tire size

I have a '96 s-10, with the factory tires on it (205/75/15). I want to replace them with larger tires (and a more aggressive tread :D ), but I'm not sure how big I can go without scrubbing. I tried on a friend's 225/75/15's and they worked fine, but I was told that I could probably go to a 235/60 or 235/65. Could anyone give me some help? Thanks.
c.roberts

Originally posted by croberts
...I have (205/75/15)... I want to replace them with larger tires ... 225/75/15's... I could probably go to a 235/60 or 235/65.

That is an odd size to come factory. Is this a 2WD or 4X4 we're talking bout? To step down to a smaller side wall would not be a larger tire, but would definetly have more aggressive tread than that skinny little 205. Honestly, for the price of new tires, your better off losing the skinny factory rims while your at it. I'd get a 15x10" deep dish rim and a 295/50R15 BFG Radial T/A. They will stick out pretty far so get some fender flares to. Another trick is if it's a 4X4, get some 2WD rims. Then they will stick out a little more. I used to have full size truck tires (275/75R16) on my IROC-Z 16x8" rims before I lowered my 4X4 Jimmy. It looked pretty tough. With the FRONT marked rims on the back and the REAR marked rims up front it fixed the offset problem of the 4X4s Otherwise the front wheels stick out 2" farther than the rear wheels if they all have the same offset. GM finally fixed this problem when they made the ZR2 8 1/2" posi rear end 4" longer than the older 7 5/8" limit slip 4X4s, which is 4" longer than the 2WD.

255-60-15 on the stock 15 inch rims fits great that is what i have ben running on mine now for 2 years BFG radial T/As they rub a little bit in lock to lock type of turns but very littleand it just on the sway bar. it is as wide as you can go with out making it look stupid and sticking your tires out from under your fenders.

I moved up to a 225/70R15 on my S10. Your width is always going to depend on your backspacing. I could of easily went with a 235/70R15. I wouldnt ever have your wheels sticking out. It looks ghetto and it doesnt do your suspension any good either. 15x 10 rims are way to wide for any stock riding S10. My tires are about 27.5 inches tall. I could push another inch in height. I also have 4 inch of backspacing on my rims and still plenty of room for width. I dont like the narrow stance it has so I am adding 1 inch wheel spacers to widen the stance a bit. If you want to make that S10 stick to the road may I suggest shopping ebay for some nice z06 vette wheels. 17x9.5 rims and maybe you can find them with tires. You will need wheel adapters/spacers. You can find them on ebay too. Just make sure you get the right ones. The fronts will be different than the back. I have seen this set up in person and the wheels dont stick out and it looked good. But this isnt my route. I will be getting a 2-3 inch suspension lift, a set of Torq thrust Ds 15x7 and running 30x9.5x15 all terrains. Yes it is a 2wd. Ebay is a good place to get ideas from others and to see what works.

I realize this topic is old, but I found it while searching, so I'll post my info for others.

I have a '96 S-10 2wd. I currently have a set of Kelly Safari AWR P225-75 R15's, stock were Uniroyal TigerPaw P205-75 R15 (tiny). I have 52,000 mi on these tires and they have worked well. Very little rubbing if any at full lock in one direction only. I forget which direction thought, right or left turn. These are also on the stock rims. I'm in need of new tires again and looking at a couple size options.
1. Keeping the same size (has 28.29in diameter).
2. Going to a 245-70 R15 (2 cm wider with 28.5in diameter, (will probably rub))
3. Going to a 235-70 R15 (27.95in diameter)
4. Going to a 235-75 R15 (28.88in diameter, (have heard they rub, but not too bad))

Unless anyone can verify how the 235-75's or the 245-70's are rubbing wise, I'll probably stick to the 225-75's.

An easy way to check diameters or widths easily is to use google. There is a calculator with built in conversions. I type this into the search field: ((235*.75)*2) millimeters + 15 inches in inches. Replace the 235 and the 75 with the metric sizes and you'll get the diameter in inches.

IT all depends on backspacing of rim. I know 225/70R15s wont rub and I doubt 235/70s will with a 7" rim and 4" of backspacing. But if the 235s did I think a simple 7/16" wheel spacer would stop that.

I have a 94 Blazer, and I run 235/75R BFG All-terrain T/A's on Stock rims. And they only rub slightly on the sway bar when the wheel is turned all the way. Other than that, it's no problem.

I've been running 235/75-15's on my 95 S10 since new and haven't had any trouble with them. They
definitely handle the road better AND look better than those little stock tires!