Oversize tires

zunismom · 08-22-2008, 07:38 AM

I had a 2002 Sportage that I loved, but was sadly rear-ended while at a traffic light and smashed to smitherines (large van going 50 mph and didn't even try to stop!). I escaped amazingly alive and able to walk away from the crash. Anyways... am considering a new Sportage but I had oversized 235-75-15 tires on my old Sporty to lift it up a bit as I live in an area that can flood easily (like now, with Tropical Storm Fay dumping TONS of rain on us!). Can you put oversize tires on the new Sportage and if so... what is the largest size as I'd want to raise up the vehicle as much as possible. Thanks!

gomer · 08-22-2008, 11:13 AM

Depends on how much lift you have in the suspension and/or body (body lifts, I do not recommend) and how much of the fenders you're willing to cut away.

zunismom · 08-23-2008, 02:06 AM

I was wanting to avoid doing any mods to the body (cutting fenders, lift kits, etc.)... just wondering how large a tire I can put on a stock vehicle without rubbing?

gomer · 08-23-2008, 01:34 PM

Easy way? Turn the wheel from lock to lock and measure how much extra you can go from the sidewall before you rub on the frame. You can stuff the wheel wells in the back as those wheels don't turn; you just have to worry about rubbing on the wheel wells. My guess would be a 28 or 29 inch tire with no problems.