Tire Sizing Question - HELP!

coastietom · 11-19-2007, 07:06 AM

I am looking to upgrade my current tire/wheel set-up but don't want the whole "low-profile" look. I still want to keep an agressive look for a 4x4. I was just wondering if I should go with a 275/55/20 or a 305/50/20. I am not too familiar with how the sizes work so can somebody explain to me which one will be wider and taller than the other. I am looking to put some Cooper ZEON LTZ's on a set of ION Black 20x9 wheels but want to make sure these will fit as well as providing the right look. Can anyone post some pics who has these sizes so I can get an idea of what it will look? Thanks

**gr8titan** · 11-19-2007, 06:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by coastietom

I am looking to upgrade my current tire/wheel set-up but don't want the whole "low-profile" look. I still want to keep an agressive look for a 4x4. I was just wondering if I should go with a 275/55/20 or a 305/50/20. I am not too familiar with how the sizes work so can somebody explain to me which one will be wider and taller than the other. I am looking to put some Cooper ZEON LTZ's on a set of ION Black 20x9 wheels but want to make sure these will fit as well as providing the right look. Can anyone post some pics who has these sizes so I can get an idea of what it will look? Thanks

The sizes you are looking at has the following specs:
275/55-20: width=10.82in sidewall ht=5.95in tire diameter=31.9in
305/50-20: width=12.00in sidewall ht=6.00in tire diameter=32.0in

As you can see, the lower profile (50 series) tire is actually taller than the 55 series tire. The 305mm of course is wider than the 275mm and has more tire in contact with the road. I have a 305/50-20 tire and I am happy with it. Click on the links in my SIG for photos if interested.

To compare sizes, check this calculator: http://www.1010tires.com/TireSizeCalculator.asp
Hope this helps

**loufish** · 11-19-2007, 09:15 PM

Quote:

am looking to upgrade my current tire/wheel set-up but don't want the whole "low-profile" look. I still want to keep an agressive look for a 4x4. I was just wondering if I should go with a 275/55/20 or a 305/50/20. I am not too familiar with how the sizes work so can somebody explain to me which one will be wider and taller than the other. I am looking to put some Cooper ZEON LTZ's on a set of ION Black 20x9 wheels but want to make sure these will fit as well as providing the right look. Can anyone post some pics who has these sizes so I can get an idea of what it will look? Thanks

Don't want the "low profile look?"....Then don't go disco with the 20" wheels, there are plenty of "real" agressive tires that come in 17"-18" sizes that work much better...

coastietom · 11-20-2007, 05:24 AM

Thanks for the input.

After doing some research, I think I'm going to go with either the Cooper Zeon LTZ 285/60/18 or the Nitto Terra grappler 275x70x18 on a 18x9 wheel.

Should I have to worry about any tire rub issues with either of these sizes?

**loufish** · 11-20-2007, 08:35 PM

Quote:

Should I have to worry about any tire rub issues with either of these sizes

You might have to remove the mud flaps and do what's called the "pinch weld mod"(do a search)

The tires won't cause an issue, but almost all 9" wide wheels will. Most come with a 4.5" backspacing, but after the above mods you should be all right...many guys are running similar wheels.

coastietom · 11-21-2007, 12:47 PM

Thanks again for the help. When I get the new wheels/tires on I'll post some pics.

phi467 · 11-21-2007, 02:00 PM

I have a 04 4X4 LE that I put 305/55/20's on. I didn't put a leveling kit on and they only rub a little on full wheel lock. Send me your email info and I will send you some pics. I wanted to keep it looking offroad and this was the best wheel I could find. I love the wheels and tires.

305/55/20 Nitto Grapplers
20/8.5 Liquid Metal Turbines

**loufish** · 11-24-2007, 10:19 PM

Quote:

I have a 04 4X4 LE that I put 305/55/20's on. I didn't put a leveling kit on and they only rub a little on full wheel lock. Send me your email info and I will send you some pics. I wanted to keep it looking offroad and this was the best wheel I could find. I love the wheels and tires.

To complete the equation and avoid apples and oranges, you need to include the backspacing of your wheels...