305/45/22 -- to rub or not to rub?

VinnyD · #1 (**permalink**) 10-18-07, 12:14 AM

Hi all,

Just purchased a set of Paladin Chateaux 22" rims. They come with aftermarket tire pressure sensors and 305/45/22 (or 305/40/22) tires. The wheels are 9.5 inch with +35 offset.

After speaking with the dealer, he said that the 305/45 would offer a slightly smoother ride due to its thicker nature (and tread pattern on the rubber), but I'm afraid of rubbing.

He said there'd be some rubbing if I were to off-road but normal driving wouldn't be a problem. I don't off-road, although the NYC streets might be considered cavernous considering some of the potholes out there.

My Escalade is otherwise bone stock. No mods to the suspension or lift. The rims have a +35 offset, which I'm assuming is suitable for a 305/45 tire.

Anyone have any thoughts? Should I be concerned about rubbing and/or damage to the wheel-well?

PS: I've searched and saw some differing opinions in different threads. Just wanted to ask for myself -- sorry about any potential post duplication.

**hcvone** · #2 (**permalink**) 10-18-07, 09:21 AM

I think that 305/45's may rub, the higher series tire 45 vs 40 contains more air in the tire due to a thicker side wall causing a softer ride, but there is not a lot of difference between 40 and 45 series tires in ride quality. The 305/40 size when going 60 mph you will really be going 60.9 because the tire is slightly smaller in diameter than the stock 285/45, and with the 305/45 tire at 60 you would really be going 58.7 mph do to the tire being a larger diameter than the stock 285/45 unless you get your computer reprogrammed, no reason to just want to give you more usless info.

VinnyD · #3 (**permalink**) 10-18-07, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hcvone

I think that 305/45's may rub, the higher series tire 45 vs 40 contains more air in the tire due to a thicker side wall causing a softer ride, but there is not a lot of difference between 40 and 45 series tires in ride quality. The 305/40 size when going 60 mph you will really be going 60.9 because the tire is slightly smaller in diameter than the stock 285/45, and with the 305/45 tire at 60 you would really be going 58.7 mph do to the tire being a larger diameter than the stock 285/45 unless you get your computer reprogrammed, no reason to just want to give you more usless info.

None of this info is useless -- thank you so much.

I'm going to give them a call and change the order to a 305/40 so I can get some mental peace. I'm running 18's on the truck now @ 265/65, and even those are tight when the wheels are at full tilt.