I have a 2001 se with 255 65 16 inch tires.I was looking on the nissan website for the 2002 model year they come with 265 70 16 or 17 inch wheels.The question is,Can I put 265 70 16 inch tires on my xterra without rubbing? Is the 2002 model set up for those sizes and mine isnt?I want a more aggressive tire in 255 65 16 but I cant find one.I was told even the slightest upgrade to 255 7016 would cause rubbing.Someone please clarify this ?thanks

They're actually shipping w/ 265/65R17 on the SE SC. That's about 30.5" The '02s have the clearance built into the new flares and mudflaps.
The 265/70R16 is also about 30.5"
The 255/70R16 you're interested in is pretty much 30" exactly. Seeing how the 255/65R16 you have now is 29", the 30" should fit without trimming or just a teeny nibble.

Brent

Thanks for the info .I was thinking of trading my 16 inch wheels and tires for 15x7 se or xe alloy wheels and tires.I believe they are 15x7 265 70 15 .There are many more sizes available and more agressive tread patterns.I have generals that I wonder how the would be in the snow?Would you advise that move?thanks

p.s no teeny nibble for me.

Can't speculate on stock tires and snow, only had my BFG AT KOs on snow. If anything, the 15" wheels give you more tire size choices (as you noted) and the tires themselves will be quite a bit cheaper for the same effective diameter. I'm sure the 265/70R16 (30.5x10.5 tire) is much cheaper than the 265/65R17 (also a 30.5x10.5 tire) and we know the 15" are cheaper still. It will take you a few sets of tires to see the savings though if you have to cough for new wheels in the first place.

Brent

Stock grabbers in 4wd on packed snow are not bad. I drove up snowboarding many times in snow last winter with no problems. In 2wd the back slides around quite a bit (at least when I'm driving)

In unpacked/deep powder snow they arent very good.

Thanks again for all the info.I have someone to do an even trade.He has 2000 xe 15 inch alloys.Are those 265 70 15 and would you advise that trade?I have 255 65 16 but like I already mentioned there arent many choices in that size.I like BF Goodrich but they dont make anything in 255 65 16. :rolleyes:

I'd go for it.

Brent