So the truck is a 04' ranger xlt 4x2 with a 3.0L V6. Tires on it as of now are 225/70R15 with stock rims. I want to go with bigger tires. What worked for you or you recommend? I'm thinking of going to some 31's or so but I'm curious about handling, mpg, torque, etc?

I'm sure you've seen questions like this before but I'm new to doing this and I want to do it right. I trust you guys/gals.

 

i went up to 265/75/r16's with no problems on stock ride height as far as rubbing. a little less torque due to the upped size but not bad. i just couldnt really squeal my tires like an idiot anymore. i just went up to 285's but the power loss is noticeable and im saving for a regear.

 

Being an XLT, you probably can't fit 31s without rubbing with no lift. Grant has a Sport, much like an Edge that has the 4x4 ride height that can fit 31s no problem. Your perspective tire size should also take into consideration your rear end ratio, which is most likely a 3.73, which will have a noticable.difference going from stock size to 31s. Do some searching around here and you'll find the chart of max tire size and what others have used on their trucks over the years.

 

It depends on what kind of tires are you looking to buy. (Highway tires, all terrain tires, etc.)

 

I was looking for all terrain tires. I went with some 30/9.5R15 Firestone Destination AT. They fit the wheel well nicely and still provide good fuel economy. I keep the RPMs around 2000-2500 to keep the mugs up there. No big changes in the speedometer readings as well. I went thru some speed traps to see what, if any, differences were there and they weren't noticeable.

 

There's an array of A/T tires in the market. it depends on your budget too. you may wanna check out Nitto grapplers