Finally pulled the trigger on replacing my stock Dirt Hooks on my 03 Rancher 4x4 through RockyMountainATV. I bought a set of Bearclaws in stock size for the front (24x8x12) since I am not changing the rims. Decided to just get the fronts, then get the backs on next month. I didn't want to go with a larger size for the power loss issues. I just use it around the house riding and some trail riding.

Now, in looking at the Bridgestone site, the Dirt Hooks are listed as being O/A Dia of 24.2. On the Kenda site, it lists the same size Bearclaws as 23.3.

So, should I have gone up one size on the Bearclaws to 25x8x12? Will these be OK? What should I do on the rears as the rears (24x9x11) are sized 24.2" in Dirt Hook and 23.7 on Bearclaw. They don't 25x9x11 in Bearclaws so I would have to go with 25x10x11 which is 24.4". Afraid if I go that size now for the rear, the rancher will look wrong with 1" difference between front and rear.

Maybe I'm reading too much into the sizes.. would love some other feedback. Thanks

 

is your rancher 4x4?? if so, i would HIGHLY recommend replacing all 4 tires of the same diameter and brand. any difference in height between the front and rear will cause "driveline wind-up" and possibly cause damage to the driveline components. if you want to go with 25's, go with 25s of the same brand. using 25's of one brand on the rear and 25's of another brand on the front could still cause issues, since not all brands "25's" are the same exact size from brand to brand.

if you only have 2wd, then you'll be alright.

 

I put 25" BC's om my Rancher 4x4 when I ditched the bridgestones. You definitely want to put a 24" BC on the back to keep from binding up your drivetrain. BC's tend to be shorter than specified on the sidewall, kind of like 4x4 truck tires. I'd go with the widest rear in a 24" BC you can get, better traction.

 

I do have a 4x4 but I have the Warn 2x4 installed as well.

I was going to throw the Bear Claws on the front and run for a month that way but based on both of your comments, I'll just get the other set of BCs.

I guess what I was really asking was is it worth sending back the 24s and ordering the 25s size? In thinking about it more, we're just talking about almost an inch difference between the sizes on the front and half inch on the back.

Is that inch really going to make that much difference? The only time I've center hung that ATV was up in some logs and rocks that I probably had no business being in. I have no desire to repeat that trip either. Mostly I just do trail riding or around the house riding. Some hill climbing, a little mud holes but nothing extreme. The reason I wanted the BCs were for snow riding with the kids this winter pulling them on sleds.

Thanks for any more insight on the ride height. Gruzzy, what were your reasons for going with 25s?