One of my tires got 'out of round' somehow, probably because I need new tie rods and maybe bearings. But the point is should I just replace that one tire, or buy 2 tires?

Wrangler RT/S tires. 265/70/r16

I'm leaning towards replacing two and putting them both on the rear, because what I have now don't do well on wet roads.

What would you guys recommend? I don't wanna spend a fortune but I don't want the cheap **** either. So something mid range I guess?

 

Yes, replace both unless the "good tire" is newer

Have a look at the spare, the "good tire" tire may be better than the spare so get it swapped as well
Tire shops DO BUY used tires, so the "good tire" is worth money so don't just give it away


Rubber compounds are what you are buying with tires, hard compounds wear better but SUCK at stopping on wet or slippery surfaces.
Softer are usually "Winter rated" they give better grip but wear out fairly fast in warmer weather

 

Well my spare tire is on a different size rim, its one of my stock wheels. I did see a wheel that match the ones I have on my truck at the junkyard a few weeks ago tho, just got my xmas bonus so I'm gonna go tomorrow see if its still there!

Will the larger tire fit the spare tire carrier?

 

As long as that was a stock tires size for Rangers that year it should fit carrier

 

One works but it should be two AND... fix the reason for the "Out of Round" condition !

First thing to do it replace all worn out tie rod ends, and all worn out bearings with NEW parts ! Then replace the tires and go to an Alignment Shop and get the front end aligned.

Good Luck !

Ltr