MLB Posted June 16, 2017 Share Posted June 16, 2017 Hi, just bought a leftover 2016 XLT cargo van to get wrapped and be my delivery vehicle. Thrilled with how it drives and the deal I got ($8400 off sticker). Bought some sweet 18x8" Fusion wheels that I want to get summer tires on. Is 215/45/18 the closest to stock specs? I know i want to stay close to stock diameter to not mess up some specs (abs or just the odometer?) but can I get slightly taller sidewalls for more protection and a bit more cush with the bigger wheels without messing anything important up? I don't consider the speedo reading being off a real problem. Where is the best place to buy the set of sensors I need? Any brand to avoid? Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beta Don Posted June 16, 2017 Share Posted June 16, 2017 (edited) To keep the same overall size, 18" tires will all have a much shorter sidewall (less 'cush') than tires for a 16" wheel - Bigger wheel, less room for sidewall. Our 55's on 16" wheels already have a pretty short sidewall Our 55's (55% of the 215 width) have a 4.66" sidewall, the 45's (45% of the 215) have a 3.81" sidewall - 18% shorter The 215/45R18's are a close match to the stock 215/55R16's - Only about 1% too big. Probably the best match you'll find, but you won't like the sidewall height if you want more cush https://www.tacomaworld.com/tirecalc?tires=215-55r16-215-45r18 Also, the BIG problem will be finding a tire with the proper load rating - Don't think you can. Our stock 16 Continentals load rating is 97W and the best of the 215/45R18's that I see are only rated 93W - Meant for a car and not a van . . . . especially not a loaded van. If you present this scenario to one of the experts at Tire Rack, they wouldn't sell you a 215/45R18 to put on a Transit Connect The 235/45R18's you asked about in the other thread would be a much better choice for you, even though they are too big around - A 215 tire is pretty narrow to stretch onto an 8" wheel and with the 235's, you can get a properly load rated tire - There are several rated 98W, so make sure you choose one of those. The sidewalls will still be shorter than with the stock 16's, but not as much - 45% of 235 is taller than 45% of 215 . . . . but still less than 55% of 215 Don Edited June 16, 2017 by Beta Don Bart Luther 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrtn Posted June 16, 2017 Share Posted June 16, 2017 The load rating is sometimes given as XL instead of numbers (Extra load), these will also work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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