I understand that a maximum of 31x10.5x15 will fit w/no problems. I'm seeking a tire that's close to stock in diameter, but a little wider to fill the wheel wells a bit. (I won't be lifting it). Road ride is the priority, but I drive on dirt roads occasionally. I'm considering:

Bridgestone Dueler HL
Yokohama Geolandar HT

can anybody verify my math for me (below)?

p265/70r15 (approx. 10.4" x 29.6") versus stock
p235/75r15 (approx. 9.2" x 28.9")

...and let me know if the 265 should fit w/o rubbing!

Thanks, all.

Yes your math is correct....

If you want a quick way to figure stuff like this out, go to http://www.4lo.com and go under metric tire. I has a calculator to do the math for you. Hope this helps!

With that 265/70-R15 you are getting less than a .5" larger radius. I doubt it will rub even in extreme conditions.

[Edited by 2001ExpSport on 08-17-2000 at 09:25 PM]

I did all the math a couple of days ago. You should be able to get 265/75R15 (30.6X10.4) or a 260/75R15 (30.2x10.2) in there. the larger (265/75R15) may rub as it is closest to the 31x10.5. As far as 70 series tires, the 270/70R15 is 29.8X10.6 and may be too close to stock if you are looking for bigger tires, and the 275/70R15 is 30.1x10.8 and may be too wide and cause a lot of rubbing.

Thanks

I'm still trying to decide, largely because of my firestone dealer...

I'm being told that I can only get reimbursed for tires of the same size as the recall tires. On the claim form, that's not the case - but the dealer kinda has me by the shorthairs on this. I'm going to take the form from the internet & discuss it with the firestone dealer today, just to find out.

I think I'll just go a little wider (for appearance sake) and keep the circumference close to stock so that I don't have to mess with the speedo gear.

again, thanks for the feedback.

SH

Make sure you don't go too much wider than stock. You can run into the same problems as you would with a larger diameter tire. I tire too wide will definitely rub during sharp turns. This may not be a problem for you because you said you were thinking of going a 'little' wider. Just trying to give you a heads up.

Good point. I will definitely keep the width at 265 or less (less than the 10.5 which is supposed to fit w/no rubbing). Since this replacement I'm talking about is related to the recall, I almost decided to just go back to 235's to make SURE that I get them free....

But I'm not 100% sure - and here's why:

Per the firestone website http://www.firestonetire.com/news/00815a.htm -- If you are replacing tires at a "non-firestone shop", then you have to fill out "form 2" to get your credit for up to $100 per tire including mounting/balancing, etc.

YOu must then go to the Firestone dealer and get a "Voluntary Surrender Form", which must be stamped by the dealer - who verifies that your takeoffs are included in the recall (IMO best to get this documented - thru an 'inspection' - by the same store - prior to going elsewhere for replacements - so they can't make a claim that you are trying to turn in tires from the junkyard!).

In reviewing both forms, NOWHERE did I see anything about the size of the replacement tires. The Firestone guy said that you "have to" use "same size" tires as replacements - but he did agree that this 'requirement' wasn't, in fact, in the paperwork.

"form 2" & "the Voluntary Surrender Form" make no references to what size the new tires are. The only place where I may get in trouble is when I send in the 2 forms + my receipt for the new tires for reimbursement. The receipt will include a tire size.

I'm considering giving this a shot & getting some larger tires. Worse case - I'll have to pay for (4) $80 Yokohama Geolandar HT's. That's an expensive experiment - but it could be worse... (I could still own my Volkswagen GTI - and it cost me an unexpected $320 on a regular basis!!!)

sphaugh

I have been around in circles on this replacement stuff with firestone as well. I am considering getting new 16" wheels and tires. I currently have 15. It is to my understanding that reimbursement for the tires is $100 no matter what, as long as there is proof that your tires are in the recall.

All dealers will tell you, 1) the same size tire has to go back on the vehicle because that is what Ford recommends and 2) it has to be an AT tire, for the same reasons. I've even had some tire dealers (discount) tell me they would not install a tire larger than the recommended specs. This only pisses me off. Proof right here that a lot of people change from the original specs. No one can force either way.

jeff

That's why I went & asked to see the paperwork. The Firestone dealers are reasonable individuals, but they have to talk according to a script. I'm simpy building my case to argue WHEN they decline my receipt - due to different size tires. NONE of the paperwork indicates the size of the replacement tires - only the receipt. I suppose I could do something unethical & modify my receipt - but I'm not that type of individual.

I think that the fact that Firestone is not requiring me to get my replacements from them (since we'd have to WAIT until they can supply the tires!) provides the loophole I need. I want tires now & 235/75/15 tires are simply not available - so I'll do the next best thing & put bigger tires on... because they're what's available NOW.

The only thing the Dealer should be involved with is verification of the takeoffs.

I'll be keeping my fingers crossed!