Rear Tires

[Mrauder83]

I’m running 255/55s in the rear now, I wanna go to a bigger tire but I’m not sure on what is the biggest size that can be put on the stock wheel. Any suggestions?


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[Mr. Man]

265 is about as wide as I'd go, I also run 255's. You can squeeze a wider tire on and some have, but you start to run into safety issues.

[Mrauder83]

265 is about as wide as I'd go, I also run 255's. You can squeeze a wider tire on and some have, but you start to run into safety issues.

Ok l, thanks for the info.


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[RubberCtyRauder]

If you have traction control and exceed 6% dia. Difference front to back, it will activate...can run a 285-50-18 depending on front size.

[Mrauder83]

If you have traction control and exceed 6% dia. Difference front to back, it will activate...can run a 285-50-18 depending on front size.

I have an 03 300A so no traction control for me. Im running 235/55s in the front now but thinking about going with 255/45s.


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[Blakshukvw]

Many of us run 295/45’s on the rear with no traction control issues or any other issues on stock wheels. 255/45 is to short and imo would look funny. If you’re not going wider than stock why not just run the stock size?

[Mrauder83]

Many of us run 295/45’s on the rear with no traction control issues or any other issues on stock wheels.

That’s what I wanted to hear! Thanks man!


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[ARodmarauder]

Many of us run 295/45’s on the rear with no traction control issues or any other issues on stock wheels. 255/45 is to short and imo would look funny. If you’re not going wider than stock why not just run the stock size?


So running 295 tires on a stock rim would be ok with no issues


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[Blakshukvw]

No issues with a properly paired 295/45.

[RubberCtyRauder]

255-45-18 is fine for front tires and are wider than stock

[stevengerard]

I have continental cross contact UHP 285/50/18s on mine. In the rear only. Continental also lists our stock rims as an available minimum size to mount on.

[Mrauder83]

I have continental cross contact UHP 285/50/18s on mine. In the rear only. Continental also lists our stock rims as an available minimum size to mount on.

Oh ok. I was looking into getting some Nitto NT555 G2 295/45/18


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[Blakshukvw]

I run the Nitto NT555. Decent tires. I prefer the Cooper summer performance tire but they don’t offer a 295/45.

[Mrauder83]

I run the Nitto NT555. Decent tires.

Ok good to know


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[fastblackmerc]

I would NOT run 295's on a stock width wheel.

https://www.tyresizecalculator.com/charts/tire-width-for-a-wheel-rim-size-chart

[Mrauder83]

I would NOT run 295's on a stock width wheel.

https://www.tyresizecalculator.com/charts/tire-width-for-a-wheel-rim-size-chart

I was debating between 295/45 or 265/35. My buddy is running 295s but he just informed me that his wheels are widened.


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[Blakshukvw]

I know some are of the opinion it’s too wide for the wheel. I’ve never encountered an issue arising from doing this and I’ve sold and mounted a lot of tires. I drive my car hard and toss it around corners like it weighs have of what it does. Never an issue. For what it’s worth.

[RubberCtyRauder]

I was debating between 295/45 or 265/35. My buddy is running 295s but he just informed me that his wheels are widened.



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A 265-35 is shorter than the front tires..

[Mrauder83]

A 265-35 is shorter than the front tires..

Yeah I know just a set of them


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[offroadkarter]

I know some are of the opinion it’s too wide for the wheel. I’ve never encountered an issue arising from doing this and I’ve sold and mounted a lot of tires. I drive my car hard and toss it around corners like it weighs have of what it does. Never an issue. For what it’s worth.

It's not an opinion, its following the tire manufacturer's recommended specs. I also do know of someone years ago who crashed his low mile DTR from a squishy rear sidewall causing the car to sway and spin out, the kind you'd get with the boomer tire stance of putting 295's on a 8" wide wheel.

But stance kids love to do the opposite (narrow tires on wide wheels) and you still see plenty of those cars on the road, so whatever I guess.

[Blakshukvw]

Yes. You wouldn’t believe the things I’ve done to mount stretched tires. That I do believe is way more dangerous.

a 295/45 isn’t nearly as sidewall compliant as a big bloated off road tire mud truck tire squeezed on a narrow wheel. That’s been done forever.

As to your story about the dtr, I’ll just say there are some drivers on the road that shouldn’t be.

[fastblackmerc]

I was debating between 295/45 or 265/35. My buddy is running 295s but he just informed me that his wheels are widened.


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I run 295's............ on widened wheels.

[BLACKMARAUDER04]

I run the Nitto 295/45 on stock rim.
Had a blowout last week going 85 on freeway. Held up well till I pulled over.
No warranty on Japanese tires.



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[Mrauder83]

I run the Nitto 295/45 on stock rim.
Had a blowout last week going 85 on freeway. Held up well till I pulled over.
No warranty on Japanese tires.



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Oh wow. Ok, it seems to that a 295 tire is fine on a widened wheel or stock size it’s all on the person.


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[Svashtar]

I've done a ton of calcs on this, and posted here before and gotten a lot of good input. I've always kept the stock 235/50-18's on the front, but next time was considering going to either the 245/45-18 (.3" wider than OEM and .57" shorter), or to the 255/45-18's, which are .79 wider and .22" lower than OEM.

The trouble is when going to the back, as I don't want to exceed 6% tire differential front to rear. For years I used the excellent Nitto 555 265/50-18's, which are just .2" shorter but a full .81" wider (13/16") than OEM, and they gave me a nice front to back ratio of only 4.32%, which was less than the factory 5%, but they aren't available any more.

I'd like to consider the .4" taller and .4" wider than OEM 255/55-18's for the rear, but with the factory front that would take me to a 6.5% front to back differential. That would be a .06" height increase over the unavailable 265/50-18's, while decreasing width by .39".

SO QUESTION: has anyone with a setup of OEM fronts to 255/55-18 rears had any issues with TC with that 6.5% front to back differential? Keep in mind that differential would increase if I ever went with one of those lower fronts, to 8.6% with the 245/45-18's, and 7.4% with the 255/45-18's, so I'd pretty much be staying with the OEM fronts if I go to 255/55-18 in the rear.

(One consideration to go with the OEM rears; I could go to the 255/45-18 fronts and just keep the ratio under 6%, barely. Going to the 245/45-18's would take that ratio over 7%...)

Thanks for any info as always.

[Svashtar]

If you have traction control and exceed 6% dia. Difference front to back, it will activate...can run a 285-50-18 depending on front size.

That would be nice, but not according to your statement about 6% being max, which I've heard before (OEM differential is 5%). 285/50-18 rear with the OEM 235/50-18 front is a 6.95% differential. (29.2"-27.3" = 1.9"/27.3")

That's greater than the differential I'm asking about in the previous post between the front OEM's and rear 255/55-18's, which is 6.5%. I'd LIKE to be able to go with those .4" wider and .4" taller rears, but then I'd have to stay with the OEM fronts permanently (assuming 6.5% is OK...?) But hell, maybe you're right and with the setup you suggest you could get by with just under 7%?

[RubberCtyRauder]

Member Adam runs a 285-50-18 rear..not sure of front he runs...some say 7% difference

[BackNBlack]

The BEST All Season, High Performance tire for a MARAUDER...STOCK Wheels

Comes in 255/45/18 Front
255/55/18 Rear

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Continental&tireModel=ExtremeContact+DWS+0 6

[Svashtar]

Member Adam runs a 285-50-18 rear..not sure of front he runs...some say 7% difference

Yeah, 7% if he has the OEM fronts. I'd be curious if that gives him any TC issues. (?)

[Svashtar]

The BEST All Season, High Performance tire for a MARAUDER...STOCK Wheels

Comes in 255/45/18 Front
255/55/18 Rear

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Continental&tireModel=ExtremeContact+DWS+0 6

That would give a 7.4% front to back differential, which if you have TC could be a problem. I like the idea of those fronts and the OEM rears, which would give a 5.9% ratio., or those rears and the OEM fronts which would be the 6.5% I'm considering. As for the best, the Nitto's I've had have been outstanding, handling and wearing better than the BF Goodrich T/A's that cost more at the time, but I can't get the 555 rears anymore so am looking at the Motivo's.

The question I really need answered is what's the cutoff on the differential. Some say 6%, but then are running 1 to 1.5% higher. They may not have TC though.

(Update: I said before the ratio of front to back for our OEM tires was 5%, but it's brand specific; with Nitto Motivos it's 4.3%. I wrote down the 5% years ago with the 555's. Checking the 255/55ZR18's on the Nitto site, they work out to a 5.9 front to back ratio on the Motivos to OEM fronts, so that should be good to go.)

[BackNBlack]

my MARAUDER is an '03...NO TC...

[a_d_a_m]

Member Adam runs a 285-50-18 rear..not sure of front he runs...some say 7% difference 235/50/18 in front.


Yeah, 7% if he has the OEM fronts. I'd be curious if that gives him any TC issues. (?) Mine is a 2003, so like BackNBlack said above, I also don't have TC. And yes, the car is tuned for speedometer calibration.

Not everyone's cup of tea, but it is mine, and I write the checks... :D

https://i.imgur.com/gbZFI2R.jpg

[Mrauder83]

235/50/18 in front.

Mine is a 2003, so like BackNBlack said above, I also don't have TC. And yes, the car is tuned for speedometer calibration.

Not everyone's cup of tea, but it is mine, and I write the checks... :D

https://i.imgur.com/gbZFI2R.jpg

Awesome car! What brand tires are on the rear?


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[Svashtar]

Awesome car! What brand tires are on the rear?


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Yes, it looks fantastic. [emoji1360] Seems not having TC definitely has advantages.

[Mrauder83]

Yes, it looks fantastic. [emoji1360] Seems not having TC definitely has advantages.

I agree!


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[a_d_a_m]

Awesome car! What brand tires are on the rear? Nitto NT404. They are since discontinued.
The only game in town with these is the Continental CrossContact UHP, which I actually ran those from 2009-2016 and liked them just fine. Bought the Nittos because Conti wasn't making the 285s anymore. Now they are. Pricey, though!
https://www.ebay.com/itm/2-Continental-CrossContact-UHP-285-50R18-109W-Performance-4WD-SUV-Summer-Tire/312998673897 (https://www.ebay.com/itm/2-Continental-CrossContact-UHP-285-50R18-109W-Performance-4WD-SUV-Summer-Tire/312998673897?epid=3021364406&_trkparms=ispr%3D1&hash=item48e02cbde9:g:sbIAAOSw xOReShgA&enc=AQAEAAACQBPxNw%2BVj6nta7CK Es3N0qW1yht18U9VPcaixjTA0hY2B1 QzQdJjFR5fgoFXHZv63z8h9z7lSuFb W0huy9RT43LuOzbbIehaXn%2B5Fnz7 7yqm1qfJSiepKUPL9FR4jaR3wxH1DR GTWv0ZZWKwx3IcPjEjOof%2FgdZaOl hMeeh8G9x90DxSqisWoKfJQWBJj%2F OnSeah9mRClVSYACGnFy5TTNlCfEBc RCObz5SGb5xwX0cVK6vmwhEAz1vMwj Kx0U7DaAIORXlxiP8VT2FJ313Zun9i gUEIE%2FGHF%2BvUwK3stIC63xJ%2F Dilt5XnFXNQWtJesAIexzoSwUq8bAh v1Ny0dzfVVQjQ0C1ZFPzxEY5tyZoZK zmukhtMpJOmXxc8tzDiM3XAIJWfhjS QNBUVSyv1zqbU5jvNdY480EZLwhpN% 2BfD5z67u02eodNWmx5NZOPm1sfQVW BphNPMVyO4lxDf%2BkyJ9%2By7Y1uV pTft6wdM3oo5f3z5fvOLX%2F%2B0xV 7cAN9fgeTBIE6ueaQTdo2rrUJP6Q9Q My8%2BjviOTj2841rVcVMoewLC1SdO cE8Y3WPL9pLMNzAzOSkrvb7CmfrIwU jlb80WuNekgeBNzrNhoVbWvgjO2Op6 Cykwpzxe0Ru0dShfY4sVS%2BSIG4fR nbTdk4A3ED%2Fe%2BbTdauV%2B3UjK mFoIixA3F2IzBNNXQWAydibIhNAl8y X0QxB7EhFJR%2FW8TEe%2B1aBiK%2B aX61LcOczB9KvOr6AJUC6QKa6M2u%2 B0Jy5DJoekGCgg%3D%3D&checksum=312998673897d9c84e48e 3f14ae7a2bdf495d596d62f)

These Pirellis are probably old stock, but still 'available' at a higher price point:
https://www.performanceplustire.com/tires-for-sale/pirelli-tires/scorpion-zero-asimmetrico-3/ty:Tire:ts:28550-18/?gclid=Cj0KCQiAv8PyBRDMARIsAFo 4wK02kJ3ZdOWQC1A60kYG_qsVG0EM3 VYA0--3sc6HuTp2eyX_TJGjEjQaAvAUEALw_ wcB


Yes, it looks fantastic. [emoji1360] Seems not having TC definitely has advantages.

I agree! Thanks, y'all.

[Mrauder83]

Nitto NT404. They are since discontinued.
The only game in town with these is the Continental CrossContact UHP, which I actually ran those from 2009-2016 and liked them just fine. Bought the Nittos because Conti wasn't making the 285s anymore. Now they are. Pricey, though!
https://www.ebay.com/itm/2-Continental-CrossContact-UHP-285-50R18-109W-Performance-4WD-SUV-Summer-Tire/312998673897 (https://www.ebay.com/itm/2-Continental-CrossContact-UHP-285-50R18-109W-Performance-4WD-SUV-Summer-Tire/312998673897?epid=3021364406&_trkparms=ispr%3D1&hash=item48e02cbde9:g:sbIAAOSw xOReShgA&enc=AQAEAAACQBPxNw%2BVj6nta7CK Es3N0qW1yht18U9VPcaixjTA0hY2B1 QzQdJjFR5fgoFXHZv63z8h9z7lSuFb W0huy9RT43LuOzbbIehaXn%2B5Fnz7 7yqm1qfJSiepKUPL9FR4jaR3wxH1DR GTWv0ZZWKwx3IcPjEjOof%2FgdZaOl hMeeh8G9x90DxSqisWoKfJQWBJj%2F OnSeah9mRClVSYACGnFy5TTNlCfEBc RCObz5SGb5xwX0cVK6vmwhEAz1vMwj Kx0U7DaAIORXlxiP8VT2FJ313Zun9i gUEIE%2FGHF%2BvUwK3stIC63xJ%2F Dilt5XnFXNQWtJesAIexzoSwUq8bAh v1Ny0dzfVVQjQ0C1ZFPzxEY5tyZoZK zmukhtMpJOmXxc8tzDiM3XAIJWfhjS QNBUVSyv1zqbU5jvNdY480EZLwhpN% 2BfD5z67u02eodNWmx5NZOPm1sfQVW BphNPMVyO4lxDf%2BkyJ9%2By7Y1uV pTft6wdM3oo5f3z5fvOLX%2F%2B0xV 7cAN9fgeTBIE6ueaQTdo2rrUJP6Q9Q My8%2BjviOTj2841rVcVMoewLC1SdO cE8Y3WPL9pLMNzAzOSkrvb7CmfrIwU jlb80WuNekgeBNzrNhoVbWvgjO2Op6 Cykwpzxe0Ru0dShfY4sVS%2BSIG4fR nbTdk4A3ED%2Fe%2BbTdauV%2B3UjK mFoIixA3F2IzBNNXQWAydibIhNAl8y X0QxB7EhFJR%2FW8TEe%2B1aBiK%2B aX61LcOczB9KvOr6AJUC6QKa6M2u%2 B0Jy5DJoekGCgg%3D%3D&checksum=312998673897d9c84e48e 3f14ae7a2bdf495d596d62f)

These Pirellis are probably old stock, but still 'available' at a higher price point:
https://www.performanceplustire.com/tires-for-sale/pirelli-tires/scorpion-zero-asimmetrico-3/ty:Tire:ts:28550-18/?gclid=Cj0KCQiAv8PyBRDMARIsAFo 4wK02kJ3ZdOWQC1A60kYG_qsVG0EM3 VYA0--3sc6HuTp2eyX_TJGjEjQaAvAUEALw_ wcB


Thanks, y'all.

Gotcha! Thanks for the info.


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[a_d_a_m]

No prob. Hope you find something you like.

[Svashtar]

I went with the Nitto Motivos in the rear, 255/55-18 to go with the older but still in great shape Nitto 555’s in front. They’re .4” wider and .4” taller than OEM, with an extra 150 or so pound load rating IIRC. I actually heard great things about the Cooper Zeon Rs3-G1, but didn’t want to mix brands.

The Coopers are sticker, I think their UTQGL rating is something like 500AAA with a 45K mileage, while the Motivos are 560AA and 60k.

When the 555 fronts go I might switch to the Coopers; unfortunately I’m way different on mileage wear front to back. If I were just starting fresh I’d get a set of the Cooper Zeons, just for best performance and comparable to what I’ve had.

I’ll see how the non-directional Motivos do though; they might be a good compromise. I still miss the 555’s though...!


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[88LTDCV351]

Are Coopers made in USA? My brother has bought Coopers for some of his cars and he told me they are made in USA.

[marauder1]

255/55/18 Sounds good. I wonder if there's any fender rubbing?

[a_d_a_m]

Are Coopers made in USA? My brother has bought Coopers for some of his cars and he told me they are made in USA. Correct. At least the ones I've bought have been. My MasterCraft tires (a Cooper sub-brand) were also US-made.


255/55/18 Sounds good. I wonder if there's any fender rubbing? That will certainly rub in the front. I tried that size on the front of a 2004 MGM and hated it. It'd be fine out back.

[marauder1]

I meant 255/55/18 for the back. Will it rub?

[RubberCtyRauder]

I meant 255/55/18 for the back. Will it rub?

No, they fit fine, unless you lower your rear ride height too far.

[Svashtar]

No, they fit fine, unless you lower your rear ride height too far.

Yes, mine fit great, and the Nitto Motivo’s I got specify an 8” rim as the mid-range for the tire. Even a 7.5” would work.

As mentioned earlier they are .4” wider and .4” taller than OEM, and drop right in. Nitto also shows that each tire has an increased load rating of about 150 lbs per tire over the 245’s.

[Brian H]

I've been running 295/45's for over 10 yrs. and never had a problem. Also TC wouldn't make a difference anyway, it's RWD!! 2 rear tires with a tc unit, where does the problem come in?

[justbob]

I've been running 295/45's for over 10 yrs. and never had a problem. Also TC wouldn't make a difference anyway, it's RWD!! 2 rear tires with a tc unit, where does the problem come in?

The problem comes in when the ABS detects the rear tires spinning at different speeds programmed than the fronts.


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[RubberCtyRauder]

I've been running 295/45's for over 10 yrs. and never had a problem. Also TC wouldn't make a difference anyway, it's RWD!! 2 rear tires with a tc unit, where does the problem come in?

295-45 is nearly same diameter as stock rears. Width means nothing on TC. From the factory, cars with TC must maintain a 3-6% dia. Difference , that is proven and straight from Steve Babcock, Marauder program manager who oversaw the entire concept to build

[a_d_a_m]

Nitto NT404. They are since discontinued. Sorry for the necrobump but it appears there may be a source for the 285/50/18 NT404 I mentioned a while back.
https://www.performanceplustire.com/tires-for-sale/nitto-tires/nt-404/ty:Tire:ts:28550-18/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI4Pi6voX06AI ViorICh2BUQbVEAkYAyABEgIhJfD_B wE

I've never ordered from this place, but I think I'm going to call them as my 404s are about due for a replacement (plenty of tread, but they've aged out). I'm interested to know if they still have them + what the date code is.

[03Merc]

Those tires are huge. Made for truck or SUV....How do they look on the car?


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[a_d_a_m]

They look good.

https://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?108544-Rear-Tires&p=1584031#post1584031

[sflrainmaker01]

So when running 255 45 18 on the front, what is the widest/tallest tire you can run on widened wheels without screwing up the TC or having to make rear suspension mods?

[fastblackmerc]

I'm running Hankooks - 295/45 on widened rear wheels and 245/45 on stock width front wheels. No TC complaints. You might run into shock mount interference if you go with a 305 in the rear.