bigger tires on 06 explorer?

hey guys
i just got an 06 explorer xlt v8, and im lovin it! i have 3 questions though
on the stock suspension, what is the largest tire size i can fit without rubbing fenders or hitting the suspension/steering(or any other issues)? stock size is a 245/65r17. a 265/60r17 would be perfect but its a very uncommon size, but i dont know if a 265/65r17 will fit or not without any issues. what i would love is to put a set of 265/65r17 bfg all terrains on it
also, with the larger tires, is it possible to re-calibrate the ecm to show the correct speed rating on the speedo? i've seen this done on some f150's, not sure if the same thing would apply here.
if i can re-calibrate the speedo, how would i do it? do i need to use a ford scantool or would a snap-on modus suffice?

thx guys!

PS: i had this posted in the regular 06-10 section and had asked for it to be moved and it never was, so i re-posted here

 

[jadatis]

With both sises the speedometer does not have to be adjusted, the diference is so small.
I dont know if they may be fitted on your rims but probably they may.
With de /60 tires the diameter of the tire is 0.25mm smaller,so the same.
with the /65 tires the diameter is 26mm bigger so the speedometer will give a lower speed then with the old tires. because they give mostly to high in the normal setting, now it will give a more acurate speed.
Your gravity-point gets 13mm more of the ground. This makes the point of rolling over of the car comes a bit sooner, and Explorers are already known for that.
For these reasons I would prefer the /60 tires. Speed shows the same, and because of the wider tire makes the car even more stable.
You can re-calculate the advice-pressures with my spreadsheet.
Also whise to do so with the original tires because the formula I use ( from European ETRTO) comes to higher, so saver pressures then the American TRA formula( exception when original is 26 psi sometimes).
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums//showthread.php?t=257436

 

[jrford]

hey guys
iwhat is the largest tire size i can fit without rubbing fenders or hitting the suspension/steering(or any other issues)? stock size is a 245/65r17.

Iwas looking at 255/65r17 and i noticed that on mine there was only 10mm clearance between the sidewall and steering knuckle. I guess you could add shims, but i just went stock size.

 

[Nailezs]

With both sises the speedometer does not have to be adjusted, the diference is so small.
I dont know if they may be fitted on your rims but probably they may.
With de /60 tires the diameter of the tire is 0.25mm smaller,so the same.
with the /65 tires the diameter is 26mm bigger so the speedometer will give a lower speed then with the old tires. because they give mostly to high in the normal setting, now it will give a more acurate speed.
Your gravity-point gets 13mm more of the ground. This makes the point of rolling over of the car comes a bit sooner, and Explorers are already known for that.
For these reasons I would prefer the /60 tires. Speed shows the same, and because of the wider tire makes the car even more stable.
You can re-calculate the advice-pressures with my spreadsheet.
Also whise to do so with the original tires because the formula I use ( from European ETRTO) comes to higher, so saver pressures then the American TRA formula( exception when original is 26 psi sometimes).
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums//showthread.php?t=257436

i too would prefer a 265/60r17 tire, but its a very odd size with rather limited options

Iwas looking at 255/65r17 and i noticed that on mine there was only 10mm clearance between the sidewall and steering knuckle. I guess you could add shims, but i just went stock size.

well, if to run a 265/65r17, i would be willing to use shims...but does anyone here have any experience with using shims on our trucks? i imagine that would start to require fender flares, and new wheel studs, as well as worrying about rubbing points...

 

[Nailezs]

bump

 

[Richard09A]

i too would prefer a 265/60r17 tire, but its a very odd size with rather limited options



well, if to run a 265/65r17, i would be willing to use shims...but does anyone here have any experience with using shims on our trucks? i imagine that would start to require fender flares, and new wheel studs, as well as worrying about rubbing points...

I’m running 265/70/17 and they don’t rub at all. It’s roughly 31.6 inches. Pretty incredible if you ask me.