You Guys With Fat Tires . . .

If you dig deep, tire companies usually post an actual section width in the tire specifications. And as mentioned, if you put that tire on different rim width, that section width will actually change a bit too, so that must be take from a middle size in the recommended rim width range. If you are really stuffing a car full of tire and pushing the limits, you need to look at these details. The raised white letters are turned inboard on mine, and the only rub I get is turning into a raised driveway, where the rear axle articulates a lot. The raised letters will rub the inner wheel tub toward the front.

 

15X8 rear

 

mine are close and had thoughts of having the raised letters shaved off but I'm going in another direction.

 

Thanks all of you guys! That really helps me with my decision.

 

Since you're a tire expert, in your opinion, what would the difference in overall width (not tread width) be between a 235/60-15 and a 245/45-17 mounted on a 8-inch wide wheel? It is the sidewalls rubbing that mt of us wod be concerned about.

 

Section width is the measurement of the widest( bulge to bulge) part of the tire... Not the tread width. S/W changes with the manufacturer...up to a 1/2" or more...the same numerical tire from different companies can vary in S/W...which affects the overall width...I'll not be able to put a BFG 275/60-15 in the rear but could swing a Cooper 275/60-15,due to the difference in the S/W. If you look at tires on Summit, they list the section widths of their street tires...if you get it right the first time, go to the head of the class! I bought mine after much reading of discussions here on the board, and a lot of time measuring the empty wheel house and looking at advertised S/W's...this caused much "analysis paralysis" with my decision...good luck!

 

my 275/60 15s were...

Futura GLS Super Sport

 

I have 275/60/15 BFG Drag Radials and 15x8's on the back of my Comet..... There is about 3/8" clearance to the springs if I remember correctly, they clear great on both the outside too but I only have about 1/4" of lip still on there and the upper part of the openings are pushed out a little.....

 

Frank what is the backspacing on your rim?

 

don't remember right off...sorry

 

I am not sure what Frank you are talking to..... If it was me my backspace is 3.5, but my 9" housing is 1.5" shorter then a stock 8" width.....

 

my Bad...

 

I had 15 x 8 drag lites with 4.5 backspace with 275 50 15 Futura GLS tire tires rubbed when mounted added 1/4 spacer and I could not get my fingers between tire and leaf.

Now I have 18 x 10 forgot spacing 275 35 18 potenza tires combination of spacers I forget exact amount also could not get fingers between tire and leaf

15s had good lip clearance 18s much closer but works fenders have been rolled for both

 

Also had to massage front of inner fender with a big hammer for both sizes.

 

My Bad there fellas, shoulda been more specific with my naming...but it worked...thanks both