I just wanted to know if anyone had tried to mount 265/75R16's on their stock 16X7's on a 4x4. I have not yet lifted it and don't want to encounter any problems with rubbing the fender wells. I also plan on using Yoko Geolander A/T+ tires. Please let me know what you think of the combination.

Thank...
Matt
THE PEAR

 

A friend of mine installed that size on his F-150 2wd's stock 16x7" wheels. They fit fine, but i did not like the tallness of the tire sidewall. I believe the 265/75 16s are the size on the chevy trucks (at least the older ones). If you notice they have that tall sidewall. I prefer a larger diameter wheel and stick with a 60 or 70 series tire.

I know the dillema, I have the 16x7 wheels too and have contemplated with this. If I go to the 265, I will get the 70 series, they look better to me. The larger diameter of the 75 series will give you a speedometer offset that will have to be dealt with, if it bothers you.

By the way, I like michelin tires because they are true ro size. If you notice a 265 michelin next to a another brand, the michelin is wider.

Good Luck

 

airpear,
Go for it!
No problems mounting 265/75R16s on a stock rim. Also, no rubbing. In my opinion, a 75 profile tire is exactly what you want in a 4x4. You will get better ground clearance and they look much better.
The lower profile tires look better on lowered 2 wheel drive trucks, but not on 4x4s.
For opinions on Yoko tires, check with the tirerack surveys for those tires.

 

I had the 265/75s on my 97 4x4 and they aren't even close to rubbing. I now have some 285/75s on my truck because the 265s wore out and they don't even come close to rubbing. And believe me I tested them out. The only way 1 rubbed is while doing some mudding I hit the front bumper on a ridge and wedged some mud in between the bumper and the valance which turned the corner about 1 to 2 in in towards the tire which rubbed at only 1 small spot if I turned the wheel just right. Both of these tires were mounted on the stock rims.

 

Here's my rig with the 265/75/16's. I've also included a closeup of the tires.

No problem with the tires. I did have to change the VSS gear on the tranny to compensate for the speedo/odometer change. I had to go to a 19 tooth gear. Stock was a 20 tooth.

Just like Powerstroke73 said, the 285's will fit just fine too. They will just take away some extra gear. Another member, KYFordFreak has/had the 285's and while they looked great, took too much to turn them and bogged him down too much for his taste. It's just a matter of what is important for you. Do you want the looks or the performace. I like the 265's because it's a good compromise between the two. Much better looking then the 255/70's (mine actually had 235/70's on a 4x4:o )

 

Thanks for all the replies...now can you tell me where I get the gear for the spedo?

 

Any Ford dealership should have them. Depends on your rear axle ratio, but assuming you have a 3.55 and the auto it would be a tan 19 tooth gear. My 20 tooth one was black. They color code them. Once I said "I think it's tan", he knew which one to get. Only cost like $12. Takes two minutes to swap out. Maybe five, if it's your first time

 

airpair,

on the 97-98's you can simply replace the speedo gear, its cheap and easy. BUT, I noticed you have a 2001. 1999's and after you need to reprogram the computer, bummer. last quote I heard was about $125 at the dealer.

 

I just did it yesterday, same tires from "tirerack". Went from stock 235/65-16 to 26575/16. What a difference, plenty of room forget about any rubbing or any other problems. I'm still getting used to the tires and the change in handling. Lots of shifting since I'm in the mountains. Have to take an extra step to get in since the tires seem 2 or 3 inches higher. Do it. Drive away cost was $ 514. for 4 tires. Installer threw in a used spare (Goodyear 265 RTS) since I have limited slip.