G Armstrong wrote:Thanks for the input. I want to pick up some ground clearance,but would rather not install lift and/or wheel spacers at this point. 235 80R17 should be around 31.8 diameter, but 0.3 inch narrower than the stock 245 width tires. Thought maybe going to the 235 width would allow a tire taller than 30.5 and still clear the upper balljoint mount and hoped I'd find someone who had tried it. Tall and skinny is not the typical route for off road tire modification, so I may just have to have one test mounted and see what happens.
I disagree there on your thoughts about Tall and Skinny not being typical. It used to be quite typical, mainly with Bias ply tires, but just about most 4X4's ran tall-skinnies. There are still many good uses for this application. If you need to get to solid ground in mud/snow, it's easier in t-s's. More PSI for ground contact as well as other bonuses.
The wider packages that we see/have now are mainly due to Radials and Marketing as well as flotation and wider contact for rocks when aired down. The look is a big factor in wider tires as well. Some people love it, others prefer the t-s's.
JD has mentioned in the past how he's been able to achieve the ground clearance he has/had by using narrower tires as well. So I'd say if they fit and clear, run em if that's what you want.