Tire Upgrade ?

there are a lot of people running 17" wheels on the new LC with zero problems. The options for 17" tires vs. 18" tires is better by far as well as the prices. I just can't seem to find a 17" wheel that is in the offset range I'd like to have. If I could find one in a +40-+50 range I'd be all over it.
I have the Method 703s coming in a few days with a +35 offset. The thing most people seem to be missing is that you also need to consider the width of the rim when figuring out the actual location of the tire relative to the suspension geometry. The 703 is 8.5" wide with +35 but the stock rim is 7.5" wide with +60. The difference in width is like a change in offset of +12.7. So, the 703 is equivalent to a 7.5" wide rim with a +47.7 offset. Since I'll be running a wider tire than stock, the less positive offset will give the tire some needed clearance with respect to the suspension geometry. I also looked at the 708 which is 9" wide with a +40 offset. The 708 is equivalent to a 7.5" wide rim with a +59.05 offset. I think running the 708 with that offset would place a wider tire too close to the inside and create some potential issues with rubbing.
 
Looking at 265/70/18 KO3s
are these all E rated now? I thought I saw lesser rated/lighter ones but....don't see anymore on BF website Tire rack etc.
thanks!
 
Keep in mind, if you upgrade tires and you got the tire and wheel protection when buying, you have to stick with 265/70R18 (assuming you got 18โ€ wheels). Otherwise replacement tires wont
Be covered
 
Looking at 265/70/18 KO3s
are these all E rated now? I thought I saw lesser rated/lighter ones but....don't see anymore on BF website Tire rack etc.
thanks!
BFG is scheduled to release C load versions in 2025 in a lot of sizes, but not the 265/70/18. They'll release a D load in that size in 2026.

Here's a link to the KO3 Release Dates
 
I am sorry if this has been addressed before, but are there any issues changing to 17" wheels from the 18"? I have heard something about the brakes related to this.
I like a skinnier tire and 17" seems to have better options in that regard. I like this look @kerner with the 255/80/17. Basically a 33" x 10". Probably keeps the mpg's pretty good too.
I've been really happy with this setup and haven't noticed any difference in MPG. The weight is basically the same between this setup and the stock 20" setup.
 
The toyo AT3's are noisier than I was hoping for after driving this week. But I'm sure being 285 70 18 is a factor. The Falcon WP's were quieter.
 
I have the Method 703s coming in a few days with a +35 offset. The thing most people seem to be missing is that you also need to consider the width of the rim when figuring out the actual location of the tire relative to the suspension geometry. The 703 is 8.5" wide with +35 but the stock rim is 7.5" wide with +60. The difference in width is like a change in offset of +12.7. So, the 703 is equivalent to a 7.5" wide rim with a +47.7 offset. Since I'll be running a wider tire than stock, the less positive offset will give the tire some needed clearance with respect to the suspension geometry. I also looked at the 708 which is 9" wide with a +40 offset. The 708 is equivalent to a 7.5" wide rim with a +59.05 offset. I think running the 708 with that offset would place a wider tire too close to the inside and create some potential issues with rubbing.
Is there an online calculator to figure this stuff out? I know the offset refers to the outer edge of the wheel and the backspace number will vary depending on the rim width am I correct in assuming that? ie, a 9" wheel on a +40 offset is going to have less back space than a 7.5" wheel that is the same offset?
 
Is there an online calculator to figure this stuff out? I know the offset refers to the outer edge of the wheel and the backspace number will vary depending on the rim width am I correct in assuming that? ie, a 9" wheel on a +40 offset is going to have less back space than a 7.5" wheel that is the same offset?
 
I have the Method 703s coming in a few days with a +35 offset. The thing most people seem to be missing is that you also need to consider the width of the rim when figuring out the actual location of the tire relative to the suspension geometry. The 703 is 8.5" wide with +35 but the stock rim is 7.5" wide with +60. The difference in width is like a change in offset of +12.7. So, the 703 is equivalent to a 7.5" wide rim with a +47.7 offset. Since I'll be running a wider tire than stock, the less positive offset will give the tire some needed clearance with respect to the suspension geometry. I also looked at the 708 which is 9" wide with a +40 offset. The 708 is equivalent to a 7.5" wide rim with a +59.05 offset. I think running the 708 with that offset would place a wider tire too close to the inside and create some potential issues with rubbing.
I am just figuring this part out. It really is very confusing. For instance I like Nomad wheels and so looked into them in 17". But then realized you need to consider offset when purchasing. At stock I am understanding offset is +60 approx. From watching Icon video on tire fitting it would appear +40 allows the tire to sit nicely in the wheel well, without poke which I do not want. When looking at Nomad wheels, the size is something like this:
17 x 8.5 / 6 x 139.7 / +25
I assume this is +25 offset, on 17" rim, but the rest I have no idea about. And again no +40 offset offered it seems. Complicated.
 
I am just figuring this part out. It really is very confusing. For instance I like Nomad wheels and so looked into them in 17". But then realized you need to consider offset when purchasing. At stock I am understanding offset is +60 approx. From watching Icon video on tire fitting it would appear +40 allows the tire to sit nicely in the wheel well, without poke which I do not want. When looking at Nomad wheels, the size is something like this:
17 x 8.5 / 6 x 139.7 / +25
I assume this is +25 offset, on 17" rim, but the rest I have no idea about. And again no +40 offset offered it seems. Complicated.
Here's a pic of someone's LC (not mine) with the Nomads and 255/80R17 E load Wildpeak AT4W tires. Looks just about perfect. The pizza cutter Wildpeaks weigh in at just 58.1 lbs compared to the 285/70R17 C load that come in at 65.4 lbs. Both are 33" diameter tires.

Nomad 255:80R17.png
 
I am just figuring this part out. It really is very confusing. For instance I like Nomad wheels and so looked into them in 17". But then realized you need to consider offset when purchasing. At stock I am understanding offset is +60 approx. From watching Icon video on tire fitting it would appear +40 allows the tire to sit nicely in the wheel well, without poke which I do not want. When looking at Nomad wheels, the size is something like this:
17 x 8.5 / 6 x 139.7 / +25
I assume this is +25 offset, on 17" rim, but the rest I have no idea about. And again no +40 offset offered it seems. Complicated.
17= the diameter of the rim
8.5= the width of the rim
6= the number of lug bolt holes
139.7= PCD (basically if you drew a circle connecting all the bolt holes what is the diameter of that circle)
+25 is the offset from center
 
I am just figuring this part out. It really is very confusing. For instance I like Nomad wheels and so looked into them in 17". But then realized you need to consider offset when purchasing. At stock I am understanding offset is +60 approx. From watching Icon video on tire fitting it would appear +40 allows the tire to sit nicely in the wheel well, without poke which I do not want. When looking at Nomad wheels, the size is something like this:
17 x 8.5 / 6 x 139.7 / +25
I assume this is +25 offset, on 17" rim, but the rest I have no idea about. And again no +40 offset offered it seems. Complicated.

Best way to check differences between sizes, widths, offsets and pokes ....




tiresize.com



Wheel Offset Calculator


Use our wheel offset calculator to visualize the new tire position when changing wheel and tire sizes. Convert wheel offset and backspacing to calculate the correct setup for your vehicle.

tiresize.com
tiresize.com
 
Hi everyone, I'm new to the forum and just picked up a 1958. I hate the 245 tires and want to at least go to a more aggressive tire. Can you tell me if the higher trim tires, 265 70 R18 will fit my 1958 with the stock wheels without doing any mods to the suspension? I've had Costco and Discount tell me it would not work. Thanks
 
Hi everyone, I'm new to the forum and just picked up a 1958. I hate the 245 tires and want to at least go to a more aggressive tire. Can you tell me if the higher trim tires, 265 70 R18 will fit my 1958 with the stock wheels without doing any mods to the suspension? I've had Costco and Discount tell me it would not work. Thanks
I believe they will work just fine, some 1958's here with 275's that seem to fit well.

FWIW I have some new takeoffs from an LC trim, 265/70/18's (michelin tires), all 5 wheels and tires, no measurable wear or flaws and located also in Utah. Just been too busy to post them, was planning on doing so next week. You'd be welcome to come look at any differences in the suspension (I believe they are the same).
 
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