New Winter Tires Diameter Change

[RMFIX]

Hi There,

I was hoping somebody could help me with new winter tires for my Explorer Sport 2014.
Currently I have 255 50 R20 factory rims and rubber.

I just purchased 18 inch steel rims and new tires 265 60 R18 Michelin x ice 2

When I compare diameter of old and new wheel / tire package the difference is 0.5 inch - 1.57% higher.

Can this damage my transfer case or 4WD system on my explorer because the diameter of the tires is little different?

Thank you for your help

 

[peterk9]

Welcome to the Forum.
The diameter difference is 1.6%. https://www.tacomaworld.com/tirecalc?tires=255-50r20-265-60r18
This will not present an issue as the sizes are the same on all 4 wheels. I run 18" Winter wheels on my Explorer that came with OEM 20". On my 2011 Limited, I ran 17" but that won't work with the newer models due to the increased brake size.
Also, it would be very helpful if you added the trim level (Sport) to your profile so it always shows in the margin. Thanks.

Peter

 

[thefranchise713]

So long as all four tires are the same size as Peter said, you should be golden. It's when the tires don't match (or one has excessive wear, for example) that one gets into serious trouble. I think in that instance you are expected to keep the tires within 3% diameter to keep things in spec at that point.

But again, same wheel size, enjoy.

 

[RMFIX]

Welcome to the Forum.
The diameter difference is 1.6%. https://www.tacomaworld.com/tirecalc?tires=255-50r20-265-60r18
This will not present an issue as the sizes are the same on all 4 wheels. I run 18" Winter wheels on my Explorer that came with OEM 20". On my 2011 Limited, I ran 17" but that won't work with the newer models due to the increased brake size.
Also, it would be very helpful if you added the trim level (Sport) to your profile so it always shows in the margin. Thanks.

Peter

thanks Peter for your help. Another note: what do you think about going 265 winter tires instead of the 235-245 standard size they suggest?

 

[peterk9]

thanks Peter for your help. Another note: what do you think about going 265 winter tires instead of the 235-245 standard size they suggest?

For Winter tires you want to go narrower not wider for better traction in snow.

Peter

 

[thefranchise713]

Peter's right. Also be mindful of any clearance issues from the wider tires, too, if you do go end up going that route.

 

[RMFIX]

Peter's right. Also be mindful of any clearance issues from the wider tires, too, if you do go end up going that route.

Thanks for the info. Ex sport 2014 comes with factory 2 tire options 255 or 265.
I believe 265 winter or all season should fit without any problems?
Thanks

 

[kmarnes]

My 2017 Sport is equipped with 245 60R18s. They've been on for almost a month now and believe I was the first 17 Explorer at my local dealer to get winters installed. I ended up buying everything including sensors at different places and getting them installed at Ford.

 

[RMFIX]

looks very nice!! Today they are installing 265 60 R18 on my Explorer 2014 so will let you know how it goes. I just bought cheap steel rims but I hope there will be enough clearance as TheFranchise suggested. Will take a pic and post soon. I like the black rims how much did you pay?

Martin

 

[kmarnes]

Paid $160 CAD each for them. I like them because they are built for winter with the matte black. Clean and simple. Also covers the lugs which is nice for keeping out the snow and grime.

http://www.1010tires.com/Wheels/Winter+Rims/Touren+TR9/Painted/Matte+Black

 

[FNM]

Paid $160 CAD each for them. I like them because they are built for winter with the matte black. Clean and simple. Also covers the lugs which is nice for keeping out the snow and grime.

Winter Rims Touren TR9 (Painted/Matte Black) Wheel | 1010Tires.com Online Wheel and Tire Store

Hey sorry for the stupid question but I love the look of these wheels and wanted to know thoughts if I could do down from a OEM P255/50R20 on an explorer limited to the 18" TR9s. I asked a few places which told me the TR9's 'fit' but when I ask around places like Michelin they're telling me to stick to the same size. If that's untrue would I need to go for some 255 60R18 tire size too?

Edit: I reread the thread and seems like a few went down from 20 > 18. So just need some thoughts on which size tires

 

[kmarnes]

You need to get hard plastic spacers with the wheels for them to fit the gap. I don't believe you can fit R20 tires on an R18 rim... never heard of that. Not sure if that's what you are asking though. I bought a set for dedicated winters and got the wheels/tires together. I still have my stock oem 20" for my summer wheel/tires.

All 5th gen explorers (2011+) have the exact same hub specs and brake clearance is not even close to being an issue with these wheels. Got at least 2" of clearance.

Also if you just like the wheels you can get it in a 20" size too (ranges from 16-22").

 

[FNM]

Hey thanks. Glad you're online so quick

No I was thinking of doing the same for you (dedicated and swap out summer/winter). I have the 18" sitting in my house right now as I was told they would fit by three separate places. I went looking for tire sizes but before I clicked 'buy' thought i'd double check with the online help and ended up more confused! 1010tires told me they wouldn't advise on anything that was non-factory... hence the panic.

I have the 18" - would you recommend the 255 60R18s. I am thinking of the Michelin x ice. Tirerack weren't certain but they said 245 but want to get the right ones.

 

[FNM]

Hey thanks. Glad you're online so quick

No I was thinking of doing the same as you (dedicated and swap out summer/winter). I have the 18" sitting in my house right now as I was told they would fit by three separate places. I went looking for tire sizes but before I clicked 'buy' thought i'd double check with the online help and ended up more confused! 1010tires told me they wouldn't advise on anything that was non-factory... hence the panic.

I have the 18" - would you recommend the 255 60R18s. I am thinking of the Michelin x ice. Tirerack weren't certain but they said 245 but want to get the right ones.

 

[peterk9]

Hey thanks. Glad you're online so quick

No I was thinking of doing the same for you (dedicated and swap out summer/winter). I have the 18" sitting in my house right now as I was told they would fit by three separate places. I went looking for tire sizes but before I clicked 'buy' thought i'd double check with the online help and ended up more confused! 1010tires told me they wouldn't advise on anything that was non-factory... hence the panic.

I have the 18" - would you recommend the 255 60R18s. I am thinking of the Michelin x ice. Tirerack weren't certain but they said 245 but want to get the right ones.

I have the steel Interceptor 18" wheels that I use in place of my OEM 20" for Winter. They don't require anything different for mounting on my Platinum. The only thing I had to do was add the TPMS and because I wanted to use the center caps, a new set of lugnuts. As for tire size I'm currently using 235/60R18 tires because I also used these wheel on my previous MKT. When I replace them I will use 235/65R18 which are a direct replacement size. Speedo will be right on. For Winter you really want a narrower tire for better performance, less resistance in snow.
BTW, with a 2011 Explorer you can go down to 17" wheels. That is what I used on my 2011 Limited.

Peter.

 

[FNM]

Thanks Peter. good to know and a relief I've got the TPMS sensors, lugs etc.

Looks like the X-Ice X2 only comes in 235/60/18, 235/65/18, 255/60/18, 255/65/18 (no 245 options at all for 18"). You think the 235/60? My options look like it's profile vs. grip right between the 235/255? Also any recommendations on the plastic spacers? Don't really know what i'm buying there, seeing things from $10 for four to $50 each.

 

[peterk9]

Thanks Peter. good to know and a relief I've got the TPMS sensors, lugs etc.

Looks like the X-Ice X2 only comes in 235/60/18, 235/65/18, 255/60/18, 255/65/18 (no 245 options at all for 18"). You think the 235/60? My options look like it's profile vs. grip right between the 235/255? Also any recommendations on the plastic spacers? Don't really know what i'm buying there, seeing things from $10 for four to $50 each.

As I mentioned a 235/65R18 will be an exact match and I've been using the 235 for the previous 3 Winters. No issues with grip. I don't know about 'spacers' since I've never used them on the 2011, 2014 or current 2017. Here is what the one on my 2011 looked like c/w Ford wheel cover.
If you decide to go with the wheel cover you will have to get new wheel studs since they hold the cover on and have a flange that holds the cover on (see blow up).

 

[FNM]

Cool thanks Peter! I shall now go perusing to find the best price on the 235/65R18 Won't go Wheel covers as I want to copy @kmarnes look. Below is how they attach then they're finished off with a cover for the lugs.

Last thing I need to understand is whether I need these aforementioned plastic spacers and a good place to get them if I do. Kind of want to get them fitted and not have to go back and I don't live too close to any of these places.

 

[kmarnes]

At 1010tire you buy the wheel and the tire spacing kit together (or tirerack.com in the US). You can literally get them shipped to a designated dealer close to where you live to get them installed.

Btw, I misquoted my tire size.. they are 24560R18 (the recommended size), not 255 -- I just corrected my earlier post. The width doesn't affect too much and there is some play there. But for winters, you want your tires to be more narrow so you can dig into the snow.

Also I have Canadian Tire Motomaster tires... they are fantastic for snow conditions, even after a full season of use, I still have 12/32 of tread. Most new tires are 9/32. But there are tradeoffs, there is definitely road noise and they feel squishier when it comes to cornering and braking... definitely a huge difference from the summers. Basically I take it down a notch driving with these on.

 

[FNM]

annoyingly I bought the wheels separately.. I love to make things hard I guess I see them (below) after I added them to my cart in 1010 so i'll try their customer service for dimensions tomorrow when they wake up