I've searched the tire threads and can't find the info I need....hope someone can help me out.

I picked up a set of 20" x 8.5" Boss 327 wheels for my bone stock 2002 Jimmy 4wd and now need to choose a tire.


Couple questions...

Will a 265/45/20 fit a 8.5" wide wheel and am I going to have crazy rubbing issues up front?

Would a 255/45/20 a better choice?


Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Bryan

 

Not sure what you have found, but you have to get back to the tire diameter/width and rim backspacing before you can compare with anything else...

265/45R20 == 29.5x10.5
255/45R20 == 29x10

For comparison, 235/70R15 == 28x9.25 and 235/75R15 == ~29x9.25

The 255/45R20 would be a better match for the stock tire provided your truck came with the larger 235/75R15 tires. Both could rub if your backspacing on the rim isn't right. Your stock rims have a 6" back spacing. Looking through some quick google search links for your tire, it looks as though the rim might have more than stock BS (+40mm offset on a 8.5" wide rim is a little over 6.25" BS) which isn't typically the case.

 

Thanks for the speedy response!

My truck has the the larger 235/75/15 tires and the back spacing on the new wheels is 6.28".

Am I good to go with a 265 or is the 255 still the better choice....in your opinion?

What makes the choice a little difficult is that the 265's are $175 cheaper per set than the 255's.

Bryan

 

Just drawing this out on a sheet of paper... It looks like there isn't much difference. You are going to gain 1/2" in tire diameter (1/4" on a side) and the section width will protrude ~1/4" further on the inside than the old tire by my calculations. If you have more than that in clearance at all steering angles, you should be ok. Also, check for more than 1" clearance to the outside sidewall of the tire between the tire & the fender lip because that is how much further out the outside the tire will protrude. These are all in reference to your stock wheels & tires.

 

Thanks a tonne! Your knowledge is greatly appreciated.

Bryan