Tire Size Recommendations ...

[Shane]

What would you guys recommend for tire size on an 18" x 8.5" size wheel ... same size wheel front and rear, but would like a little taller tire in back.

Going on a stepside truck on bags ....

Any recommendations would be wonderful.

[C10-Driver]

I am planning to go with 18x8.5 wheels with 255/45ZR18 rubber up front (27" tall) and 18x10's and 295/45ZR18's in the back (28.3" tall). IMO a wider wheel on the back looks way better. The Nitto 555 line has a good selection of 18" tire sizes available if you haven't checked them out already.

I don't know if you have seen this tool but it is pretty cool for checking out how various tire combinations will work together.

http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

Picking tire and wheel sizes is a painful process isn't it.

[Shane]

I agree a wider wheel looks better, but I bought a set of Billet Specialties 18 x 8.5 for a racehorse deal ... all four same size.

Thus my dilemma. I was thinking along the lines of a 245/45/18 for front ... but was lost on the back tire. Would like a little more sidewall and width for the back, but was unsure just how much would work on an 8.5" wheel.

Here's what I was thinking ... you guys tell me if I am on the right track, or off my rocker.

245/45-18 - front - 26.8 in. tall
255/55-18 - rear - 29.0 in. tall

P.S. Thanks for the link - very good information there.

[SCOTI]

Those sizes look good to me. Should be a decent fit for the rim size, offer decent enough ride quality, & a slight rake.

[C10-Driver]

Originally Posted by Shane

I agree a wider wheel looks better, but I bought a set of Billet Specialties 18 x 8.5 for a racehorse deal ... all four same size.

Thus my dilemma. I was thinking along the lines of a 245/45/18 for front ... but was lost on the back tire. Would like a little more sidewall and width for the back, but was unsure just how much would work on an 8.5" wheel.

Here's what I was thinking ... you guys tell me if I am on the right track, or off my rocker.

245/45-18 - front - 26.8 in. tall
255/55-18 - rear - 29.0 in. tall

P.S. Thanks for the link - very good information there.

Depending on what look you're going for, the sizes you suggested will work OK. I am currently running 255/50-17's (27") on the front and 275/55-17's (28.9") on the back. I am swapping them out because I didn't like the look... There was too much sidewall difference front to back and, to me anyway, it looked a little funny.



You may want to thing about something in the 50 series on the back instead (255/50-18 - 28" tall). Like I said, it depends on what YOU want. It is such a personal thing.