245/45/16 widths

[Lurieh]

Hey guys,

This is my first post, so be gentle. I've been lurking around for a while, and most of my questions have been answered through searching. I do have one issue I need some help on.

I've seen Stretch's posts on wheel fitment, and I know he was able to fit 245/45/16's on 16x8 +50 wheels. I've been looking at a set of 16x8's(+50), but I don't want to go with Toyo ra-1's. Instead, I'd like to use Toyo t1-s's.

From Toyo's website they list the overall width of the 245/45/16 t1-s as 9.8(inches), and the 245/45/16 ra-1 as 9.6(inches). Now I assume that the extra width of the t1-s is from the rim protector, but you know what they say happens when you assume. Although in this case, it will just make an @ss out of me.

I'm guessing the .2 inches(5mm or so) is split between the outside and inside, so 2.5mm each.

My question is this: Will that extra 2.5mm or so cause a rubbing issue on the suspension arm?

I'd like to keep with a summer tire(no all seasons if I can help it), but I'm open for suggestions on another 245/45 tire that might give me better fitment.

Thanks in advance for the help.

Lurieh

[Tire Guy]

Curiously, my fitment guide lists both tires as 9.6 inches wide on an 8 inch wide wheel.

The RA-1 is also a very square-shouldered tire while the T1-S has some crowning to the profile (more rounded). I think the T1-S would be less of a rubbing issue vs. the RA-1.

P.S. The rim protector is not counted in overall width.

[Lurieh]

Sounds great. Thanks for the help Toyoguy!

[Indy MPS6]

Originally posted by Lurieh@May 1 2005, 01:41 PM
Hey guys,

This is my first post, so be gentle.* I've been lurking around for a while, and most of my questions have been answered through searching.*
Lurieh

[snapback]402530[/snapback]

You ARE my hero!

[Stretch]

I've been lurking around for a while, and most of my questions have been answered through searching.

Just like Dave said... you rock.

As far as fitment, the RA-1's are insanely wide compared to street tires I've run in the past. The measurements are a little confusing to me because my real-life observations rarely seem to match (not just Toyos, but tires in general). Thus, you take a little risk when buying something that has little clearance to spare.

If I'm not mistaken, the 245mm measurement is the widest part of the section width, which on a wheel with a rim protector could be the rim protector itself. On RA-1's, the sidewall bulges outwards, and right in the center of the sidewall is the widest point. Thus the T1-S would, at least in theory, be less of a fitment problem.

A big rim protector will fit on a 16x8 +50- I've had such a tire mounted before. As I said, I suspect the rest of the tire will probably be no larger than the RA-1's. Besides, even if the tire is 0.2" larger, there is definately an extra 0.1" to spare on the inside suspension knuckle. There isn't much space, but 0.1" isn't a very big difference, either! Go for it.

[Tire Guy]

Originally posted by Stretch@May 3 2005, 06:21 AM
If I'm not mistaken, the 245mm measurement is the widest part of the section width, which on a wheel with a rim protector could be the rim protector itself.*

[snapback]403536[/snapback]

From Toyo's Team Toyo Retail Certification Program Study Guide:

"Section width is the width of a tire from sidewall to sidewall. It does not include any protruding elements, such as lettering or protective ribs."

Rim protectors, raised white letters, etc. are not considered part of the section width. They are however part of the overall width.

Generally, rubbing issues are seen on the shoulder portion of the tire. I don't recall ever seeing a tire rub where the rim protector was.

[Lurieh]

Ok, so that's where the discrepency is. The Toyo website lists overall width, not section width. So the t1-s is .2 inches wider (due to the rim protector) when referencing overall width, but the same when referencing section width.

Well, it looks like I'll have room either way.

Great info guys!