biggest tire size to not rub without a lift 2wd

[subluxation]

Hello,
Soon to be new smb owner. It is a 04 E-350 extended. It will need new tires and would like a more all terrain aggressive tire. I believe 245/75/16 is on there now. I am looking at Bf goodrich AT, Cooper discoverer A/T3 or goodyear duratec or possible any other suggestions. Mostly highway but some snow, rain here back east. I might do a small 1.5 to 2 in lift latter. Do you think a 265/75/16 would fit and possible not rub? I don't have possession of the smb yet. Kinda leaning towards the Cooper for price , 55k mile warranty and great reviews but open to suggestions on size and tire. Thank you!!

[Wbp]

I added a 2" lift from action van and was able to put 265/70 17 on 17x8 wheels and have no rub problems. If I had not lifted the front it would rub for sure.

[E277]

I have the same setup (2wd, no lift) and I remember looking before we got new shoes and 245 was the largest w/o lift.

If you go 265 I think there are actually spring/shock clearance issues and not just the occasional rub on a full-lock turn.

PS Before dumping huge amounts into a lift, take possession first and check it out. I think our grey tank drain valve is the lowest point and in 3 years of mixed driving with plenty of off road over rocks and roots, I think I may have caught the valve once and it was from dropping off a curb I didn't see combined with the shocks bottoming out.

My point is, I think you may have plenty of clearance with no lift. Also keep in mind as I keep reminding myself, entry and exit at stock height is much more pleasant when camping than having to step higher and/or use a step stool.

[subluxation]

Thanks for advice, I just like look of small lift, nice tires to look more like 4 x 4, I'm picking up on west coast next week and owner says tires are marginal and gonna drive all way back to Ohio . Safety first concern but probably correct to get the vehicle and evaluate and not rush tire size until I have possession. Just seeing if anyone was running 265/75/16 or biggest tire I could with your all recommendations with no lift and no rubbing then it would transition to small lift latter or leave alone. Thanks for input.

[Bbasso]

265 75 16 BFG AT on two of my stock E350 and they both had the slightest rub only at full lock.

[subluxation]

Great, thanks for the info. I still got the 16 in factory rims so probably get possession first and stick with 16's for now and see if much of a difference from 245 to 265. Appreciate the input.

[vwteleman]

I have a 2008 E350 EB. Last summer I went from the stock 245/75/R16 tires to 265/75/R16. No clearance or rubbing issues. Everything is stock, no lift.

Combined with rear spacers, it looks much better. Speedo is off ~3%.

Cheers,
Brent

[pinz712]

My 2008 RB is running 265/75 R16 Michelin LTX on stock rims. I have had no rubbing. My wife talked the shop into putting the front tires on and testing for rubbing.

[subluxation]

Thanks for the advise. This gives some great options. Smooth ride and gas mileage are key but would like good aggressive tread design and traction and looks as well.