Wheels / Tires: Another Ranger wheel question

[georgeE]

I just talked to a guy at one of the "good" salvage yards locally. He did not have old Ranger wheels but does stock replacements. He says the computer tells him the wheels are actually 7 inches wide. Any ideas on whether this is a computer glitch or if new replacements are wider. I guess a 7 inch wheel would take a size greater than 215 and there would be clearance issues. I await enlightenment.
Thanks

[karterfred88]

Clearance issues depend on which body style, actual overall diameter of the tire, sidewall bulge of a specific tire. The width may not be a problem, the backspacing might be more important. Many a 205 has been installed on a 7" rim and 225s have been known to fit some on the right backspaced wheels. Rangers are only one of thousands of rims that may fit, the Stude 5 on 4 1/2 circle was and is common to many vehicles from Ford Chrysler etc. The computer showing 15x7 is probably right. There have been numerous posts on wheels that will fit many findable in the search function. Most by those wishing to retain 15" wheels and use the OEM hubcaps. If you are not worried about either, you have many, many choices but may just have to "try" them. Stay away from the front wheel drive style wheels.

[georgeE]

The car is a 63 Lark. Should have included that info.

[6hk71400]

The 47 Champion I looked at yesterday had the 4 lug bolt ranger wheels with the wider tires on it without any clearance problems. On your Lark, mid seventies/eighties Volare/Aspen/Lebaron wheels will bolt up with a wider rim and no clearance problems. Finding them might be a challenge, but you can use the stock full wheel covers. There are many options as stated in Post number 2

Bob Miles

[BobPalma]

The 47 Champion I looked at yesterday had the 4 lug bolt ranger wheels with the wider tires on it without any clearance problems. On your Lark, mid seventies/eighties Volare/Aspen/Lebaron wheels will bolt up with a wider rim and no clearance problems. Finding them might be a challenge, but you can use the stock full wheel covers. There are many options as stated in Post number 2 Bob Miles

4-lug Ranger wheels, Bob?

Are you sure they weren't 4-lug Fairmont / Futura / Mustang, etc? I can't think of any Ford Ranger trucks that had only 4-lug wheels. BP

[64V-K7]

the wheels are actually 7 inches wide.

When he says 7 " wide, he's probably referring to the total width, not just the bead seat to bead seat, where the tire locks into. The safety "roll lip' adds an extra inch to ANY wheel/rim. Any 15 X 6" rim is really 7 " wide

[Mrkelly]

In found 5 Ford Explorer wheels in an auto salvage yard in Houston,Tx. last month. They were 15" 5 on 4.5 X 6" wide.
I paid $35.00 each + tax each. If it's new you want just google it, you'll find several companies selling them. I have them on my 63 Cruiser with 215 75r 15. No clearance problems.

[georgeE]

And, of course, being an idiot I forgot the most important thing. It has a Turner disc conversion hence the original issue with stock rims .

[karterfred88]

And, of course, being an idiot I forgot the most important thing. It has a Turner disc conversion hence the original issue with stock rims .

That shouldn't limit you too much, unless you try to find original Studebaker rims. Most any Ford or Mopar vehicles from the early 70s up had disc brakes, at least on the front, so their wheels have clearance. The list is almost endless, so if you just need known fits: The Ranger/Explorer, Ford Crown Vics, Mopar full and intermediate size vehicles. Yes most will be 15x6 or 7, finding anything as narrow as the original will require buying aftermarket new--at a higher price, or searching through pick and pull for years.

[fiveftsix]

As far as I know there are two widths on Ford Ranger wheels
Most 15 " steel rims are 6 inch whereas the alloy rims are 7 inch maybe that`s what the computer is referring too ?
I believe some later 16" steel Ford rims may be 7" wide
I have a Turner disc set up on both axles fitted with the 15" ford Ranger steel rims with 225/70/15 ( Standard on Ranger steels) with no clearance problems on my 51 Starlight
Geoff

[georgeE]

Once again thanks folks.

[64V-K7]

I believe some later 16" steel Ford rims may be 7" wide

Well, if it says 16 X 7, then they're 8" wide...

[bensherb]

The Ford Ranger 15" wheels thru 2009 are 6" wide, the Ranger 16" wheels are 7" wide. Crown Vic wheels are 6 1/2" wide, I have these with 215-70-15 tires on my Hawk. http://www.autorimshop.com/ford-pass...-rim-3023.html

[6hk71400]

4-lug Ranger wheels, Bob?

Are you sure they weren't 4-lug Fairmont / Futura / Mustang, etc? I can't think of any Ford Ranger trucks that had only 4-lug wheels. BP

Bob,

They could be for all I know. I thought the 47 had upgraded brake based on what StudeRich said after he saw the CL ad I posted in another thread. When I went and saw the car and the guy took the dog dish Lark style caps off, it was a four lug wheel. I thought I had seen a very early Ranger truck with 4 lugs but it has been some time ago. Anyway, it is a 4 lug later wheel on the Champion.

Bob Miles

[55 56 PREZ 4D]

This is the Ranger steel wheel to fit Studebakers. Note the 6" width.

http://www.getallparts.com/Ford-Ranger-1995_p-180-premium-replacement-15x6-steel-8-slot-wheel-rim-3070.aspx?variantid=437&ref=g-pla&gclid=CNvvianz4M4CFURsfgodL2EMXA

The width is measured from bead seat to bead seat, NOT from rim outer flange to outer flange.

http://www.buicks.net/shop/reference/tires.html

There are Ranger wheels [not the steel wheel shown] that are available 7" wide.