My next set of tires for Lobo

[SilverBullet2.0]

Get a 245/50-19 for sure. And in Florida, why the hell not summer tires?

I thought about the 245, but based on the overall set-up it will be too pinched on the factory rims. I'd have to get after market rims that are wider. Yes a 245 could fit, but it seems the performance gain would not be adequate. 235 will fit square on factory rims.

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[ScottyC]

Stock size is fine for daily driver - but you need to watch that you get a tire with an XL (extra load) rating. For whatever reason (assuming low sidewall height) Ford spec'ed the 19 inch option with the "extra load" rating. Going with an SL (standard load) will change the handling dynamic and some tire shops may not even install them due to liability concerns.

 

[colinl]

I thought about the 245, but based on the overall set-up it will be too pinched on the factory rims. I'd have to get after market rims that are wider. Yes a 245 could fit, but it seems the performance gain would not be adequate. 235 will fit square on factory rims.

disagree again. 245 is perfectly fine on a 7.5 rim. 265 you have a point.

 

[Chops]

disagree again. 245 is perfectly fine on a 7.5 rim. 265 you have a point.

Don’t disagree - but I’m going with the 235/55 for the taller sidewall. My Lobo does not need a less comfy ride

 

[SilverBullet2.0]

disagree again. 245 is perfectly fine on a 7.5 rim. 265 you have a point.

Thanks Colinl, you definitely had me goin back to the drawing board to analyze this deeper.

My goal in this thought process is to maximize more of the performance that can be uncovered from the Lobo. I want that goldilocks set-up.

I'm open to understanding more about the ideal tire option while keeping the factory wheels -

As much as I would like to see a 245 on my truck. The research I've done doesn't seem to make sense.
A "bulged" or "pinched" tire, like a 245/40R19 mounted on an 8-inch rim, is generally considered "bad" for performance handling because it compromises the mechanical relationship between the wheel and the road.

While the extra width looks aggressive, it introduces several physical behaviors that can make the Maverick Lobo feel less precise, especially during Autocross.

1. Increased Sidewall Flex (The "Mushing" Effect)
When a tire is too wide for the rim, the sidewalls must angle inward to meet the wheel. This creates a trapezoid shape rather than a vertical one.
Delayed Response: When the steering wheel turns, the rim moves first, but the "angled" sidewall has to "fold" or lean before it actually pulls the tread across the pavement.
The Sensation: This feels like a delay or "squishiness" in the steering. Instead of the truck darting into a corner, it "rolls" into it.

2. Reduced Lateral Stability
In high-speed cornering, the tire's sidewall needs to act like a stiff pillar.
Tire Roll-Over: Because the 245 is "pinched" on an 8-inch rim, the sidewall is already under pre-existing tension. Under heavy cornering loads, the tire is more likely to roll over onto the shoulder, reducing the effective grip and making the handling feel unpredictable.

3. Tread Distortions ("Crowning")
Tires are designed to have a flat contact patch. When you squeeze a wide tire onto a narrow rim:
The Crown: The center of the tread can actually bulge upward (crown), meaning the tire isn't sitting perfectly flat on the ground.
Uneven Wear: This causes the center of the tire to wear out faster and reduces the total amount of rubber actually touching the road during straight-line braking or acceleration.

The 245 might feel slightly more comfortable because of the extra rubber. However, for Autocross, the 235/40R19 is the superior choice on an 8-inch rim. It will give the most predictable handling and the best "feel" through the steering wheel.

Switching to the 235/40R19 tire offers a specific performance advantage for the Maverick Lobo, especially for Autocross. By choosing a tire with a slightly smaller diameter than the stock 225/55R19, this effectively shortens the gear ratio.

When the overall height of the tire is reduced, the truck doesn't have to work as hard to turn the wheels. This leads to several key benefits:
Improved Acceleration: A smaller tire acts like a "poor man's gear swap." It allows the engine to reach its powerband faster, giving a quicker off-the-line acceleration and better "punch" when exiting corners during Autocross.

Increased Effective Torque: Because the "lever arm" (the radius of the tire) is shorter, more of the engine's torque is applied directly to the ground. This makes the truck feel more responsive and peppier in stop-and-go traffic.
Sharper Handling: A lower-profile tire like the 235/40R19 has shorter, stiffer sidewalls. This reduces "tire roll" during hard cornering, providing more direct steering feedback and better lateral stability on the track.

Lower Center of Gravity: While the change is small, lowering the truck slightly by using smaller tires improves overall stability, which is a significant plus for high-speed maneuvers in Autocross.

Choosing the 235/40R19 will make the Maverick Lobo better suited for the technical turns of Autocross while remaining perfectly manageable for a daily drive. It can also support a load in the bed, but there is a slight decrease in total capacity compared to the factory setup. The key is to look for XL load ratings in this tire size.

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