Tire Size Question- 17" stock wheels

[fuelrod]

All-
I'm sorry for such a vanilla question... I searched quite a bit trying to avoid being 'that guy' to no avail.

I have a 2003 Explorer, with the stock 17x7.5" wheels. As much as I like the truck, it has had problem after problem, and it's time to unload it before the warranty runs out. It needs some new rubber, and money is tight. I found someone with 4 almost new 265/65/R17s for super cheap money. Stock, the truck came with 245/65/R17s. Will I run into any clearance issues with a 20mm wider tire? I'd really like to go this route if they'll fit, but don't want to create a problem for myself or the eventual new owner either.

Any experience??

Thanks,
Bob

 

[fuelrod]

Anyone have any thoughts on this? These tires are available this afternoon, and they won't last. I'd like to jump on them if they'll fit. I'd really appreciate some advice.

 

[FROADER]

trying to avoid being 'that guy' to no avail.

That's funny.

Others have fit 265s on the 3rd gen. If your getting rid of it, I say go for it.

 

[fuelrod]

Thanks Froader! Nice avatar by the way...

I love the truck, but have had SO many problems with the power steering (pumps + racks) that I know I'll be fixing it out of my own pocket as soon as the warranty runs out. 3 pumps and 3 racks so far in 80K!!!!

 

[SuRrEaLNJ]

Im gonna 2nd Froader. The 265s should fit with roughly 1/4 to spare if im not mistaken.

 

[fuelrod]

Thanks again Guys!

 

[CDW6212R]

That would be a 30.5" tire, what I have now. I think 30" is best for a street Explorer, but those will fit. BTW, what kind of fluid did you have in the steering, curious? Good luck,

 

[fuelrod]

Honestly, I'm not sure. It's whatever the dealer put in. Before replacing the first rack, they added 'friction modifier' per Ford's recommendation. That didn't fix it. I haven't had a problem with fluid leaking either. It's just that every 25K or so, the p/s gets real noisy, and it's generally the pump or the rack. Sounds to me like there is a much bigger problem, but my dealer is horrible, and won't do anything further than replace parts (read: is not capable). Unfortunately, my warranty limits me to using that dealer. (last time I make that mistake)