I am running 255/70/16 on my 97 with 16x7 rims. Is anyone running anything wider. What is the widest tire that can be used on this size rim?

 

The best size for that rim is probably a 285/75-16 (33x11.50). You could run a 305/70-16 (33x12.50) but it is a little too wide for the rim and the center portion of the thread would wear out slightly quicker than the rest of the tire.

 

Yes you could get a 12.5" wide wheel on that rim. You will have to experiment with the tire pressures though to get a nice smooth contact area. I run 28psi on the backs and 30psi on the fronts with my 35x12.5x17 tire on stock 7.5" wheel. It gave a pretty flat contact area and the tires made it 40k miles. The center is still worn a bit more than the edges but nothing drastic.

kev