I'm a new member and this seems like a great site so far. Found some good info.

Im currently running 295/75r17 toyo mt/s on my stock 17x7.5 wheels on my 98 expedition. Zero clearence issues.... until I tried to throw on a set of truck chains. I have zero clearance between the chain and the frame on the back and almost none between the chain and upper arm on the front. Its also getting to be time for some new tires.

So heres the question...

Keeping with a 16 or 17'' wheel and roughly the same tire hight, what size tire/wheel offset should I run to clear my chains?

 

I'd say if you're going with 16's I'd try a 285/75/16 that would put you pretty close to the same height tire and a hair skinnier width that is pretty close to a 33x11.50 or look for a 285/70/17 in 17's check on diff tire manufacturers websites for tire specs and you can determine the size to run for height and width you need to clear chains... Why run chains if you have 4x4? Try a mud terrain you can put studs in if it's just for ice traction just another suggestion

 

Thanks for the advice. I was doing some measuring and i dont think I would have much clearance even if i went back to the 265's. Thats still 10+ inches wide. I have never used chains on it before, I just like the idea of being able to if I ever need to. Like this past winter for instance, I work in the mountains and go snowboarding all the time. Right after a winter storm on the passes, chains are required on all drive axles; sometimes regardless of vehicle weight. I think I might look into a 285 or even a 265 with a smaller backspaced wheel. Might be enough to give me some clearance without getting into the fender.

The actual measurement of the toyos im running right now are close to 34'' tall and 12.5 wide on stock suspension. Probably too much tire.

Or maybe even a small lift, that would solve all the problems