315/35/17's

[lower90xcab]

Here is a question for you guys. I am running a 285/40/17 on a 17x10, I was wondering if I could step up to a 315/35/17? Is a 10inch rim to narrow for a 315? Does anyone have a pic or two of a 315 on a 10inch rim?

thanks
lower90

[USAZR1]

A 17x11 is optimum but a 315 will probably be ok on a 17x10.

[BA.]

I'm pretty sure there'd be no problem there at all. Most 335 guys are using a 12" and that's certainly not as narrow as you can go there.
With 315's on a 10", I think you'd get that little sidewall curvage that I know I like so much, but not so much you'd cause a problem. JMHO

[lower90xcab]

thanks guys. Now I need to choose between a drag radial or performance tire.

[go-fish]

Wouldn't a drag radial same size as a perf tire bulge more in the sidewall.

[Blown353]

"Approved" wheel widths for a 315/35/17 are 10.5-12.5 for most manufacturers, but not all. For instance BFG only recommends wheels in the 11-12" width range for their 315/35/17 drag radial.

It will physically mount up on a 10" wide wheel but the sidewall stresses will be beyond what the tire designers would like to see... I probably wouldn't sweat just 1/2" under spec on the wheel width but it will definately be more "squirmy" and have a reduced contact patch on the narrower wheel compared to on a wider wheel because of all the sidewall buldge.

Just as a general guideline, a tire mounted on the narrow end of the spec will have the narrowest contact patch (because you're rolling the edge of the tread inward), softest ride/sidewalls, and less cornering bite because of the sidewall buldge, while a tire mounted on the widest end of the spec will have the widest contact patch, hardest ride/sidewalls, and more cornering bite because of the stiffer and "straight up" sidewall.

Earlier this year I changed wheels, I have 255/45/17 on the front. I used to have the tires on 17 x 8" wheels (narrowest spec) and now the same tires are on 17 x 9.5" wheels (widest spec.) I noticed a very perceptible change in steering "sharpness" and response because of less sidewall squirm with the wider wheel.