Largest Tire Size for Stock 4X2 2002 Ford E250 Van

[macmcintire]

Does anyone know the largest tire size I can put on my stock 4X2 2002 Ford E250 Sportsmobile? I want to eventually lift the van and put in a locking differential, but I can only afford to do one thing at a time. If I lift it first I will need to put bigger tires on immediately. I'm wondering if I can put the bigger tires on first and then lift it later when I have more money.

Thanks for the information!

Mac

[BroncoHauler]

I think talking to the people at Camburg might be a good place to start.

http://www.camburg.com/?p=408


Herb

[Ford_6L_E350]

The front of the van is pretty limiting for tire size - at least in stock 2wd form. I'm thinking the largest tires that fit may still look too small after the van is lifted.

Mike

[8850]

I had a similar concern. The biggest tire I could put on my EB 350 without a lift was a 245. After the lift I had heard that I could get at least a 275. I had saved money to get the tires and lift at the same time so that I didn't look like I was driving a clown car with small tires on a lifted rig. Unfortunately, I had 2 flat in close succession while 6K miles from home and now have to wait until I wear those tires out until I get the lift. Oh well, more time to save.

[Ford_6L_E350]

Originally Posted by 8850

I had a similar concern. The biggest tire I could put on my EB 350 without a lift was a 245. After the lift I had heard that I could get at least a 275. I had saved money to get the tires and lift at the same time so that I didn't look like I was driving a clown car with small tires on a lifted rig. Unfortunately, I had 2 flat in close succession while 6K miles from home and now have to wait until I wear those tires out until I get the lift. Oh well, more time to save.

You could have gotten two larger tires and put them on the back.

Mike

[8850]

Originally Posted by Ford_6L_E350

You could have gotten two larger tires and put them on the back.

Mike

Yeah, probably would have been a good idea, just didn't think of it at the time.

[macmcintire]

I've talked to people at Camburg, Quigley and Salem Kroger. I was surprised to learn that Quigley puts 245-70-17 size tires on their 4x4 and Kroger puts 245-75-17. My van currently has 245-75-16. I guess I don't understand what difference the 17 from the 16 makes.

The place here in Vegas where I'm going to get the Camburg lift put on says to put 285-70-17 tires on after it is lifted. I'm pretty sure the 285 would not fit on my van as a 4x2. But would a 245-75-17 fit?

For someone who knows nothing out about vehicles this is very confusing.

Any thoughts, Mike?

[Ford_6L_E350]

Hi Mac,

The reason for the 17" wheels is the brakes. The brakes on the new F350 axles (used by S-K and Quigley) are too large for a 16" wheel. I'm not sure why a Camburg conversion would use 17" wheels, because they use your stock E-Series brakes.

Mike

[macmcintire]

Thanks Mike!

I knew you would know the answer. I'm still waiting to hear back from Camburg on the size of wheel they recommend. It will be interesting to see if they say 16" or 17". My local 4x4 shop also recommended the 17" after the lift, but they may not know about the brakes. Since I'm doing the Camburg lift I will do whatever they recommend.

Thanks again. You are an encyclopedia and treasure-trove of knowledge.

Mac

[macmcintire]

Mike:

Camburg recommends 285-75-16 on the van after the lift. Are your wheels on your van 16" or 17"?

Mac