Tire Change Question
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 5,967
Likes: 7
From: Eccles, WV
Tire Change Question
I have a 01 250SD 4X4 with a 7.3. The truck has crappy Firestone 265R75/16's on it. I called the previous owner and he stated that Ford had replaced the tires on the the truck three times due to problems with them. The tires cannot be balanced. When balanced, it will last 700 to 900 miles, then the vibrations start again. I am ready to junk them. I do not want to lift the truck as I use it to tow a 5,500 pound horse trailer (loaded). The Goodyear dealer showed me a set of 305R70/16's All-Terrains yesterday. The tire looks like it will be actually about 1/2 inch taller when mounted.
Will this tire fit without rubbing? I am planning i\on using the factory 8 inch wheels.
Also, I know it will change the speedo some. Will these tires affect the antilock brakes?
Will this tire fit without rubbing? I am planning i\on using the factory 8 inch wheels.
Also, I know it will change the speedo some. Will these tires affect the antilock brakes?
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,753
Likes: 3
From: Phenix City, AL
305's will fit with minor rubbing on the fender liner. Look in my gallery, before the lift to see what 305's looks like on 16 inch rims. They are a little too wide for the stock 7.5 inch rims though. You would probably be better off with 295/75/16's. Most guys get no rubbing at all with this combo and they are fine on your stock rims.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 5,967
Likes: 7
From: Eccles, WV
Thanks for the reply.
Which part of the liner will they rub, on the front or the back?
I can deal with the back. It is quite loose and I can push it back about one inch and secure it with insulator fasteners. I don't want to cut on the front.
I need the wider tires where I live. It is quite rough. I want to be able to run lower air pressure for a better ride.
Also, will it screw up the antilock brake?
Which part of the liner will they rub, on the front or the back?
I can deal with the back. It is quite loose and I can push it back about one inch and secure it with insulator fasteners. I don't want to cut on the front.
I need the wider tires where I live. It is quite rough. I want to be able to run lower air pressure for a better ride.
Also, will it screw up the antilock brake?
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,054
Likes: 0
From: The Great Plains
run a 285 series tire, same height, just not as wide. I run 305's on 16x10's stock height and would only rub on the left side at full left lock. Maybe pulling out of a parking spot. Running a taller tire won't affect antilocks, as long as they are all the same height. You run into problems when front as spinning faster than the rear, ect.
Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
From: Morehead, KY
Yes they'll fit but they will wear out in the center really quick on stock rims. I added a leaf in the front of my truck and the 305's don't rub at all now. Just be aware that the center of the tires are gonna wear twice as fast on that narrow a rim.
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,753
Likes: 3
From: Phenix City, AL
The 305's will rub a little on the front fender liner on the back side. That is at full lock and hitting a bump or curb, otherwise no issues. But, like above, on a stock size rim the 305's WILL wear poorly in the center. The 295's will fit fine and area actually slightly taller than the 305's. I would go with those if I did it again.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 5,967
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From: Eccles, WV
Hey Guys, thanks for the replys.
Gimp 419, you stated that you added a leaf to the front. What did you add, where did you get it and what did it do? I am figuring that it leveled your truck. Did you have to have an alignment after doing that?
BRF, I am aware of the center wear problems. That can be adjusted with tire pressure. I am not really worried about the wear. I want to keep my factory steel wheels, I am not fond of Aluminum. They are pretty, but the chemicals that they use here in the winter are just destructive. I guess that I am going to BFG and have them pull me some tires so I can see the differences.
Gimp 419, you stated that you added a leaf to the front. What did you add, where did you get it and what did it do? I am figuring that it leveled your truck. Did you have to have an alignment after doing that?
BRF, I am aware of the center wear problems. That can be adjusted with tire pressure. I am not really worried about the wear. I want to keep my factory steel wheels, I am not fond of Aluminum. They are pretty, but the chemicals that they use here in the winter are just destructive. I guess that I am going to BFG and have them pull me some tires so I can see the differences.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 2,059
Likes: 426
From: Too close to Houston
You may have to live with excess wear in the middle. If you deflate enough to get even tire wear the tires are going to be awfull soft and squirrelly. It's generally not worth compromising handling (safety) to improve tire wear. I wouldn't put anything wider than a 285 on stock rims. That's what I have now and if I ever do it again it will be on wider rims.
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