Tire Size Question...I know shocking right?

[AuerJeep]

So let us say hi first, we've been trolling around for the last several months since we bought our 04 Liberty Renegade last August. It only had 78K miles at the time and we got an amazing deal, but the last owners were definitely eco minded and actually installed low rolling resistance highway tires on it in the stock 235/70/16 size, so we're really interested a more aggressive look and better light off-road/winter weather performance.

Any way, we've been searching around and reading the great info here from other users, but haven't seen anything about this tire or this specific size:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004QL68SM/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

So, anyone ever use a 255/65? Doing the math, the height (29.05") should be almost identical to stock (28.95") and it will only be a couple centimeters wider than the 235s.

Will this rub? Will I need spacers? Reviews on the Hankook actually seem really good, and we definitely like the price. Its also only one of a few tires available in that size.

We're assuming its stock height, our front fenders are currently sitting at 31.5" measured from the ground and the rear is sitting 32" from the ground. We're definitely trying to avoid lifting the jeep right now, and from what I've read, to use 255/70s (30.5") we'd have to lift it, right?

Thanks in advance for any help...

 

[tommudd]

Measuring the way you did tells us absolutely nothing , measure middle of the wheel to bottom of the flare in front
Tires may fit, hard to say, I've had ones in my garage that sat 1.5 inches lower than stock height and 235-70-16s rubbed
Post up and we can give better answer

 

[AuerJeep]

Measuring the way you did tells us absolutely nothing , measure middle of the wheel to bottom of the flare in front
Tires may fit, hard to say, I've had ones in my garage that sat 1.5 inches lower than stock height and 235-70-16s rubbed
Post up and we can give better answer

:emotions122:

As I was measuring the first time, I actually said to myself, Hmm, maybe I should measure from the center. In any event, 18.25" from the center to the bottom of the front flair.

 

[tommudd]

:emotions122:

As I was measuring the first time, I actually said to myself, Hmm, maybe I should measure from the center. In any event, 18.25" from the center to the bottom of the front flair.

So you're about 3/4 of an inch to an inch below stock height . So I would say you're going to have to stay at the 235-70-16s or that height . New, 245-70-16s would work although there was some rubbing when fully turned .
Measuring from the center gives you more of a true reading since it takes the tire size / height out of the equation.

 

[AuerJeep]

So you're about 3/4 of an inch to an inch below stock height . So I would say you're going to have to stay at the 235-70-16s or that height . New, 245-70-16s would work although there was some rubbing when fully turned .
Measuring from the center gives you more of a true reading since it takes the tire size / height out of the equation.

Aren't the 245/70s actually a bit taller than the 255/65s? I would think they would rub more or is it the extra width that makes it more likely to rub?

:shrug:

 

[tommudd]

Aren't the 245/70s actually a bit taller than the 255/65s? I would think they would rub more or is it the extra width that makes it more likely to rub?

:shrug:

What I said was that we used to go up to a 245-70-16 when KJs were new due being a little bigger but they still rubbed, but with sagged older suspension I'm sure they would rub a lot.
The 255-65-16s will as well since they are a good deal wider than the original 235-70-16s and the fact you've sagged down now
size, section width, tread width
235-70-16 / 29.2 / 7.3
255-65-16 / 29.1 / 10.2 / 8.5
245-70-16 / 29.5 / 9.5 / 7.5

 

[CobraNutt]

FWIW...I run Yokohama Geolander A/T-S's in that size (255/65-16)...no spacers. Before my lift, I was at 19" hub center/flare and they would only rub slightly at full lock while backing. They're probably my favorite tire so far, except in mud...they tend to collect, rather than shed it. Rain and snow, they're awesome.

Sent from my mystical handheld gizmo.

 

[CobraNutt]

Oh...and they still rub at full lock while backing...even after gaining ~3" of lift.

Sent from my mystical handheld gizmo.

 

[AuerJeep]

Oh...and they still rub at full lock while backing...even after gaining ~3" of lift.

Sent from my mystical handheld gizmo.

That's crazy...never would have thought they'd rub with that much lift.

I'm thinking if the wheels had about a half inch less back space tires would fit a lot better . :shrug:

 

[CobraNutt]

Yes, but (1) I like my stock renegade wheels and (2) I don't want to add spacers and that extra stress to the hubs. But, that's just me.

Sent from my mystical handheld gizmo.

 

[AuerJeep]

Yes, but (1) I like my stock renegade wheels and (2) I don't want to add spacers and that extra stress to the hubs. But, that's just me.

Sent from my mystical handheld gizmo.

I'm with you on the spacers...really surprises me how popular they are. We're split on the liking the stock renegades. I like them, my wife not so much. I think it's mostly because the tires look crappy on them.

I've been tempted to try a 16x8 wheel...but that brings its own challenges.

 

[tommudd]

I'm with you on the spacers...really surprises me how popular they are. We're split on the liking the stock renegades. I like them, my wife not so much. I think it's mostly because the tires look crappy on them.

I've been tempted to try a 16x8 wheel...but that brings its own challenges.

16 x 8 is too wide on stock springs, plus run into tire sizes that work well on an 8 inch wide wheel then you have backspacing issues to deal with

 

[tommudd]

That's crazy...never would have thought they'd rub with that much lift.

I'm thinking if the wheels had about a half inch less back space tires would fit a lot better . :shrug:

Lift does not change the relationship of where the sway bar is and the tire/wheel combo.

 

[AuerJeep]

Lift does not change the relationship of where the sway bar is and the tire/wheel combo.

I seem to keep getting into vehicles that have limited wheel options...it's a good thing I'm a function over form guy. My "race" car only has like two or three production wheels that can support a 315 tire on a 17" rim and now the KJ with its limited wheel options.

Oh well, looks like I'll save some pennies and skip the wheel change and hope my lady falls in love with the Renegades once we get better looking tires on them.

I'll probably try out the 255/65s and see how bad the rub is, then go from there. We had a Tahoe with some rub on full-lock, right-turns, while backing. That didn't seem to bother either of us much. That and I really like the idea of keeping stock tire height so the speedo isn't effected.

So it looks like Dynapro ATMs, Cooper AT2s, or Yokohama Geolanders.

Primary use is highway and winter driving some light off roading hopefully in the future.

 

[CobraNutt]

My "race" car only has like two or three production wheels that can support a 315 tire on a 17"...

What is your "race" car? I run 315/35-17's on my Mustang. Perfect fit!
About two weeks before I lowered it (~1.8")

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I'll probably try out the 255/65s and see how bad the rub is, then go from there. We had a Tahoe with some rub on full-lock, right-turns, while backing. That didn't seem to bother either of us much. That and I really like the idea of keeping stock tire height so the speedo isn't effected.

Like I said, my 255/65 Geolanders only rub slightly at full lock in reverse, which is not something I do much of anyway, so, like you, I can live with it!

 

[AuerJeep]

What is your "race" car? I run 315/35-17's on my Mustang. Perfect fit!
About two weeks before I lowered it (~1.8")
Like I said, my 255/65 Geolanders only rub slightly at full lock in reverse, which is not something I do much of anyway, so, like you, I can live with it!

Nice!!! I figured that username wasn't referring to an actual reptile. This is my wife's supercharged GT...she's runs a 315/35/17 as well, but she wishes she had your FR500s. Here's her's from a few years back I can't find a current one right now:

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Opposites attract though, here's my ride on Laguna Seca...I was running 315/30/18s in the back at the time:

You must be registered for see images attach

 

[CobraNutt]

Sweet! Nice GT...and there's nothin' wrong with a little F-body action! I WISH my little GT was a Cobra...but the price was right for the color/options/body I wanted at the time I bought it in 2008. I've contemplated selling it...I don't think I put more than 500 miles on it last year...I've been having too much fun out in the Jeep! But, every time I take it out, I change my mind! lol!

My username is actually from many years of dreaming to build a replica Cobra...'65 AC type... Haven't made it happen yet, but I still dream of it!

 

[AuerJeep]

Sweet! Nice GT...and there's nothin' wrong with a little F-body action! I WISH my little GT was a Cobra...but the price was right for the color/options/body I wanted at the time I bought it in 2008. I've contemplated selling it...I don't think I put more than 500 miles on it last year...I've been having too much fun out in the Jeep! But, every time I take it out, I change my mind! lol!

My username is actually from many years of dreaming to build a replica Cobra...'65 AC type... Haven't made it happen yet, but I still dream of it!

Love me some Shelby...:hail: