It is close to tire time and I want to make 255x45x18 Nittos fit. They are 1/2 inch larger radius and 1/2 inch (15mm) wider from center. I think they will rub on the struts without spacers, but with spacers they should fit. I want the taller tires.

Half inch spacers will likely put the tires slightly outside the wheel well, but 1/4 spacers inch should give me enough tire clearance to the struts.

Has anyone else done this?

 

Sub'd I would like to know aswell.

 

On stocks wheels? I run a 265/35/18 on 8" rim and it didn't rub at all.

 

Have done 255x40,on 8" and 235x45,on 7.5's. I heard the the nittos run thin , give it a try.

 

i run 255/40 on an 8" wheel with no issues. with 255/45 you will probably rub the top of the strut. i have less than a finger's gap with mine

 

The 255/4518 is only one inch taller, in diameter, then the 225/4518 and about one inch wider in total width (1/2 inch inside and ½ inch outside). Is the tire fitment issue more to do with diameter or width or both?

 

Black C5: Two things. First the Nitto 555 is a discountinued tire, so replacements later might be a little hard to find . Replaced with a Nitto NT05.
Second, A 255/45/18 tire will rub lower spring strut mount. A 255/40/18-255/35/18- or even a 265/35/18 will clear strut mount.
I'm soon going to be running a 265-35-18 Kumo XS tire, which is a DOT/Track and street tire. No snow out here, and don't put a lot of miles on, so not concerned with tire wear. "Moon"

 

Am I correct that running either a 255/40 or 265/35 that the 8” wheel should keep the same factory backspace and the extra inch should be on the outside of the wheel to avoid strut clearance issues?

 

Keep the offset the same so you will clear the calipers, the perch problem is all about height.

 

Thanks guys for posting up about this. I want drag radials badly but my only concern is will these stand up to the occasional rainy twisty mountain roads? Mine Work great at the track right now, but in the rain.... Its like Disney's hhrs on ice.