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 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.

 

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....

 

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.

 

this question is for v-10 e-350 or anyone who can answer this question! I have the 04 e-150 with 235/70/16 tires! can I put 365/70/16 on the rear? thanks for any help!!! JOE 04 e-150 5.4

 

Do you mean 265's? I believe that those would go on the rear OK--they are about the same size as 31x10.5x15's at about 30.5" tall. If you mean 365, I don't think there is any way--even if they make such a size.

But you will lose gearing advantage and depending on what engine you have, you may lose a bit or more than a bit of gas mileage after adjusting for tire size difference. It will really be a dog if you have a 4.2 or 4.6 engine. (Read my experience with 30x9.5x15's a couple posts up.)

Good luck,
George

 

265/75-16 BFG A/Ts on my 2005. slightest rub at full lock.

 

If you do nothing else, I would suggest upgrading to LT's from the P tires you have now.

 

+1 here!

I'm running a stock E250 with Michelin 245/75-R16's all around, new or good suspension (no sags) and there are no clearance issues ever so far.

I have added a heavy Hellwig rear anti-sway bar, upgraded the front bar to a heavier duty Hellwig too along with Bilstein schocks so not much chance of body roll that might cause a tire rub.

They do fit close up front to the eye but operation wise they've not been a problem at all.

I might have a photo or two in my gallery showing more of this---if not I could snap a few showing this a bit better for you.

 

I have a 05 E-150. I have the hubcaps on it now I would like to find some of the alum. rims from the chateau, 6 spoke #3552.
I have a question about tire sizes It has the 235/70-16 on it now. If I was to plus size to a 255/65-16 would they rub? and would I loose MPG? Obviously they are a little wider, Which is nice for handling here on the missouri back roads. Please give me you feed back on this ..............

 

Welcome Jammy. The stock 235/70x16's are virtually the same size as my 235/75x15's in terms of width and height. The "go to" upgrade on trucks and vans with 15" wheels was always a 255/70x15 and I have put those on many trucks and vans (like 4 or so) over the years. The 255/65x16 is just about identical to those so I'd say it would be a perfect changeover IF they make that size. (Note that they went to 16" wheels on the E150 in 2004(?) because they made the brakes larger than on my '02)

My experience was always losing a mile per gallon moving up in tire size from a 235 to 255 with the same diameter. If you get a low rolling resistance tire in the 255 size it might break even for you. It will be a bit less good in rain and snow but that depends on tread pattern. One caveat about handling is that the wider tire will tend to "flop" from side to side when settling into a corner. More so with the taller sidewalls I have used than for you.

My "ideal" upgrade with a 16" wheel E150 might be a 245/70, moving a tiny bit larger in diameter and width. I visually like a taller tire on such a tall vehicle. But I don't know what tires are available in these 16" sizes. I keep up on tires for my own cars (especially when the current tires are getting thin on one of them).

But your proposal is a fine one in terms of practicality--again, I did a 235/75 to 255/70 switch on 3 of my previous vans and also my '78 F100 pickup. I am pretty sure there are no clearance problems as I remember converters like Starcraft using 255/70x15's on their custom vans (and that's with running boards that can reduce clearance). The rear absolutely will have no clearance problems.

If you have Michelin LTX M/S tires on your van, I'd say you want to stay with them. I am on my 3rd set, and was forced to stay with the stock size (235/75x15). There are almost no 255/70x15's available these days. The Michelins are such good tires and they may handle better than a cheapo 255/70 anyway; they are great in our ugly Michigan snow.

George

 

I'm fully with YoGeorge on Michelin---no other way to go!

Yes they're pricey BUT I have a set with over 65K miles of Ohio driving that have at least 50% of their original tread left.

FWIW I run 245/75/R16's and there are no clearance issues on either of my E250's

 

Thank you both for the info... I am thinking we are going to go with the michelin's. That is what is on it now. They just scare me a little bit being that they are weather checked. I think it sat a little. my van is a 2005 with 117xxx on it one owner.

 

Good luck....I checked Discount Tire and the LTX MS2's are available in all of the sizes we are talking about (stock 235/70. proposed 255/65, and my fave compromise 245/70).

JWA mentions 245/75's, but he's got an E250 which sits an inch or two higher on the stock suspension than an E150--I think the front tires are a bit tighter when steering on the E150. And I would be cautions of too much of a diameter increase depending on your engine and gearing.

I replaced my 2nd set of LTX's because they were slightly weather checking as well (plus winter was coming), but they went 7 years and 65k miles. Discount Tire and Costco are both doing Michelin rebates right now, but Costco is weird about upsizing tires at times...depending on the manager at your particular location.

Good luck,
George

 

Thanks again George. I'll keep you posted on tire choice. This is my wifes ride so she will have the final say...LOL. I drive a 1994 Caprice classic wagon with the LT1. my 18ft hotrod...LOL