Will the side walls of a 255/55/r18 be the same height as a 295/50/r18? I plan on having 255 in the front and 295 on the rear. Heck id like to go 285/50/r18 all the way around w/ a 2/4 drop, but nobody seems to know if it will or wont give me any clearance problems. Can anyone help me?

 

its either im writting in a foreign language or the "know it alls" actually dont know

 

Hi mana, there is a formula you can use to determine wheel diameter, and works great for determining if you can do plus sizing, meaning going to a larger rim size and still get it to fit under the wheel wells. to calculate tire diameter use this:

(2 * section width * aspect ratio) / 2540 + rim size.

so for your example you would have
(2 * 255 * 55) / 2540 + 18 = 29.04 inches in height, and for your backs
(2 * 295 * 50) / 2540 + 18 = 29.61 inches. So based on this you can see that your back tires will be approximately 5/8" higher.

 

The 285x50x18 will actually be closer to same highth as the 255x55x18. They are 29.22" high. The only problem you may have is the width. I would have the tire shop mount the 285x5018's for you and give them a try. Any reputable tire shop that is going to sell this expensive of tire shop will usually work with you on this. If the 285 is to wide then just have them mount up the 255x55x18 and put the 285's on the back. I'm running 285x60x17 on my Navigator and have no clearance problems and it has been lowered about 2.5" in front.

 

Hi Mana

How about going with GoodYear Eagle F1's 295/45ZR-18 This is what the Lightnings have on them, so I am sure they will fit just fine.

Tirerack has them for $200.00 each plus shipping. I know I just had to buy one due to 2 nails in my left rear tire.