1996 E150 Max Tire Size With No Rub

[KYC]

Currently has 235/75r15 (28.9")

Front ride height is 22"

Rear ride height is 23"


What are the biggest tires I can get that won't require any modification. I do not want any rub whatsoever.

I guess the front measurement is the important one...


I need tires for light offroad. Dirt roads, sandy washes, snow, etc.

I would be airing down (don't know if this matters?)

For those with larger tires, how has it effected the steering stability at highway speeds?

Thank you :smiley_drive:

 

[Mwilliamshs]

Several things:

First, 235/75-16 probably isn't your actual tire size. More likely that you have 15" wheels. Why? 15s are OE for your van and a 235/75-16 would be 29.8, not 28.9 inches tall.

Second, the wheel arch shape clears 235/85-16 as OE on E-350 vans with only minor differences in loaded ride heights. That's a 31.6" tall tire, but only ~9" wide.

Third, you asked about "biggest" tires. Do you mean tallest? Widest? Tallest & widest? Height is more easily obtained at modest widths.

Fourth, since you either typo'd your tire size or have non-stock wheels, you should clarify which and if non-stock wheels, their size and backspacing matter a great deal.

Fifth, where are your ride height measurements taken?

I've seen 31x10.50-15 tires on E-150 vans on 15x7 F-150 wheels which caused a little rubbing when loaded, twisted and turned. The width was the issue. I suspect 235/85-16 is as tall as an un-lifted but not saggy 1/2 ton van could hope to clear. The later vans came with 16s stock on E-150s. My 16" steel wheels came from an 05. I have 225/75-16 tires that are essentially the exact same diameter as the 235/75-15s that were OE (in your case and mine), but slightly narrower.

 

[villageidiot327]

i put 3/4 ton front springs in mine, gave it 1.5" lift, but not "lifted"

running a 265/70-16 on an 8" wide rim with 4" backspacing, and so far no rubbing.

 

[Mwilliamshs]

i put 3/4 ton front springs in mine, gave it 1.5" lift, but not "lifted"

running a 265/70-16 on an 8" wide rim with 4" backspacing, and so far no rubbing.

That's a 30.5 x 10.3 tire.

 

[KYC]

You're right.

It is a 15 rim. It was a typo.

Ride height was taken from ground to exterior wheel well fender/quarter panel.

The tires I want (grabber AT2), only make the 265/70/15 in 4 ply.

I've opted for 30/9.5/15. They come in a 6 ply, but have lower weight max, which should be okay. From what I'm reading, anything bigger might rub and I don't want to really deal with that.

 

[Bbasso]

Since I have a E350, use this as an example.
I fit 265 75 16 BFG A/T with the slightest rubbing at full lock, but easily fixed with a bfh.

 

[Mwilliamshs]

Since I have a E350, use this as an example.
I fit 265 75 16 BFG A/T with the slightest rubbing at full lock, but easily fixed with a bfh.

31.5" x 10.39" rubs on a van where 31.6" x 9" didn't. Again, the width is the issue.

 

[Petrolburner]

Not directly related, but if I switch tires on my 4" WeldTec lifted E350, I will probably go with 255/85-16, tall and narrow. If there was an affordable tire that was taller, while still narrow, I would go with that. The narrow tires are what keep my 2WD van moving in the sloppy stuff. It doesn't like soft sand and probably wouldn't without another couple hundred horsepower and 15" wide paddle tires.

 

[Mwilliamshs]

Not directly related, but if I switch tires on my 4" WeldTec lifted E350, I will probably go with 255/85-16, tall and narrow...

33" x 10". I'm also a fan of tall and skinny. Loved 255/85 on my Isuzu Trooper and 215/85 on the Tracker.