Tires: 555r vs 555extreme vs ???

[Shaker1]

I need new rear tires. I am running 555 Extremes up front (275/40-18 @ 26.61 diam) and 555r in back (305/35-18 @ 26.42 diam).

I am a bit "tired" of driving on DRs and worrying about rain, etc. And I think a slightly taller tire would look better in back.

I can either get 305/40-18 555r (a bit taller) and stick with DRs.

Or match the 555 extremes up front with 285/40-18 (stock size @ 27" diam).

Or have to buy 4 new matched tires (quite a bit more expensive).

Which leads to the questions:

Should I stick with the limitations of DRs for summer driving?

Can I expect 285 Nitto 555 Extremes to be much better than the Goodyear stockers I hated?

If I bought 4 new tires what tires would be best and how much better than 555 Extremes?

Help me out guys, so I make the right decision! TIA

 

[NightRide]

In your case I would run continental dw on all 4 or you could do some kuhmo ecsta xs out back for better dry traction and no rain panic.

 

[fullboogie]

I run 305's and they look awesome. Traction is very good considering the HP I have, but like all soft tires, they will wear quickly. Just part of the game.

 

[Shaker1]

Thanks. It sounds like no one is recommending the 555 Extremes out back.
Leaning toward either another set of 555r in back or 4 MPSS.

I am looking at MPSS 295-35-18 in back @ 26.1" diam, which would fit my 18 x 10" rear rims.
And 255/40-18 in front with 26.0 diam on 9" rim width.
Sound about right?

 

[whiplash920]

Thanks. It sounds like no one is recommending the 555 Extremes out back.
Leaning toward either another set of 555r in back or 4 MPSS.

I am looking at MPSS 295-35-18 in back @ 26.1" diam, which would fit my 18 x 10" rear rims.
And 255/40-18 in front with 26.0 diam on 9" rim width.
Sound about right?

yep that will work for you...im running a 295 on a 9.5" rear wheel. ..never had an issue, but it is a bit big. Your 295s will be good on a 10" wide wheel. I wanted the MPSSs too, but for the rear size i wanted (315/35/20), they arent around anywhere....8 wks backorder per michelin. I hope they have ur size. i ended up going with the continental dw for all 4....im hoping im not disappointed.

 

[Phantomhalo]

+1 on the MPSS. They are awesome! Stock size is 27" not 26", so be careful when ordering the sizes. I'm running 305's out back but they are on 20x11's. They run wide due to the sidewall.

 

[nxhappy]

Mickey Thompson will not let you down ...

 

[jonw605]

I had the identical tire/problem but with a 20" wheel. I went with Mickey Thompson Street comps in all 4 corners

 

[fullboogie]

I'm on the 295's right now (temporarily) and I will tell you, they are really really short. I don't like the size at all. I'm going back to the 305's at first opportunity.

 

[Shaker1]

I'm on the 295's right now (temporarily) and I will tell you, they are really really short. I don't like the size at all. I'm going back to the 305's at first opportunity.

The trick is finding the tires you want in the correct diameter and rim size. Going to a 20" rim would open up my possibilities, but staying with the 18's I have means accepting a smaller diameter in most choices, when matching fronts to backs. The 305/35-18's I have in back now are a little shorter than the fronts. If I go with another set of Nittos they will be 305/40-18s this time. But, I am leaning towards the MPSS all around to get back "3 season" DD capability. Getting caught 40 miles from home in the rain with DR's is a bit unnerving.

 

[fullboogie]

That's what I was trying to say - the 305/40's that I typically run are perfect. The 295's are just way too short. Although the same height as the fronts, with the larger rear fender gap they actually look shorter than the fronts. Not happy with them at all, and I regret my impatience that led me to buy them instead of waiting for the 305's to be in stock. Lesson learned.

 

[Shaker1]

That's what I was trying to say - the 305/40's that I typically run are perfect. The 295's are just way too short. Although the same height as the fronts, with the larger rear fender gap they actually look shorter than the fronts. Not happy with them at all, and I regret my impatience that led me to buy them instead of waiting for the 305's to be in stock. Lesson learned.

I found this out 3 years ago when first I put the 305/35-18s on the back. Because of the way the DRs look compared to the fronts, they seem to "amplify" any slight differences. Looked really horrible until I put on lowering springs.