Tire question

[jremington59]

I picked up a used explorer recently and the rubber is terrible. They are 245/70-16. I don't want to put on new ones until I know I'm keeping it and I can't find anything decent on Craigslist or anywhere else. I have a set of Michelin 225/70-16 that I'm considering putting on. I know they are a thinner tire but the guy I got them from ran them on his grand Cherokee.

My question is would this be dangerous to run these?

 

[koda2000]

I picked up a used explorer recently and the rubber is terrible. They are 245/70-16. I don't want to put on new ones until I know I'm keeping it and I can't find anything decent on Craigslist or anywhere else. I have a set of Michelin 225/70-16 that I'm considering putting on. I know they are a thinner tire but the guy I got them from ran them on his grand Cherokee.

My question is would this be dangerous to run these?

I don't think there would be a problem with that, but to be sure call a tire store and ask their opinion. even the 245/70-16 isn't the correct tire size. I think it's supposed to have 255/70-16's (that's what's on my '01 EB). check the door sticker to be sure.

 

[colintrax]

Nothing dangerous but it'll look funny. Kinda short and skinny for an explorer

 

[pbnj22]

might get a little better fuel economy... i wouldnt say dangerous.. but probably not as much traction in rain snow etc..

 

[DjDom]

I don't think there would be a problem with that, but to be sure call a tire store and ask their opinion. even the 245/70-16 isn't the correct tire size. I think it's supposed to have 255/70-16's (that's what's on my '01 EB). check the door sticker to be sure.

Stock size is 235/75R15 on 15s.
I think it's 235/70R16 on 16s, I might be wrong.


You shouldn't have problems running them. Your odometer may be a bit off though, +/- a few Miles at 60 mph.

I'm running 255/70R15. Looks much better with the wider tires.

 

[jremington59]

My door sticker calls for a 255/70-16 so I better not. I also have a set of 285/70-16 that might be a better fit.

 

[jremington59]

OK here?s another question. Would it be OK to run a 235/60/16?

 

[koda2000]

OK here?s another question. Would it be OK to run a 235/60/16?

the "60" part of the size refers to the aspect ratio of the tire (sidewall height to width) so a 60 series tire's sidewall would not be as tall as a 70. the only negative would the effect on the speedometer reading, which would read higher than actual speed (if 4WD/AWD as long as all the tires are the same height, or as long as your truck is just a RWD no other problem). it might look a bit weird...

 

[jremington59]

I think I'm going to have to just break down and buy new ones, lol. This hoping tires will work is driving me nuts. What the hells another 700 dollars, right?

 

[SoNic67]

My Sam's Club has Dunlop's at $555 for 4, with $40 rebate towards installation.

 

[colintrax]

Look up tire calculators on google. That'll help you figure out what these numbers mean. Stock for a 16" rim was 235/75r16 and 255/70r16. Stay somewhere on that range, or atleast go bigger. Explorers aint real heavy, so no need for a big fat tire. 235~265 width is plenty

 

[DjDom]

I think I'm going to have to just break down and buy new ones, lol. This hoping tires will work is driving me nuts. What the hells another 700 dollars, right?

Why buy new tires?
Go find a place with used tires. They're great.
And most places will install 4 tires, balance them, and put new valve stems for under $200.

 

[jremington59]

OK, I found these 285/70-16's. Are these to big?

http://watertown.craigslist.org/pts/3873379389.html

 

[SoNic67]

Remember, if you buy different size you need to buy the spare too. 285/70 will be taller too, not only wider.
You CANNOT run an AWD or 4x4 with one tire different than the others - read the user manual first!
I assume that you have AWD since you have stock 16" rims...

If you or your wife has a flat you will be tempted to use the spare that is the wrong size. Some guy here had the front diff damaged and probably the central differential too by running with one tire different (he had the AWD).