Wheels & Tires Semi-Tech General discussion of wheels and tires for the Ford Ranger.

Going for 15" to 16" Wheels

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Old 01-24-2014
dgiomett's Avatar
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Going for 15" to 16" Wheels

What's up guys -
For the last few years I have had 15x8 steel wheels with 3.75 backspacing. Tires have always been 33x12.50xr15. My front end has the 1st generation camburg 6.0 entry level kit with uniball uppers. If I can recall correctly, I got this backspacing to be sure of no rub with the upper arm. I am looking to drop some wheel and tire weight and go with a pro comp matte black alloy 16" wheel. From what I can tell they all have 4.50 backspacing. I don't mind if my track width is reduced by 3/4 inch, but I am worried of rub. Will I see a significant differnce?

My other question is if I want to downsize a tad in euro measurement tires, would I be safe to assume going from a 33x12.50xr15 to a 285/75/16 would make that tad difference? Again, I want to take some weight and stress off of my current suspension and hopefully increase gas milage a tad. Any help would be great!
Thanks!
 
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Old 01-24-2014
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most if not all tires in the metric size will be a load range E so be ready for your truck to ride like a brick.

4.5" backspacing is what stock wheels are so I'll say they'll definitely rub.
 
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Old 01-25-2014
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Yup, as JD M said !

I just did the 16 to 15" move for that reason.

Unless you are running a standard street tread stay with the 15" wheels.
 
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Old 02-13-2014
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I see this thread is cold now, but im thinking about getting some rims for my ranger, i have stock 14 rims and its a pain to find tire's for 'em, im thinking about going for 15's but not sure how hard it is to find tires for 15'' rims? they still around? 16's to me seems way to big [also heavy] in my opinion. (id like to run maybe a 245 or 265 tire maybe even in between? w/ a 255?

I have a 96' 4.0L 6cyl which currently has no lift or leveling kit (ALL STOCK), i'm currently running P225/70r15 so I'm worried about rub [i do plan on a 2inch lift eventually just not at the moment and maybe some 30 or 31'' tires]

I use the truck daily to and from school as well as work to haul junk in the bed and tow trailers at times... could deff use some info
 
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Old 02-13-2014
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IMHO 15” is the way to go.

There are enough sizes out there and easy to locate especially is you go through one of these Rack Store.

If you go more aggressive in tire tread, watch the load rating, it will effect your ride quality.
 
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