Any issues with using larger tires???

[Bob E]

Need tires on my 2004 XLS. I'm thinking of getting 245/75/16 highway all seasons (from Tire Rack).

These are approx 1" larger in diameter and don't put that much more rubber on the road (reducing gas mileage) than the stock 235/70/16's. I think these would fill the wheelwells a little better.

Are there any probelms with putting bigger tires on (other than the speedometer being slightly off)? More bearing wear etc???

 

[High_Order1]

Bob,

I've been having problems ever since. Others on here have put some huge meats on theirs with no issues, but I have had a persistent front end shake ever since. I've even changed tires, replaced a bearing. No help there.

Good luck, though!

-Shawn

 

[Thelt]

My 2002 Limited came with 245/70/16 factory. I doubt you will have many issues other than your speedometer being off a bit.

 

[jimbo74]

putting bigger tires on is fine, i dont know what the issue shawn is having, it could be anything.....

 

[Thelt]

I doubt you will have many problems with larger tires, but I just got new tires and went with the stock size. I have put larger tires on several vehicles in the past and the truth is that they perform much better with the factory size, on the street anyway. Unless you plan to do some serious off roading, which is not a great idea in a third gen Explorer anyway, then I would go back with stock. Do what makes you happy though, if seeing bigger tires is more important than handling then go for it.

 

[abarkl]

My '03 EB came factory equipped with 245/65/17s.

 

[daprez1963]

Need tires on my 2004 XLS. I'm thinking of getting 245/75/16 highway all seasons (from Tire Rack).

These are approx 1" larger in diameter and don't put that much more rubber on the road (reducing gas mileage) than the stock 235/70/16's. I think these would fill the wheelwells a little better.

Are there any probelms with putting bigger tires on (other than the speedometer being slightly off)? More bearing wear etc???

with the stock tires....if you were driving 60 mph (96.54 kph) then the narrower tires would read 63.14 mph (101.59 kph) a gain of +3.14 mph.

as long as you are not in a climate that needs more tire on the road (rain or snow), it shouldnt be much problem. i prefer to stick with the stock tires though. seem to last pretty well.

 

[Thelt]

I just got a set of Savero GT Radials in the stock size, 245/70/16 and I am pretty happy with them so far. They are basically street tires with some all weather capability. Living in North Carolina I do not need a lot of snow traction and the only off-roading I do is on the beach so all terrain tires are not needed.

 

[neonarc77]

I put BFG AT 285/65/18s on about 3 months ago. 60/40 on road/off road use for really beat up dirt roads and no problem on or off road.