Hey there y'all, I'm in need of new rear tires. Currently have 225 45 R18's. South eastern Michigan roads need more cushion for a basic daily driver. I've skimmed a thread by BGR04 about using 215 65 R17's and would like to give it a try. It seems like a great setup. More sidewall, slight lift to the car, better fill of the wheel well.

Right now I can only afford 2 rim and tire sets, after a few weeks I should be able to match the fronts. Would this work for a short time with taller tires in the rear? I've been told yes from some and no from others. Some say no problem, others say the handling would be terrible with bigger tires in the rear than the front. I wonder if it would have real negative effects on the control arm bushings and suspension components or not. I believe the tires will be 2 inches bigger in diameter.

Do any of you have input or thoughts? Should I hold on installing the new tires until I can match all 4?

 

Do you have AWD? I don't know how that would deal with having two very different tire sizes.

 

No AWD. Front wheel only so I'm clear there.

I was gonna go a head and do it till a buddy said the handling would go in the toilet. Then I started wondering about suspension components and control arm forces.