Widest tire tread on stock rims ???

[Speckketcher]

This has probably been asked before....anyway, What is the widest tire tread that can be put onto a stock 16" wheel. I have a 2002 T-Blazer LT and it's time to replace the original tires which are 245-70-16 Open Trails. I was hoping to go a lil wider to replace them. Can I go 255 or 265 safely? Also, do I have to stay at 70 or can I go 75 on the heigth? I am looking at the Goodyear Fortera Silent Armor. Anyone with tire knowledge please provide me with the info...Thanks !!!

[betts687]

First of all, you have the numbers baclwards. The 265 is the tire wall height, from the wheel to the tread (height of tire) and the 70 is the tire width (tread width). Most people have easily been able to put 265/70/16's on thier truck but in order to do so you will need spring spacers, at least for the front. I plan to put this size a/t tire on mine this summer when i get the $$. Any other questions, I'd be glad to help

[maxwedge]

Tirerack.com can provide you with recommended tire size alternatives that are in the proper range for your suspension and wheels.

[Speckketcher]

[quote=betts687] First of all, you have the numbers baclwards. The 265 is the tire wall height, from the wheel to the tread (height of tire) and the 70 is the tire width (tread width).

betts687..... Either my info is wrong or yours is.
According to this link, 265 is the width from sidewall to sidewall and 70 is the heigth of the sidewall....which is what I mentioned.....thanks for your help

http://www.discounttire.com/dtcs/infoSidewall.dos

[ScarabEpic22]

Originally Posted by betts687

First of all, you have the numbers baclwards. The 265 is the tire wall height, from the wheel to the tread (height of tire) and the 70 is the tire width (tread width). Most people have easily been able to put 265/70/16's on thier truck but in order to do so you will need spring spacers, at least for the front. I plan to put this size a/t tire on mine this summer when i get the $$. Any other questions, I'd be glad to help

Yea, sorry to burst your bubble, but that is wrong. 265 is the width of the tire from one side to another across the treat and the 75 is the ratio of the tread width for the sidewall height.

[betts687]

damn your right, i feel like an idiot. I never can get those right. Oh well anyway I know you can fit 265/70/16s, with spacers, and possibly 265/75/16s, not sure on those however