225/70 vs. 235/75 tire question

[laneo9417]

I recently bought a 98 Explorer XLT as a second/winter vehicle and have a couple questions about tire size. Right now the truck has 225/70/15s on it and I need to get new rubber before the winter. After looking at a couple tire sites online, many give the option of 225/70s or 235/75s. The driver door sticker says to use 225/70s. Can 235/75s be used without any modification? Will this effect the handling, gas mileage, etc? I would prefer bigger tires for the winter, not to mention the current set of tires I have just seem way too small for an SUV.

Any and all insight is appreciated

 

[sport97]

I had no idea 225/70 was even a stock tire option. Many came with either 235/75s (about 29 inches tall) and the 16" wheel option came with 255/70/16s (about 30 inches tall). So the answer is yes, you can fit easily that tire, a 31" tire should fit without mods.

 

[FIND]

It will throw off your speedometer very slightly. It won't be a really big deal, you'll be going something like 63 when it shows 60.

235/75R15s are easier to find and cheaper, so go for it.

 

[slickemhoundd]

You will have no problems at all with either tire size, except ground clearance. Go with 31's! Year round Grabber at/2's take the cake regaurdless of what size you go with, they have performed better in all depths of snow than ANY tire ive ever had, great tread wear, good looking pattern and decent price. Im almost thinking of getting another set and ridding of my mt/r's..... sorry got a bit excited

 

[laneo9417]

Thanks for the info, much appreciated. Anyone have a set of Goodyear Wrangler SRA's or RTS's on their ride right now? Ive narrowed down my choices to these two mostly because of the price. I have seen mixed reviews for both but wanted to see if i could get some more opinions.

 

[rickybobby]

I ran RTS's for 1 winter, threw them away in almost new condition, they sucked that bad in the snow