[Ajax]

I've got the factory 235/70/16 Goodyears on aluminum rims on my Escape still, and they're getting a little slippery in the rain and I've started looking at new tires. I'm considering keeping the stock rims and putting a slighty wider tire on there. I remember hearing the rim can handle a 255 width but I'm not sure what the sidewall would be? 60? I'd like to stay near the factory overall height. If anyone knows thanks!

 

[Ajax]

I couldn't find anything on Tirerack.com but the guy at the friendly local Pep Boys had a big shiny Book of Rims and Upsizing, he said up to 255/65/16 is cool on the rim. P

After looking at a few local shops with bland looking highway tires, I ordered some summer street tires off the Rack, General Grabber UHP in the 255/65 size. They were the 2nd highest rated street tire, with outstanding wet/dry traction (good for Florida). They probebly won't last long but should be fun while they're on! :yahoo:

 

[Ajax]

Cool, looks like the speedo error will be negligable (70.24 mph at indicated 70 lol) and I shouldn't have any rubbing problems. I remember from our old sight someone saying they popped these on the factory rims and had no problems. Tire rack called me today to confirm that I wasn't buying stock sizes, that they will fit the factory 7" wide rim no problem, and also recommended to check them while the vehicle is on the lift for clearance etc.

Since I'm keeping the vehicle now instead of selling it (the terrible economy will not support selling my Escape for anything close to what I owe on it) I might as well go back to modding it. I'm considering lowering it too but not sure how the wider tires will like that.... :worry:

 

[Ajax]

Lol I'm glad you're enjoying it Scott. It's time to look forward, not back, to newer and more exciting mods.... lay:

 

[Ajax]

Well they were delivered Mon and mounted soon after. No good pic yet (too rainy and dirty) but they look good, add just a bit of width and they look interesting, street pattern but definitely a truck tire (tall sidewall etc.) They also ride alot quieter than the factory Goodyears. No test of grip yet really, just went for a leisurely drive last night. I'll test them soon though!

 

[Ajax]

I never did take any pics, I will when it warms up and I can clean the Escape up.

I haven't had any problems at all with the wider tire, rubbing or otherwise. I think it looks better on there too. I do love the Grabber UHPs too, the wet traction is a HUGE improvement for me and I'd recommend them to anyone for summer or (southern climate) all year tires.

A lift eh? I didn't see that coming with your truck Scott.

 

[Ajax]

*sigh* I finally took pictures of my "new" tires and Photobucket goes down, I can't log in.

Check back tomorrow and I'll have some pics for ya Scottie!

 

[Ajax]

Ok here they are, General Grabber UHPs, size 255/70R16 on factory rims:

 

[Ajax]

Thank you pupster, I forgot they were 255/65. Same rolling diameter as the 235/70 so no errors or needed corrections to the speedo.

 

[Ajax]

Thanks Scottie :thumb:

I think it looks a little better with the 20 mm wider tire, there is zero rubbing turning even lock to lock. I believe the tires are slightly heavier than the stock ones (I think 2 lbs) and I'm told this will decrease acceleration slightly but I haven't noticed anything. I also like the way they look on the rim, they're a bit beefier and stick out just a bit.

I think you can also go with 245/65 and have the same basic rolling diameter if you want. Anything over 255 will have some rubbing, so I've heard.

 

[Ajax]

What? Great! I gave you all that advice, and took all pictures for you Scott, all for nothing!?!?! :rant:

I can tell you're a Colts fan ;-|

 

[Ajax]

These tires have been a huge upgrade over the factory Goodyear Wrangler SR-As. Now that was a highway tire (ie. high mileage generic style) while this is a street sport tire (low mileage high traction) so my traction on both wet and dry are vastly improved. What I've heard about going with wider tires usually applies to snow (like your analogy) but I don't plan on going anywhere near it down here in Florida, and will be cautious if I come across it. I don't get any "bump steer" or tramming from ruts or bumps like you mentioned either. The only effect I noticed was (and I was told about this before, so it may be psychosomatic) the percieved loss of torque- it seems to take a tick longer to get up to speed. But I can't really tell without having timed it before and after.

So I don't know if the width has anything effect performance wise, since it was a complete 180 on the design itself. But I'd do it again in a heartbeat, it looks great and has virtually no negatives, IMO.

 

[Ajax]

Does anyone know how large of a diameter you can go without interfering with anything or making any changes?

It's what I got, 255/65/16. It is virtually the same size diameter as 235/70/16 so it does not affect the speedo/odometer, and as wide as you can get without any rubbing at all.