BlkSunshine77

Very true, BUT...
Putting a 255 on a 7" wide rim will not make the tire that much wider(it's restricted by the rim width)it makes it quite a bit taller as well.
I'll snap a few pix tomorrow if it isnt raining, they are definitely taller than the stock 215/65r16's, in addition to be a bit wider.
If you put those same tires on an 8" rim, they will be Much wider, but shorter.

There is a guy running BFG Radial TA's, 265/65r16 on stock rims, and I believe he switched to 285/65r16's on 16"x8" rims out back.
Those are HUGE.

Another example of a wide tire on a skinny rim equalling a much taller tire.. I am running 35x12.5 Goodyears on my 01 Xterra's 15x7 stock rims.
The tires are pretty tall and not quite 11.5" wide as a result of the rim used. (aftermarket rims dont work well on that truck, backspacing is odd).

Edit to add: You really shouldnt run anything wider than a 235 tire on these rims since they are 7" wide.
Take a look at Tirerack.com and see the size tires you want to run, and the suggested rim width.
I think 255's are about as wide as you can go without major issues.
Of course, others are a lot more conservative and recommend 235's tops or go with a wider rim for 255's.
Good luck

Trmachuno

TY
Good info!

Trmachuno

I just read on a site that our stock pony's are 16X8 rims! Is that true or are those only the pony spinners? I have the pony spinners and if their 16X8 what's the widest tire I can run on them(dimensions-ex: 295/65/16)?

Thanx

BlkSunshine77

The stock hallibrand style "knockoff" rims are 16"x7".
The pony package or GT bullit rims are 17"x8"
I have the top two different rims. 16's still on the car, and 17's sitting in boxes until the 16's burn out, or I upgrade the brakes to the GT ones that dont fit inside the 16's.

Then they have 18" and 20" rims on the shelby's, saleens and Rousch, etc..

Trmachuno

So what's the widest tire I can run on the rear of my stock 16X7's then 235? 245? Anyone?Will this make a bigdifference withtraction and hooking over the stock size 215's?
Thanx ahead of time.

rygenstormlocke

If you are planning on beating on the rear end at the track, and/or going with some serious tq, I would not bother with a tloc.

BlkSunshine77

Anything bigger than the 215's will be a significant improvement in traction.
Like I said, I am running 255/65's on a daily driver without issues (so far), but people have said that these tires will wear down faster because they are wider than the rim they are mounted on. Not a problem for me since I plan on going up to the 17"x8" anthracite bullit rims I have in my shed.
And then I can go A LOT wider. But more $$.

Ideally, I wouldnt go wider than a 235/65 to "play it safe", but what fun is that?
Check out all of these sizes and look at the MFR recommended rim width for the size you are looking at.
Tirerack.com has all of the specs of these tires.

Good luck and enjoy those 4.10's!!

Trmachuno

Are 245's wider than the rim? if yes are 240's wider than the rim? What do u think about theseideas for weight reduction (rear seat delete, front wsay bar, spare and jack, maybe trunk carpet and stuff under it)? Will my traction be affected by this weight removal? If so how?
Thanx ahead of time.

dshlvrsn

215's are wider than the rims (25.4 * 7=177.8mm). A good rule of thumb is no more than an inch overhang on each side (25.4 * 9 = 228.6) so 235's should be fine. The most extreme would be 255 but that would result in some serious mishaping if the tire tech can get the rubber on the rim.

The second number is where the height comes in. It's the ratio of the height to the width. A wider tire is only a taller tire if the ratio stays the same. A 255/40 tire is actually shorter than a 215/65 tire for instance. So you can change the width without needed to recalibrate your speedo if go with a lower ratio tire.

Much better off to find some wider rims. I got mine as new take offs but if you watch Craigslist there are always people selling mustang rims cheap. I just saw a brand new set of GT wheels with tires go for $220. (The buyer was going to buy my 16" wheels for $150 until this deal popped up...)

DelStang86

steelstang, I don't think you'll be gaining a full half second off your quarter just by running new control arms and subframes. The car we're running is already unibody, so it doesn't flex nearly as much as the new edge and previous cars. the subframes are pretty much only gonna be helping you with driving on the street, and not as much in the 1/4. if you're worried about traction, I'd recommend getting a better spring/shock setup than stock. you won't squat/nosedive nearly as much.