tire questions
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 442
Likes: 24
tire questions
i needed 2 rear tires. i was debating to buy 4 new or just replace rears.
the rears are supposed to be 285/40R17 and the fronts 255/40R17.
i have 275/40R17 on front and rear.
on a tire site it showed zr1 listed with 2754017 in the front.
could i move the front to rear and buy 255/40R17 for the front. or do i have to replace all 4.
welcoming ur 2 cents
thx
the rears are supposed to be 285/40R17 and the fronts 255/40R17.
i have 275/40R17 on front and rear.
on a tire site it showed zr1 listed with 2754017 in the front.
could i move the front to rear and buy 255/40R17 for the front. or do i have to replace all 4.
welcoming ur 2 cents
thx
Racer
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 339
Likes: 0
From: Mechanicsburg PA
If all four are bad, then I'd buy four and stick with the 275 setup all around. If the fronts are in decent shape and you want to restore to factory setup, then go with the other option. I was lucky that I just bought one with 275's all around, which is what I wanted.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 250
Likes: 2
From: Springfield Missouri
Allie...see no reason why you can't just buy new tires for the front. I have a '96 and that is what was stock. 285s on the rear and 255s on the front. If you by chance you were to decide to buy for the front, I have 2 255s I just took off of mine. They are Firehawk Wide Ovals with about 3,900 mile on them. I am trying to sell them. Let me know if you have any interest. Asking $200 for the set and will split the cost of shipping. I have checked into shipping on a couple of other offers and it is around $30 per tire. PM me if you have other questions. Thanks!!
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 11,772
Likes: 177
From: Rolla Missouri
2021 C4 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist
St. Jude Donor '10 thru '25
Just so you know, the fronts are either 275/40-17 or 255/45-17
The 275/40 tire came with 9.5 inch wide rims.
The 255/45 tire came with 8.5 inch wide rims.
They didn't come with 255/40
The 275/40 tire came with 9.5 inch wide rims.
The 255/45 tire came with 8.5 inch wide rims.
They didn't come with 255/40
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
Likes: 487
From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
If you have the base 8.5" wide front wheels, the 275/40 tire may be just a bit too big for those wheels. If you can find a pair of 9.5" wide wheels, get those to mount the 275/40 tires up front. The 9.5" wheel will handle either the 275 or 285 tire.
At least with 275/40's all around, you can rotate the tires for longer tread life.
At least with 275/40's all around, you can rotate the tires for longer tread life.
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Racer
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 250
Likes: 2
From: Springfield Missouri
Allie....just some more input because I have just gone through this. I just took off 255/45/17s off of my 8.5 rims. IMO I believe that you would have some problems if you try putting on 275 on 8.5 rims. The 275s would fit with no problem on the 9.5 rims. I currently have 285s all around on 9.5 rims. One more thing I have experienced lately. I first put the 285 on the 8.5 rims. I did not like the appearance because the wider tire on the 8.5 rim caused the sidewall to round out. Not flat like the 285s are on the 9.5. Hope some of this helps!!
Safety Car
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,651
Likes: 10
From: Apple Valley MN
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 3,110
Likes: 6
From: Red Sox Nation! RI
I don't know anything about which tire sizes will fit, but I'll +1 on going with 4 new, same sized tires. It does a lot for the overall ride and I also like to be able to rotate them. Maybe you can sell your other 2 and recoup some $$ ?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 6,413
Likes: 9
From: The Old Dominion
Anyway, Goodyear says 9.0" is the narrowest approved wheel width for their 275/40-17's. Firestone says the same. You didn't say what tires you have though. Sounds like moving the fronts to the rear isn't a bad idea. I assume you mean dismount them and mount them on the rear wheels, not just swap the wheels to the back.