tire width vs. wheel width

Jeff7181

Lifer
Aug 21, 2002
18,368
11
81
What size tires go with what size wheels? For example, if I have an 18x7.5 in. wheel, what tire widths will fit on it properly? What about a 18x8 wheel?
 

Demon-Xanth

Lifer
Feb 15, 2000
20,551
2
81
Most of the time tire manufacturers will state what rim sizes a tire will fit on. Such as 6.5"-9". A tire with more sidewall has more play as far as what rims it will fit on because the sidewall can bend more to accommodate the rim.
 

franksta

Golden Member
Jun 6, 2001
1,967
6
81
The tire manufacturer will have recommended wheel widths for their various tires. But I think my truck has 17x7.5" wheels and I run a 275 tire which is the widest I could run.
 

Jeff7181

Lifer
Aug 21, 2002
18,368
11
81
Ok... so shouldn't have a problem putting 245/40/18's on a 18x7.5 inch wheel then ya think? I'm just thinking in general, not looking for the absolute limits.
 

GoatMonkey

Golden Member
Feb 25, 2005
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I think it would be a little wide for a 7.5" wide wheel. It's close though. An 8" wide wheel should hold a 245 pretty well.
 

Demon-Xanth

Lifer
Feb 15, 2000
20,551
2
81
Look at different tires that you'd like to have, then pull up the charts and see what matches.

Example:
I have 16x8 rims, stock tire diameter is 29", and want a BF Goodrich Radial T/A
http://www.bfgoodrichtires.com/specs/radial-t-a/12.html
265/60R16
275/65R16
285/60R16
295/50R16
are the tires that fit. However, to keep it close to my target of 29" in diameter, the 265/60R16 and 285/60R16 are my best alternatives. From there, it's a matter of preference or clearance in the wheel well.


 

fbrdphreak

Lifer
Apr 17, 2004
17,555
1
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245's are generally run on 8-8.5" rims. 275's are 9.5-10" rims.

A 7.5" rim should run a 225, although you can get away with a 235.

Keep in mind if you put say a 245 on a 7.5" rim, it won't have the same contact patch that it would have on an 8 or 8.5" rim. Some people stuff 275's on the stock 8" GTO rim, FWIW. I still wouldn't do it.
 

melchoir

Senior member
Nov 3, 2002
761
1
0
As stated earlier it highly depends on the sidewall that you're running.

I currently run 17x9.5 up front with 275 tires, and 17x11 in the rear with 315/35/17 tires.