Newbie Question on Tires.......

[Porthos]

Ok guys bare with me here, I have a stock 98 Explorer Sport. Now I have seen many posts on here about tire sizes and all but, well I dont really understand all the numbers.

Could anyone out there explain all the numbers to me?? For example what does P235/75R15S mean??? Also some people dont use that number; some people use something like 30 x 9.5 or something. What do these numbers mean??

Also, I just want to know what is a good tire and the biggest size I can put on my 98 Sport. Everything is stock and I dont want to do/dont have the money to do any modifications. Right now I have the P235/75 R15 S Firestones on there.

Thanks in advance for your help!!

 

[ExploderOne]

Although I know a few things about tire sizes, I think the Tire Rack has all the info you will ever want to know. Check it out at http://www.tirerack.com/tires/index.html - Click on "Tire Tech" at the left.

 

[ExplorGM]

Porthos

Quite a few guys/gals have gotten away with 31x10.5" tires without any modifications. Check out Ray Lobato's pictures. I think he had them. He may have gone larger by now though.
I fit 32"x11.5"/16s with just the torsion twist, and 285/75/16s (32.8"x10.5") with the torsion twist/upgrade, and some very minor fender trimming.The torsion twist is free and the extended shackles are cheap for an easy and cheap lift.
Rick