ok well im looking for a new ranger now becuase ive got about 4000$ and the truck i have now isnt worth spending the money on. im thinking of getting a 98 99 xlt. i dont know if it will be 4x4 or 2wd yet but i was wondering what the best size tires would be for offroading with out having to get a body lift (moneys gunna be tight for a while). i was mostly planning on cranking the torsion bars most of the way to get some more clearance. Also are there torsion bars in the back of the truck. i dont think their are but i was jsut wondering, sorry for the newb question

 

Well the answer depends on if you get a 2wd or a 4wd. There was no equivalent to the Edge package in 98-99, so there are no 2wd trucks w/ the Torsion bar suspension. (The 2000 "Trailhead" was the first precursor to the Edge package.) On a 4x4, 31x10.5 is a good all-around choice for offroading. 32x11.5 is just about the biggest you can cram onto one without major rubbing. If you get a 2wd, I'm not even sure a 31x10.5 will fit without rubbing.

Also, there are no torsion bars on the back of the truck. The only "cheap" way to change the rear ride height is by getting larger lifting blocks, but then you really need to shim to keep the pinion angle within spec, and it gets to be a big headache relatively fast for a first-timer.

 

also an add-a-leaf works wonders in the rear

 

I've heard they're not so great for maintaining factory ride and handling characteristics, though.

 

i had 32x11.5 on my 2001 xlt 2wd and the only rubbing i got was when i hit a big bump. i had the front valance removed, with it on it would hit that

 

33x10.5's fit with no rubbing. AAL ride like crap. You are always better off with a new spring pack than playing with leaves and blocks.

 

If you get the 4x4 XLT it "should" have 16" wheel's (I'v never seen one with 15's, but who knows they may be out there) you could get 265/75/16's or 265/70/16's and look good

 

i have riddin in many trucks with add-a-leafs and its not that bad at all, plus its a dang truck not a lincoln, i dont care if its a little bumpy

 

yea i was thinking that 31s would be the best size for them but i didnt know how much rubbing would be involved

 

It's not just ride quality, but how the suspension works. If it can't flex, it can't provide traction. If looks and cost are more important than function, AAL's are for you.

 

Speaking from experience. I love my 98 but I would never buy one again. Finding aftermarket items for it is tough. You are severely limited to your lifting options and the options you have are quite expensive. Headers are tough to find because as I understand it in the 98 year there were 4 different cat configurations so finding 1 header to fit is tough.
I got the 4x4 offroad and towing package and I bought it used so I'm not sure if the tires on it are stock or not but I think they are bigger than stock. 31.6" BFG AT's (265/75/16) and no rubbing that I can tell, if there is it's quite minimal.

If you go offroading a lot and want a truck that will accomodate your hobby get a >98. If you want to go offroad every now and then then get the 99. 98 is just a pain to deal with.

 

i have a 99 ranger xlt with the fabtech 3.5 spindles and a AAL. what size tires? 33x10.50r15 or 32x11.50r15? i have 31s now and want a little bigger of a tire.