Now, I know you aren't supposed to mix different tire diameters if you plan on using the 4x4, 15/6 etc. But what about the width? Say I had p235 in back and p205 in front. Is this still a concern and why? In theory, shouldn't the rotating mass still be the same all around even if the front is slightly thinner?
Thanks

 

If your measured tire height is exactly the same then you probably would be fine, however I wouldn't risk it myself. It's not the width or rotating mass that causes problems. It's the fact that in 4wd the front and rear differentials are locked together. If the tire height between the front and rear are different it causes binding and heat in the transfer case, and could cause catastrophic failure.

I have a friend who's NP236 transfer case started a fire after he replaced only 2 tires that were a different size from the originals because he blew 2 while on a road trip. I don't remember the difference in tire sizes, but the tire shop assured him that they were the same height and would cause no problems. 100 miles or so into his road trip he noticed smoke coming from under his truck. Ended up having to be towed and had to replace the transfer case. He was using the auto-trac function, not 4-Hi, but the different tire height still caused the transfer case to fail.

 

I see... 2wd should be fine though right? Provided the transfer case is 100% completely unlocked from the front diff?

Shame, I just now realized the tires on the camaro rims Im getting are 205/65s. Any idea what 3 half decent Firestones should go for

 

If you're in 2wd and never use 4x4 or autotrac then you should be fine. If you're going to do that on a 4x4 truck I'd suggest you pull the 4x4 fuse just to make sure you can't accidentally engage it.

 

As long as your diameter is the same, there will be no issues. The width and profile of the tires won't make a difference.

 

Understand the tire spec. The hight spec is a PERCENTAGE of width.

 

Exactly. So you could have a 235/70R15 on the front, and a 345/30R20 in the rear if you wanted to, with no issue.

 

That's why I asked what 3 half decent firestones might go for. For some reason I remembered the middle digit being the mileage them being good for, not the percent of width. Derp. The tires on the Camaro rims would be 133.25mm and mine would be 176.25mm

My transfer case would not approve. I'd take and put the tires I have on the Camaro rims but my right rear is worn funny to the outside. Not sure if this is a bad suspension part or because the last owner put on a mismatched tread.