Forgive me if I'm a bit of a beginner, hopefully I learn fast. Anyway, I need to put new tires on the '97 Ranger I just acquired. Since I'm about to use it for a 1700-mile move through snow country, I've decided for now I'll get winter tires (then buy a summer set in the spring.) My rims are 14/6.0 and the stock size is P225/70R14. I've picked out some Dunlop Graspic DS-3s, very reasonable from Sam's Club, but the closest size I can get is P195/70R14. The tires specify 5.0-6.5 rims. Should I go ahead and do this? I guess my speedometer and odometer might be affected a few %, but is there anything else to worry about?

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'97 4x2 Regular cab XLT 2.3L EFI 4 Auto

Well for starters I can tell you that Sam's Club will NOT install anything other than the stock tire size on your vehicle. They will look at the door tag and get the stock specs to determine the size and believe me they are adamant about this policy. I would suggest that you visit tirerack.com and look at the choices there. They have a deal where you purchase the tires from them and give them the location of your nearest NTB Store. They then ship the tires directly to the NTB where you just have to show up and get them mounted, balanced and installed for about 9 to 13 dollars per wheel.

As for your tire sizes;
P= Passenger tire... not good for light truck use

195= the tire width in centimeters...

70= the ratio aspect of the tire width to sidewall... That tire side wall is 70% of the width... 70% of 195 centimeters is 136.5 centimeters.

R= Radial.

14= Rim size.

Since you have a 225/70 14 tire on the truck now, installing a 195/70 14 will decrease the height of your tire and it will adversely effect the ride, handling, fuel mileage, speed/odometer readings etc...

Check the section on TIRE TECH and you will find that I posted link for a tire size calculator that will assist you in making your decision about the new tires.

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Thanks, very helpful. Funny how Sam's themselves recommended a "P" tire for the truck. I checked tirerack and there were few choices in my stock size, no winter tires. The best thing may be the Firestone Destination LE, called a "highway all-season" tire. Dunno, have to think it over some more.

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'97 4x2 Regular cab XLT 2.3L EFI 4 Auto

it is a little more $ at the start, but in the endgoing up to a size 15" wheel will give you a lot more options and tend to be cheaper.

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Sold:2004 XLT 4x2 Ext. Cab. 3.0 Mods: 3" spindle, AAL, shackle, 32x11.5 on 15x8s, billet grille, clear corners, flow 40 dumped, line-x, CB/PA, traction bars, lil sound system, auto up down windows
Sold:2005 XLT 4x4 Ext. Cab. 4.0 Mods: ProComp lights w/ HID swap on tabs, 32x11.5 on 15x8s, CB/PA, black out heads/corners, lil sound system, cranked t-bars, flow 40 dumped, line-x, shell, bed rug, 06+ tails, metal tail gate handle since plastic one shattered, OHC, Mustang Dome.

check out some local classified adds sometimes you can find some decent deals on half used tires and i've found them already mounted on rims