How Big Of Tires Can You Put On A Stock Ford Ranger?
How Big of Tires Can You Put on a Stock Ford Ranger? Are you a Ford Ranger owner looking to beef up your ride’s appearance and performance? Upgrading your tires can be an exciting way to enhance both the aesthetics and functionality of your trusty truck. But before you embark on your tire upgrade journey, it’s crucial to understand how big of tires you can safely fit on your stock Ford Ranger.
Stock Ford Rangers typically come with tires ranging from 27 to 30 inches in diameter, depending on the specific model and trim level. However, many Ranger enthusiasts seek to go bigger for various reasons, such as improved off-road capability or enhanced ground clearance. For a stock Ford Ranger, particularly models from 2019 onwards, the maximum tire size you can fit without modifications is generally 265/70R17. This size allows for slightly larger tires without the risk of rubbing on the wheel wells or suspension during normal driving conditions.
Larger Upgrades
So, how big of tires can you put on a stock Ford Ranger without causing issues? The answer depends on several factors, including the year and model of your Ranger, its suspension setup, and any modifications you’ve made. Here are some general guidelines to consider:
- Tire Size and Fitment: The largest tires you can safely install on a stock Ford Ranger typically range from 31 to 33 inches in diameter, depending on the model year and suspension setup. It’s essential to choose tires that fit within the wheel wells without rubbing against the fenders or suspension components.
- Wheel Offset and Backspacing: When upgrading to larger tires, you’ll also need to consider wheel offset and backspacing to ensure proper fitment. Incorrect offset or backspacing can lead to tires rubbing against the fenders or suspension, causing damage and compromising safety.
- Lift Kits and Suspension Upgrades: If you’re planning to install significantly larger tires, you may need to invest in a lift kit or suspension upgrades to accommodate the increased tire size. Lift kits provide additional clearance between the tires and the wheel wells, allowing for larger tires without rubbing.
- Speedometer Calibration: Installing larger tires can affect your Ranger’s speedometer accuracy, as the larger diameter tires will cover more ground with each revolution compared to stock tires. Consider recalibrating your speedometer to ensure accurate speed readings.
- Load Rating and Tire Pressure: Make sure the tires you choose have an adequate load rating to support the weight of your Ranger and any cargo you plan to carry. Additionally, adjust tire pressure according to the manufacturer’s recommendations for optimal performance and safety.
Considerations Beyond Size
When choosing larger tires, there are several additional factors to consider.
Weight
The weight of larger tires is generally higher compared to smaller ones, which can have multifaceted implications on various aspects of vehicle performance. Specifically, this increased weight can influence factors such as fuel efficiency, acceleration, and braking effectiveness. Understanding these effects is crucial for making informed decisions when selecting tires, as they can significantly impact both the driving experience and long-term maintenance costs of a vehicle.
Gear Ratio
When considering larger tires for a vehicle, it’s crucial to take into account their impact on the Gear Ratio. The stock gearing, optimized for standard tire sizes, may not be well-suited for significantly larger tires. This mismatch can have notable consequences, such as compromised acceleration and engine performance. Essentially, the larger diameter of the tires alters the effective gear ratio, leading to a reduction in torque at the wheels. Consequently, the vehicle may struggle to accelerate as efficiently, and the engine might experience increased strain due to the altered mechanical advantage. Therefore, it’s advisable to recalibrate or even upgrade the gearing system to ensure optimal performance when switching to larger tires.
Speedometer Calibration
When you opt for larger tires on your vehicle, it introduces the possibility of interfering with the readings displayed on both your speedometer and odometer. This alteration can result in discrepancies within your driving data, potentially impacting the accuracy of your speed and distance measurements. In instances where such discrepancies occur, recalibration becomes imperative. By recalibrating your vehicle’s systems, you can effectively preserve precision, guaranteeing that your speed and distance calculations maintain their reliability and accuracy over time.
Handling and Ride Quality
When upgrading to larger tires for your Ranger, expect significant changes in its on-road performance. The larger tire size may lead to a firmer ride quality, which can potentially affect the vehicle’s handling characteristics and overall driving experience, necessitating adjustments to driving habits and potential modifications to suspension systems.
Warranty Coverage
if you modify your Ranger, particularly in ways that could affect other components, there’s a risk that the warranty on those components could be voided. For instance, if larger tires lead to premature wear on the suspension or brakes, Ford might argue that the modifications caused the issue and thus may not cover the repairs under warranty. It’s always a good idea to consult with professionals before making significant changes like upsizing tires. When upgrading your tires, it’s important to consider all of the factors involved. Especially your Ford factory warranty or your Ford Factory Extended Warranty, you wouldn’t want to make any decisions that could potentially void your warranty.
