01 Ranger, 4x2, 3 1/2 inch front suspension lift and 3 inch back suspension lift. 31 inch tires.. just bought it not mechanically inclined just want to know what my options are and what the safest way would be.

 

Welcome to the forum

Safest way..............bigger truck

You can either get wheel spacers or new Rims with less back spacing.
Neither is dangerous.

Good read here in what back spacing is on a rim/wheel: The Ford Ranger/Bronco II Wheel Fitment Guide To Measuring Wheels

So the less back spacing the farther out the wheel/tire sit

People that get wider and larger tires often need to use spacers or rims with less back spacing so front tires don't rub when turning


Good thing to do is to jack up one wheel by the axle so it is barely off the ground, remove the wheel and then space it out an inch to see what it looks like as far as the body line, then 2" space

 

Get some 15x10 wheels and you'll be set. Your current wheels are 15x7 so that should give you a decent amount of stance.

Don't run spacers because they need regular maintenance that most people aren't willing to perform. Not really worth the time or the stress on your ball joints.

 

Or if you want to be really cool, you could run 15x14s and run 3" spacers

 

But only if you run 12.5" wide tires.

 

No, need to run 29x9.5