Hey guys, is anyone running 255/45/17's on the stock 17" GT wheels? I really love the stock wheels but I think the 235/55/17 tires are too thin looking. Would a 255/45/17 fit correctly or would it look too big and bulky? I want the tire to take up about the same amount of space in the wheel well, but just be wider. Any help would be appreciated.

 

If you calculate the diameter using the aspect ratio, the OEM 235 55 has a diameter of 27.18" and the 255 45 has a diameter of 26.04". A 255 50 would give you a diameter of 27.04", which is close to your OEM diameter.

 

I always use this site when figuring tire size differences...

http://www.1010tires.com/Tools/Tire-Size-Calculator

I would suggest going wider too!

Compared to stock, I went with a 3/4"wider and a 1/3" shorter tire than stock with a simpler looking, summer tire which really changed the look a lot!

Now there's a slight bulge from the wheel.

 

What size tires are you running?

 

Gotcha, thanks man.

 

I'm running 245/45R18 on the rear and 235/50R18 on the front on chrome Bullitt rims. These are 18 x 8.5 rims, so up to about a 275 should fit without much problem with width. The tires are within limits of the stock size and the speedometer is right on. I have another full set, with 2 more 235/50's and 2 more 245/45's, so that I can match up all around, either way I want for the tires.

I bought two sets of 17" GT (10 spoke (5 double spokes) rims and use one set for studded snow tires (225/55R17) and the others I put on my 02 Explorer. Made the Explorer fun to drive now. No more sloppy corners. She tracks straight and true, with much better speeds, over the stock 6.5 inch wheels. Best mod for the Explorer ever done. IMO.

 

I ran 255/50 R17 on my stock wheels for a while. They fit fine. No rubbing issues or anything. They looked good too. Here's a couple pics to give you an idea. Keep in mind the 255/45 will have a slightly shorter sidewall

 

Thanks man, that does look nice. Looks pretty much exactly like stock, which is what I want. Happen to have any pictures from the back? Also, which Kumho's are those?

 

Surprisingly, no. I can't believe I never took one from directly in front or behind. The tires are Kumho Ecsta ASX, which I can't recommend. One reason why I don't have good pics is they only lasted me 2 years. And my biggest complaint was that while they had a good overall grip, when they broke loose there would be no warning and you would just go sliding. Even the Pirellis were better in that regard.

This is probably the best shot I have, from AutoX school:

 

Did you have the 255's on the front as well as the rear?

 

Yep, 255's all around