Change of tire size – 255/70 to 265/75

[manousos]

I recently bought a 1999 Explorer Sport with a set of 255/70 R16 tires that need replacing. Current options include a set of 265/70 Goodyears or Nokian.

I understand the difference between the two tire sizes….so I’d like to know if it is OK to deviate from the factory recommended tire size to something wider??

 

[Sal33n]

Chances are high that the size you have on there now is not original either. To stay true to origanal diameter as much as you can - the wider the tire, the lower the aspect needs to be to stay true.

 

[joe doe]

most dont know that 255/70/16 is standard on all sport series 2 door ex`s .
you will be fine with 1 size wider ,might use a tad more gas as you now have more rubber on the road .

its ok to go 1 size wider or smaller in width but do not change the height of the tire ,stay with 70.

i just replaced my tires and found a great deal on some yokohamas but they were 245/70/16 ....like new for 300.00 for the set so i bought them .
no issues .

 

[SoNic67]

...but do not change the height of the tire ,stay with 70.

70 is not the height of the tire. Is the "aspect ratio":
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/techpage.jsp?techid=46
Going from 255/70 to 265/70 will increase the actual height of the tire with 14mm (over 1/2").
To keep the same tire height for 265 width, it would require a 67 AR.
IMO, 65 is closer of that than 70.

 

[anyexcuse]

Again, here is a handy as heck calculator for tire sizes and diameters and speedo error!


http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/tirecalc.php

Youi can change both of the tire or rim sizes to whatever you want and compare. It even shows what it will look like.

 

[sport97]

You should be able to fit a 265/70. A 265/75 would require a bit of lift.

 

[manousos]

Again, here is a handy as heck calculator for tire sizes and diameters and speedo error!


http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/tirecalc.php

Youi can change both of the tire or rim sizes to whatever you want and compare. It even shows what it will look like.

Thanks, that calculator works really well