View Poll Results: Which front tire size for NT05?
255/40/17
6
75.00%
275/40/17
2
25.00%
Voters: 8. You may not vote on this poll
Front tire size suggestions.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 421
Likes: 0
From: Dallas Texas
Front tire size suggestions.
I need help deciding on which front tire size that I should go with. I have stock size wheels, so 8.5" wide x 17" dia. in front and 9.5" wide x 18" dia. in back. I've finally decided on the NT05 tires. They have stock size for the rear but not exactly for the front. I have to choose between either 255/40/17 or 275/40/17.
When I purchased my car from an individual, it had 255/45/17 on the front so I was shocked when I saw how narrow the stock size looked. When I replaced the tires I purchased BFG KDW2 in 255/40/17 and 285/40/18 because back then, they didn't have the stock sizes like they do now. I've loved how they look and handled in the back but they look too short in the front and I do drag the air dam in areas that I wouldn't if I had a taller tire. I've never had issues with the traction control system because of the tire size. I've read that the 275 can fit on the front with some handling issues with the tread moving from side to side when cornering, so I'm slightly concerned about that.
When I purchased my car from an individual, it had 255/45/17 on the front so I was shocked when I saw how narrow the stock size looked. When I replaced the tires I purchased BFG KDW2 in 255/40/17 and 285/40/18 because back then, they didn't have the stock sizes like they do now. I've loved how they look and handled in the back but they look too short in the front and I do drag the air dam in areas that I wouldn't if I had a taller tire. I've never had issues with the traction control system because of the tire size. I've read that the 275 can fit on the front with some handling issues with the tread moving from side to side when cornering, so I'm slightly concerned about that.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 835
Likes: 4
From: Los Angeles CA
The Nitto recommended wheel width for the 255 is 9.0". The recommended wheel width for the 275 is 9.5. My recommendation is you stick with the stock tire sizes as it will be cheaper as well as provide a better contact patch. This is coming from someone who recently purchased used wheels with a 315 tire on a 10.0" wide wheel.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 421
Likes: 0
From: Dallas Texas
9" is the "Measuring Rim Width" for 255/40/17, not the recommended wheel width. The Rim Width Range is 8.5" - 10.0" The Rim Width Range for 275/40/17 is 9.0" - 11.0". This tire isn't produced in the stock size. The cost difference is only $8 between the two sizes and isn't a determining factor. Thanks for your input. What are the drawbacks of having that wide of a tire on a 10" wheel?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 835
Likes: 4
From: Los Angeles CA
9" is the "Measuring Rim Width" for 255/40/17, not the recommended wheel width. The Rim Width Range is 8.5" - 10.0" The Rim Width Range for 275/40/17 is 9.0" - 11.0". This tire isn't produced in the stock size. The cost difference is only $8 between the two sizes and isn't a determining factor. Thanks for your input. What are the drawbacks of having that wide of a tire on a 10" wheel?
To answer your question, running a tire that is too wide for a given rim will result in a squishy sidewall that deforms under load and causes faster wear and reduced response from the tires. The contact patch will also be reduced while cornering effectively reducing traction. That being said, I have seen much more extreme fitments than what you are considering running.
