QuestionQUESTION: Barry,
I have a 265/75R15 on a 15" x 8" wheel currently on my Ranger(4x4) I would like to go to a smaller width tire. whats is the small width tire I can put on there safety? I was thinking 235 maybe a 225? 265's are cool, just out of my price range.
ANSWER: Matt,
This gets a little complex, so please hang with me while I explain a few things.
On every vehicle sold in the US, there is a sticker – commonly called the tire placard - that lists the original tire size and the proper pressure for that size. The placard is usually located on a doorpost or in the glove box – but sometimes it is located in the trunk or on the fuel filler door.
I can not recommend using anything with a smaller load carrying capacity than what is listed on the placard. There were a few varieties of Rangers over the years and I can't identify from your description what tires originally came with your truck. So I will answer your question, but keep in mind, that if I tell you what fits on the rim,it doesn't mean I think this is the proper tire for the vehicle.
The smallest tire that fits on that rim is: P235/75R15, P235/70R15, P225/65R15, P225/60R15, P225/55R15, and P225/50R15. There may be some odd sizes in a 45 or lower aspect ratio, but that list is as complete for tire sizes that I know about.
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QUESTION: Thank you Barry,
I do know that the wheels are after market, but the truck is a ext cab 1999 3.0 4x4 truck.
AnswerMatt,
Please check your vehicle placard because what I am about to write is dependent on this being correct.
According to Tire Guides, a 1999 Ford Ranger 4X4 Super Cab came originally with P215/75R15 100S's. Of the tire sizes I listed, the P235/70R15's come the closest at 102 Load Index.
