I am going to be purchasing some aftermarket tires for my 4x4 01 Rancher in the near future. Now the fronts are 24x8-12 and the rear are 24x9-11. First I need someone to tell me why they are these sizes are different. Second when I select new tires, (probably 25's) how crucial are the x8-12 & x9-11. Anyone who could educate me on this I would be greatful.

As allways many Thanks

 

HOGMASTER,

I DON'T KNOW THE REASONING OF THE 11/12 DIFFERENCE OTHER THAN IT WAS WORKED IN TO GET RATIOS AND GEARING RIGHT,AS FOR THE 8X12 AND 9X11 THOSE ARE IMPORTANT ,8 AND 9 ARE RIM WIDTH'S ,IF YOU GET TOO NARROW OR TOO WIDE OF TIRES THEY WILL EITHER BE HARD TO GET TO SEAT TO THE RIMS IF AT ALL,11 AND 12 ARE NUMBERS YOU HAVE TO STICK WITH ,THEY ARE RIM DIAMETERS, 11 IN. TIRES WON'T GO ON ANYTHING BUT 11 IN. RIMS.

 

The first number(24) is the TIRE diameter.
The second number (8 or 9) is the TIRE width.
The last number is the RIM size.
The gearing is no longer an issue as it was on the 300 4x4. On those they had a 23inch tall tire on the front and a 24 inch on the rear. It was important to keep the stagger on them. The Ranchers use a 24 inch front and rear. The difference in rim size is actually for handling characteristics. A larger rim size (12) will make a tire have less flex on the sidewall because there is less sidewall than there would be with an 11 inch rim. Because the Rancher is fulltime 4wd it has a more responsive steering with a taller rim size in the front and has a little more roll in the rear with a smaller rim size. Together this combination gives a more stabil feeling when cornering at higher speeds. Most likely if you are planning to go with a taller tire then speed is not your main concern. Therefore changing to 25 inch tires or even 26 (which my brother has on his Rancher) shouldnt be any problem for you. The main problem you may find is that some larger tires are not available in 11 inch rim size, where they would be for a 12 inch rim. My suggestion would be to (if you can afford it) buy a full set of 12 inch rims and tires and keep your stock ones intact. Otherwise search for a tread design that suits your needs and is available in the sizes you need that will fit on your stock rims and use those.
Remember, the measurement that is important to keep consistant is the DIAMETER of the tire. Just that they are the same as each other front and rear. Taller or shorter than stock is ok, but the SAME diameter front and rear. The rim size won't affect the height of the tire. (unless it is unusually wide)
I hope I made this clear enough to answer your questions.
Good Luck!

 

Thank you guys for clearing things up for me. Now I know now to stick with the same o.d. and make sure the rim dia.(11 & 12)stays the same but what about the width. If I change each +/- an inch will it matter?

 

hog

the widest you will want to go on the front on stock wheels is 10". Any wider and the tires will rub the suspension when cut all the way in one direction. On the back the widest to go would be 12.5". Any wider an you will hit the heat shield on your exhaust.

Rachers turn taller than stock tire realy well. I have heard of a couple guys putting 28" outlaws on with no motor mods and the little rancher did OK in not so nasty mud. I'd say to stay with 26" or 25". If you go for 27" or taller you will need a lift kit and some motor mods to turn them effeciently.

I have 25x10x12 BearClaws on the front and 25X12.5x11 BearClaws on the rear of my rancher. These are amoung the BEST all around tires on the market and they wont bust the budget. Plus you won't have to get new rear rims for the Rancher either. see my BEARCLAWED RANCHER PICS

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