decided on the General "Grabber At2" set (Size: 33x12.50xR15). I really like their look, but something tells me I might be making a bad choice in terms of rim size and width. Anybody have a second opinion on tires? Because of the military and transferring, Im now in Alabama and wont be hitting the sand anytime soon, so they seemed to be the most reasonably priced in terms of both use and look.

 

General Grabbers are good tires... you'll do fine with them. As far as rims... go with a 15x8 with a 3.5"-4" of backspacing. Most rims in a 15x8 are 3.75.

 

When I get my next set of wheels they will be 15x8s.

I believe that is a recommended size for the 12.50 and I think the tires look better on an 8" rim.

Luck and I too like the Grabbers with the red letters.

 

Ok. My next question would have to be the rim width. I was thinking of grabbing 15x8's as youve both said, but the tires recommend 8.5 to 11 width. Would i still be ok?

 

I have run 35s and 33s on an 8” rim without a problem.

Your call but to me 8 to 9 would be max.

I narrower rim will let the tire bulge a little and protect the rim better.

 

OK, so 15x8's it is. Would anybody recommend spacers for the front at all? Or, should I stay away from them. I was told they put more pressure on the... balljoints?

Im new to vehicle maintenance and learning as I go along, so Ill probably have a few dumb questions, or say something that doesn't make sense.

 

Spacers, for what purpose ?
Just too widen the front for looks, or is there a reason ?

IMHO… spacers put a strain on the front end parts, ball joints and bearings but if there is a need then it MIGHT be necessary to use them.

 

It would have been for looks, but if its going to put a strain on something, its definitely not worth it.

Thanks guys.

 

You could just get wider wheels/tires. Aren't wider tires better for floating on sand? I prefer my 17x9s over my 15x10s(i think x10s, might be x8)

this is 17x9 on 35s and the tires don't stick out too far..


this is 15xsomething on 35s that are wider, and you can see they stick out further.

 

I'm having a little trouble finding rims with that back spacing. They either exceed 4 inches, or their just shy of 3.5". Does it have to be 3.5" to 4", or is their some play with that?