Here's my dilemma...Been through a few posts and haven't yet found a definitive answer....
So, will 245 40 (or 45) 18's fit under an AWD? :hmm:
I have the blokes at my tyre place telling me that 235 40 18's would be the best, but they are 19mm smaller OD than standard. I like the idea of the fat 245's but I'm open to suggestions as I can't decide on which profile to go with.
I dunno which profile would look better 245 40 18's or 245 45 18's as the latter is 14mm larger OD than standard. I would like to decide soon as I will be getting them within the next week to 10 days. Also, what offset is needed for these sizes or does the car need a specific offset / tyre / rim size combination. Obviously, if the 235 40 18's are the best, I'll go that way. Like I said, throw all your ideas at me.
Cheers,
Andrew

Have you considered 235/45/18s? They are basically the same OD as standard. Plus you are less likely to run into fitment issues than compared to 245s.

Hey Red Valdez, I have thought about that size but they don't make the Bridgestone RE002's in that width / profile combination which is a bit of a bugger. I have them on my wife's AWD in 225 55 16 and they are such an excellent tyre on so many levels I wanted to stick with them (pardon the pun). They transform a great car into a brilliant one!! I have never found a tyre like them!!

The RE002s are a very good tyre, but there are comparable tyres out there (e.g. see the 2012 Motor magazine tyre test (http://www.jaxquickfit.com.au/blog/2012/02/gold-medal-for-goodyear-eagle-f1-asymmetric-2-2/)).

Have you considered the Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 tyres? They are better than the RE002s and are available in 235/45/18.

Hadn't thought about those!! Will check them out!! They might be just the ticket.....
Is it a case of no one putting 245 / 18's of any profile under the AWD's?

I've test fitted a set of 245/40/18's on my AWD.

18 x 8.5", +38 offset. KU31's. They just cleared the rear knuckle by about 3mm & may possibly require the rear guard to be rolled too. The fronts were ok-ish. Add a bit of neg camber & they'll be fine. When I have more time & $$, I'll probably go for it but for now, Ill leave it. If I can find 'narrow' 245, I'll give it anther shot & go for it then.

What offset & width are your rims as this will determine how succesful you'll be with getting them to fit properly.

The Kumho KU31's & the Hankook Ventus V12 Evo's are also available in the 235/45/18, with the correct load rating to suit the AWD. Both will fit but you'll need to reshape the front guard lining a little to accommodate the larger tyre.

Thanks alscall and Red Valdez, great info!!! Gonna go back to see the boys at the tyre shop on Monday with all these ideas! I'll let you know how I go.
Cheers and thanks for the help.

Thanks alscall and Red Valdez, great info!!! Gonna go back to see the boys at the tyre shop on Monday with all these ideas! I'll let you know how I go.
Cheers and thanks for the help.


How did you go? Am interested in pricing as I'm chasing a new set of tyres at the moment.

I have 245 40 18 on my otherwise totally stock AWD TL ES. Continental Contact 3's on the front, some other cheapo tyre on the back end (Marangoni). IMHO anything even the slightest bit larger in dia or width on standard springs would touch the upper rear suspension assembly. With 4 people in the car and driven in a spirited manner, I have had one tyre touch for a moment on a bump from the rear end. Add a loaded boot and passengers and could be a more regular problem. Does change the ride quality a bit and steering becomes more sensitive/ nervous.

It might be a bit late now, but I've got 245/40/18s on my TJ AWD - no problems at all for fitment and no scraping anywhere - I do have factory height and drive it hard.

It might be a bit late now, but I've got 245/40/18s on my TJ AWD - no problems at all for fitment and no scraping anywhere - I do have factory height and drive it hard.

What brand tyre & what offset wheel?

To be honest, I forget what offset, maybe +38?? :) I'll check when I put my coilovers on soon :)