monty98
Member
- Joined
- October 1, 2018
- Messages
- 42
- Reaction score
- 8
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 1998 Mountaineer 5.0 AWD
This forum has always been my go to for answers regarding my monties. Don't post often but do use that search a lot! Tons on here about tire sizes that fit stock which according to the door plate is 235/75r15. I ran into issue when went to install 255/70/16 on 98 mountaineer 5.0 that currently has stock 7" wheels from 3rd generation with 245/70r16's. Got the wheels & almost new tires used about 40k ago.. Everything fine but now at wear limit so time for new tires. Searching posts indicated should be able to go to 255 without issue. However, when pulled the 245's off it was discovered that the suspension on passenger side had worn a deep groove in side of the tire just above rim. They showed it to me. Back was rubbing some. I'm glad hadn't run them any longer. After discussion with the techs...the 255 certainly were not going on. But I didn't carefully check & they did not make comment about the driver side. They said suspension tight. My old tires wore evenly & rarely rotated. Any ideas of what the issue might be. The 245's are not significantly wider than the 235's and from all the rim & tire size calculators should have cleared with no issues at all.
One thing is the front passenger side squawks when first start out with the bouncing on the drive but disappears once down the road. The 97 does that also & it has all new front suspension. Not sure related in any way. But will probably have the front suspension checked elsewhere. I do like to have an idea of what the issue might be in advance tho as good mechanics hard to find here.
I have a 97 with stock 15's & new Cooper Discover AT3 235's so will probably move them to the 98 (regular driver) on Tuesday & then look at all the 245's carefully & try to get mechanic to give opinion on any suspension issues. Right now it looks like need to go back to 235's. Heading more to a highway tire instead of the at3's which like (have on my pu also). I sold my stock 15's so wondering about 235/70/16's if need to go back to a narrower tire.. Even searching for used 15" rims which are not common these days. Bit nervous about the shorter sidewall but other specs same so should not rub anywhere. Anybody running 235/70/16's or little taller? Any change is handling? Do they look strange? I live in the country with lots of curves, up & down & rain & roads not in best condition so don't want a harsh ride. Probably 50/50 freeway vs 2 lane & long gravel drive.
Any input, suggestions on what could be issue etc would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
One thing is the front passenger side squawks when first start out with the bouncing on the drive but disappears once down the road. The 97 does that also & it has all new front suspension. Not sure related in any way. But will probably have the front suspension checked elsewhere. I do like to have an idea of what the issue might be in advance tho as good mechanics hard to find here.
I have a 97 with stock 15's & new Cooper Discover AT3 235's so will probably move them to the 98 (regular driver) on Tuesday & then look at all the 245's carefully & try to get mechanic to give opinion on any suspension issues. Right now it looks like need to go back to 235's. Heading more to a highway tire instead of the at3's which like (have on my pu also). I sold my stock 15's so wondering about 235/70/16's if need to go back to a narrower tire.. Even searching for used 15" rims which are not common these days. Bit nervous about the shorter sidewall but other specs same so should not rub anywhere. Anybody running 235/70/16's or little taller? Any change is handling? Do they look strange? I live in the country with lots of curves, up & down & rain & roads not in best condition so don't want a harsh ride. Probably 50/50 freeway vs 2 lane & long gravel drive.
Any input, suggestions on what could be issue etc would be greatly appreciated. Thanks