Decision time on tires: What size for a non-lifted R50?

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Martinjmpr
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Joined: Wed Sep 21, 2016 3:59 pm
Location: Englewood, CO

Decision time on tires: What size for a non-lifted R50?

Postby Martinjmpr » Wed Dec 14, 2016 10:48 am

So I know this is probably a common question but I wanted to throw it out there again to get some input from real-world users.

With snow coming in and my crappy Kumho tires being inadequate for that, I've decided it's time for new shoes. This is for an 02 R50 Pathfinder SE, 3.5 and 5 speed 4x4.

I know the factory size for the tires is 255/65/16. The Kumhos it has now are 235/70/16 which makes them the same diameter as the factory tire but 3/4" narrower.

I'm about 99% certain that the tire I'm going to choose will be the Cooper Discoverer M+S, which is a snow/ice tire that has decent all-around performance. I had these on my 2007 4runner when I first got it and I liked them a lot. They did great in snow and ice and "good enough" in dirt, rocks and sand.

My only question at this point is: What size? There is no Discoverer in the factory size of 255/65/16.

My choices would seem to be:

1. Stick with my current 235/70/16 - obviously no change in diameter but keeps me with a tire that is almost an inch narrower than the factory tire. 29" nominal diameter.

2. 245/70/16 - this puts me only a half inch narrower than the factory tire and about a half inch in diameter bigger (1/4" radius difference.) 29.5" nominal diameter.

3. 245/75/16 - Same width as #2 but another inch in diameter. 30.5"

I'd honestly like to be able to run the 245/75/16s just for the extra diameter giving me a bit more clearance. Price on all 3 is virtually the same, as is availability.

So my question for the group is this: For a NON-lifted (and no plans to lift) R50, would a 30.5" tire be likely to rub? Keep in mind that it's a half inch narrower than the stock 255.

I'd like to hit right around 30" but that doesn't seem to be available with the tire sizes that this tire comes in (unless I could find it in 255/70.)

So what are the thoughts and experiences? Anyone else running 30.5" on a non-lifted Pathy?


fleurys
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Postby fleurys » Thu Dec 15, 2016 9:59 am

If your coils are not too collapsed then you're in good shape for 30.5. Do you have a picture of your truck stance as of today ?

Martinjmpr
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Joined: Wed Sep 21, 2016 3:59 pm
Location: Englewood, CO

Postby Martinjmpr » Thu Dec 15, 2016 2:16 pm

fleurys wrote:If your coils are not too collapsed then you're in good shape for 30.5. Do you have a picture of your truck stance as of today ?
Looks like this. Only 118k on it so I don't think the coils would be collapsed much.

Image

She's actually down at Discount Tire now getting the new shoes put on. I did decide to go ahead with the 245/75's. I figured the 1.4" difference in diameter (.7 radius) would probably not cause any issues, especially since 245 is still 10mm narrower than the factory spec 255/65/16's.

fleurys
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Postby fleurys » Fri Dec 16, 2016 6:40 am

You should be fine !

Martinjmpr
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Joined: Wed Sep 21, 2016 3:59 pm
Location: Englewood, CO

Postby Martinjmpr » Fri Dec 16, 2016 11:56 am

Yep, your right. They fit fine and fill up the wheel wells nicely. Looking forward to having good winter time traction now, especially with a big storm coming in tonight.

Image

fleurys
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Postby fleurys » Sat Dec 17, 2016 9:05 am

Looks good !

Martinjmpr
Posts: 9
Joined: Wed Sep 21, 2016 3:59 pm
Location: Englewood, CO

Postby Martinjmpr » Sat Dec 17, 2016 2:02 pm

Even better, we got about 6" of fresh powder last night. Driving home from a hockey game, visibility was terrible but the tires stuck to the road like glue. I really do like these tires for snow.


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