Dumb question about tires

[EMTPJ]

OK, so I am new to the forum, and new to "big" vehicles, so please be kind. My 2011 Expy is the EL version. I bought it as a certified used, with the factory warranty from a Ford Dealer, with an additonal 5 year warranty, and love it.

So on to the question. When I bought it, it came with 22 inch aftermarket rims. Well it is time for some new tires. Currenty has 305/45's on it. it is a bit more "low profile" than I want. I am looking for something with more aggessive tread, etc, as the winters are crazy here in Utah, and I live on a hill, so getting up my driveway can be a challenge with "street" tires.

So I am wondering if I can fit 325/50r22's under my vehicle in it's stock form? Or am I asking too much of the vehicle? There are some aggressive treads in the current 305/45 range, but there are a lot more in the 325/50 range. I am worried about rubbing when turning with a 325/50, as well as just making it fit into the wheelwell.

Thanks in advance!

 

[FordandPolaris]

I have seen people running 315's on the third gens but not 325. If no one else chimes in, my best recommendation to you is turn your wheels to full lock and measure how much distance the wheel has from anything it might touch. If that total is less than 25mm (325-305+5mm clearance) then the bigger tires will probably rub at full lock.

Also would depend on the backspacing of the aftermarket rims as this will have an effect on how close the inside wall is to suspension components, etc. According to a tire calculator online, the ones you have now are a 32.8in tire, and the new ones would be 34.8in, so you need two inches in the wheel well at full atriculation to avoid any chance of rubbing there as well, although the likelihood of the truck reaching full articulation while driving on pavement is highly unlikely.

Also for reference, old are 12.1in wide while the new would be 12.8in wide. Might make it easier to measure in inches than mm.

 

[EMTPJ]

Thanks for the response! I'll check it out.

 

[Mangina]

I have seen people running 315's on the third gens but not 325. If no one else chimes in, my best recommendation to you is turn your wheels to full lock and measure how much distance the wheel has from anything it might touch. If that total is less than 25mm (325-305+5mm clearance) then the bigger tires will probably rub at full lock.

Good advice, but you should only need 15mm clearance, as the 325 should be centered on the rim, or an extra 10mm tire (+5mm clearance) on each side. Which is roughly 5/8" for you Americans, lol.

 

[EMTPJ]

Decided to stick with the 305/45/22 and play it safe. here she is with her new shoes...

 

[sgtowing]

What kind of tire did you get?

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk

 

[EMTPJ]

I went with the Cooper Zeon's. Fit the budget, and had good reviews, etc.

 

[MoHawk]

I just put Coopers on my Expy. Not that big, but I still love them

 

[JDuncan]

I just ordered Cooper Discoverer A/T3's in 275/70-18 for mine. Had the same on a previous vehicle and loved them.

 

[Edmund K]

I just ordered Cooper Discoverer A/T3's in 275/70-18 for mine. Had the same on a previous vehicle and loved them.

How are you liking the Cooper Zeons? (I'm torn between the Coopers and the BF Goodrich,) and appreciate your thoughts on your experience with them!
Also, any pictures you could share? Thanks!