265/75/16 Tires, Moog CC880 coils, 43-1033HD leaf springs

[Normal_Dave]

"What's the largest size tire I can run without rubbing?"

The age old question with the broadest of answers in thread after thread. "It depends".

Well if you want to beat the dead horse again, join me in the saga to fit LT 265/75/16 A/T tires on aftermarket 16 x 8 rims 4.5" backspace and 0 offset.
1995 Club Wagon Chateau, 5.8L 3.55 Trak-Loc, factory tow package.

I recently replaced my long ago worn out and stock 1,685lb 2/1 leaf springs with ATS 43-1033HD 2,250lb 4/1 leaf springs. Pretty sure my prior height was well below stock as I gained 3" before settling.

This last pic with with new leaf springs, and still factory front coils.

[Normal_Dave]

Next I took another page out of several forum(s) member(s) builds and chose to upgrade the front coil springs to Moog CC880. Same free height as stock but thicker coils and progressive spring build.
Note: you can still get the Moog CC880 under the Progressive Spring label, readily available through O'Reilly Auto Parts. https://www.sportsmobileforum.com/fo...t-s-30624.html
I gained a solid 1" with this upgrade, and included new Moog Ball joints in the job.

"Before" is with new rear leaf springs and stock front coils.
"After" is with new rear leaf springs and new front coils.

Hard to tell with the shadows and the black lower break trim. There is currently a 2" rake rear over front that hopefully will get closer as rear springs settle in. Pics are riding empty, stock Chateau interior.

For reference, stock wheels are 15x7 factory, tires are factory size 235/75/15 XL.

[Normal_Dave]

I'd like to run Sumitomo Encounter AT LT 265/75/16. (Yes this is a 2wd application).
31.5" 10.6" section, 8.3" tread.

Many have posted no issues with similar suspension upgrades. Some show trimming of plastic bumper trim at front side of wheel opening.

Some show trim/bend of lower fender at backside of front wheel opening, and some have mentioned rub on sway bar at full lock, or pinch weld.

With all that said, before I pull the trigger and order this size, does the herd have any updates based on my posted data?

Thanks in advance.

Oh...for those who are thinking ahead, a very steep gear change to my 8.8 differential is next.

[Normal_Dave]

Vision has some new 16" wheels, made in the 5 x 5.5" bolt pattern, that has a center cap that displays the lugs. Thoughts on satin grey finish with this van's factory black lower break and chrome bumpers?
Ironically called "351 Flow". Of course I still run the 5.8L 351 Windsor V8 (relic that I am...).

With 15" tire sizes getting more rare by the day, I thought I should step up a bit. 16" aren't far behind, but there is a significant price advantage for me on 16" vs 17" combinations.
16x8 4.5" backspace, 0 offset.

[posplayr]

edit is this an E-150? You are stating lower than an E-350.


The LT 265/70/16 vs. LT 265/75/16
is about 1 " shorter with the same width. With 1/2" shorter side wall it will probably corner better and feel more firm on the road.

I guess it depends on if you are trying to get that extra 1/2 of ground clearance or better handling.

I ran 255/60/17's (29.05") with 17x8" (zero offset) wheels for 20+ years on my E350 and they handled much better than the stock 225/75/16

[Normal_Dave]

Originally Posted by posplayr

edit is this an E-150? You are stating lower than an E-350.

Oops. Yes. E-150. Figured the factory 5-lug rims were a dead giveaway.

Thanks for the information.

[posplayr]

Originally Posted by Normal_Dave

Oops. Yes. E-150. Figured the factory 5-lug rims were a dead giveaway.

Thanks for the information.

In the end, I did see the 5 lugs but I thought to confirm.


So you are happy with the CC880 rather than the stiffer CC880S?


Davevan went with the latter on his 4.6L E-150
https://www.sportsmobileforum.com/fo...tml#post315261

[Normal_Dave]

Yes, very pleased with the 880 in my application. I really like the ride and handling improvement.

Several members who used 880(S) reported max lift but harsh ride unless diesel (heavy) engine or heavy front end accessories.

I need to add that the CC880 will fit up to 2014 models as well.

[carringb]

A few years ago, 17” tire options were far more plentiful than 16”.

These days… it seems like 18” is the new 17”, and 17” options have maybe even decreased. That said… as long as the tire you want is available in the size you want… I’m not sure it matters a ton on a 150. And an E350, 17” clears the bigger brakes.

[posplayr]

Originally Posted by carringb

And an E350, 17” clears the bigger brakes.

I have some 16x9" Alum. wheels that will fit the larger calipers depending on where you put the wheel weights. There is plenty of room if mounted toward the mounting web.

So the 16" wheel interference issue with 08+ brake upgrade will be wheel specific.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post20873128