tires on a 4x4

[john112deere]

My grandmother has a '99 Explorer, and it has a flat tire that needs to be replaced.

I don't know enough about the four-wheel drive to know if she can get by with replacing it with just the one tire with one of the same model, or needs two new tires (front), or even a full set of four.

It's a '99 XLT with the 4.0 and an automatic trans; all I know about the 4x4 is that the knob on the dash has three positions: "Auto", "4 HI", and "4 LO."

Thanks!

 

[smokey]

As long it is the same size you should be OK. It is preferred to replace tires in sets. I have just replaced one tire many times with no problem.

 

[john112deere]

That's what I thought....but then I couldn't remember for sure how the 4x4 was set up on those (I've been told Subarus are exceedingly fussy), and wanted to make sure before I told Grandpa what he needed to do.

Thanks!

 

[bowtiehatr]

you need to replace all 4 tires unless they are pretty new. we have had many explorers come in with the transfer case shot and front axle grenades due to uneven tires on all 4 corners. the 4wd system watched tire speed individually and engages the clutch in the tcase respectively. basically with a bigger/smaller tire combo, the 4wd is contantly cycled and overheats everything. same size tire doesnt matter. 1/4 inch is to much of a difference on these systems per ford.

 

[john112deere]

Hmmm....that's what I was afraid of.

The tires might be pretty new, though...that car doesn't get many miles on it anymore. Grandpa's put about 30k on his Ranger since he bought it in '04, and I think they usually take the truck instead of the Explorer when they go out.

 

[bowtiehatr]

make sure the circumference is measured not the diameter. these trucks are very picky.

 

[john112deere]

1/4" difference in circumference is too much

OK...sounds like it'll probably need four new tires.

Thanks!

(This flat means I have borrow a *gasp* Chevy tonight to drive my grandparents to dinner...)

 

[CaFordDude]

I'm anal about tires. I always replace all 4 whenever there is an issue with one of them. Seems costly but I think it has paid off for me in the long run.