whats the maximum tire i can use on a 7.5" wheel? ive done some searches and someone said 245 40 17 was the max.. i called tirerack and they told me that that size tire would not bead properly. and that in a hard corner, the tire might fall off the wheel.

what about a 235 40? or 235 45? the 235 40's overall diameter would be about a half inch too small compared to the oem wheel/tire diameter. what disadvantages would this have? would using a 45 series tire be better?? would it even fit on a 7.5" wheel??

argh.

my dilema: 4 17x7.5" wheels +48 offset..

thanks,
brian

 

I use a 245/45/16 on the rear stock wheels at the track. It has seen as much cornering force as any without problem. Perhaps mine is at the edge of acceptable and the slightly lower 40 profile you are considering is beyond the limit.. or maybe not.. tirerack will always stick to the recommended sizes.

 

You're just the latest guy to get hooey from Tire Rack. They seem to be becoming more concerned about liability and returns than they are about satisfying enthusiasts.

My 245/45-16 AVS Sports fit great but I think this is probably the max. The snotty salesman at The Rack also assured me they wouldn't fit and implied that I must be a dope not to believe him. BTW, they haven't fallen off the wheel yet.

 

I think the max size will depend on the specific wheel/tire combo. For example, the OEM S02s are a bit wider than their rating; other tires may be a bit narrower than their rating. Remember, tire widths/sections are quantized in 10mm / 5% increments, respectively, and wheel widths in 1/2 in. increments. You might ask your tire shop if they'll experiment with a few combinations for you...

Let us know what you come up with.

 

You might also check specific manufacturer fitment guides. I know Dunlop has one (and they allowed me to stuff 225 size SP8000's onto a 6" rim).

 

looks like i'll have to go to the local shop instead of purchasing via tirerack.

245's it is.. wish me luck!

someone on this board has to be running a 245 40 17 on a 7.5" rim.. ANYBODY??

 

You could run a 235/45-17 on a 7.5" wheel.
I'd do the 205/50-17's up front to preserve the stagger