Upsizing my tires on my 2006 E-150 - NEED HELP!!!

[PITMASTER]

I need new tires for my 06 E-150 passenger van. Stock size is a P235/70/16 Mich. LTX (29 in tall). I think the tires look a little small for the van and was thinking of going to a 245/75/16 (30.5 in) or even a 255/75/16 (31.1 in). I'm wondering about clearance inside the wheel wells while turning and I already know about the speedo issue. I hope you guys can help me out as I will have to order the tires by Monday. Thanks.

[V10E350]

I had 265s on my E350 and they rubbed a little in hard turning. I went back to the stock size of 245s and there is plenty of clearance. All vans share the geometry and essentially have the same clearance, just softer or less capable suspension.

[YoGeorge]

Originally Posted by PITMASTER

I need new tires for my 06 E-150 passenger van. Stock size is a P235/70/16 Mich. LTX (29 in tall). I think the tires look a little small for the van and was thinking of going to a 245/75/16 (30.5 in) or even a 255/75/16 (31.1 in). I'm wondering about clearance inside the wheel wells while turning and I already know about the speedo issue. I hope you guys can help me out as I will have to order the tires by Monday. Thanks.

I tried 30x9.50x15's on my '02 in lieu of the 235/75x15's. They fit just fine (29.5 inch diameter) but between the larger size and the gnarlier tread (Firestone Destination AT's) I lost a full 2 mpg--after adjusting for size difference. Fortunately, Firestone had a 30-day money back deal, and I got some 235 Michelin LTX M/S's on it, returned the Firestones, and lost a net of $40 or so for mount/balance fees, which I recouped in gas savings in not a long time.

Especially if you have a 4.6, the engine will have a harder time pulling the van around with larger tires and you may lose some mileage.

I'd go with a slight upsize to 245/70x16's and call it a day....

[clev]

My 1985 E-150 w/351w 4bbl came with 235/75R/15's. I opted to change them to 30/9.50/15's many years ago and have not looked back. The fuel economy sucked from the beginning, 11 ~ 13, and it's still the same with the 9.50's. The 9.50's look and ride better, plus they have a higher load rating. I've been using them since about 1993, will NEVER get rid of Ol' Brownie, and will continue using them.