Will a 215/75R14 work on a 300TD

[JDmills]

I just brought home a New to me 300TD. In the examination of repairs by the previous owners, I see that the ball joints have been replaced. Looking at the car it is hard to tell, as the inside of the front tires are worn down to the cords, where as the outside of the tires looks new... all in about 20 thousand miles of driving.

My question is will some 215/75s work on the rear of the car. (I have some 195/75R14 winter tires for the front) I am not in a hurry to trash a set of new tires. guess it would be wise to have an alignment done and that would tell if it is still going to be a problem.
thanks,
Jason

[jas2wa]

Is this a 123 chassis TD?

My 84 has 205/70/14's on it, and for what it's worth, they are wearing irregularly on the driver's side front only (both sides ball joints are new, too)-my old 81 126 300sd did the exact same thing, too. Odd.

But to answer your question, you might get away with the 215/75 on the rear, but certainly not the front (my 205/70 show a little rubbing on the inside turning to full steering lock). If your rear susp isn't sagging at all, you might be okay. If you are drooping back there, I'd watch it.

Cheers,

JAS

[oldnavy]

The widest tire for a 5.5 inch rim is 215/70, you should have 6 or 6.5 and that rim handle a 215/75 real easy.

JAS you need your front end checked it's outa whack.

[JDmills]

guess I am gonna be out of luck for the moment, as the rear is kinda lowrider like. some thing to shoot for. I am supprised that these cars had rubber as small as they did, for such a heavy car. then again that was twenty years ago...
thanks for clearing up that question.
jason

[BrierS]

I would guess your TD is a 1984 (you said twenty years)?

I may have misread your question but I wouldn't think it would be wise to run different sized tires front/rear. My '87 has 195/65 15" Bridgestones on four corners and with normal rotation show no signs of unusual wear. All steering and suspension have been checked regularly and replaced when needed (not for a while) and the alignment is good. The '84 hasn't had enough miles put on yet to determine if there are any problems lurking. That one also has matched tires on the four corners.

You mentioned "low rider" as to the TD. Depending on the year (not certain how they vary) if you have the hyd. suspension you may have some issues. What year is it?

[JDmills]

Yes it is an 84, I Am collecting observations to post soon, as to how to begin adressing their respective needs. But to answer your question, the rear bumper is much lower to the ground than the front. That being said, the rear shocks dont seem to leak, and I am not sure how much, or how little oil/fluid is in the suspension bottle up in the engine room. if that is low, may be it is an easy fix??
Jason

[BrierS]

The 300TD has the fluid suspension at the rear. You should have air cells, rear struts, hydraulic pump and a control valve. The fluid tank in the front should have the dip stick to check the level. MAKE CERTAIN THAT IF YOU ADD FLUID USE THE MB STUFF. FastLane sells it. There is a filter that also needs to be changed on a regular basis. I think they call for annual changing of fluid and filter. The change takes 3.5 liters so you would need to purchase four containers. I think they were around $40 for the four ($10+/_ @). With the sagging, you may already have some issues though it certainly wouldn't hurt to start with the fluid level. Let us know what you find when you check it.

[Brian Carlton]

I ran 215-70-14 Michelins on my previous vehicle: 1983 300D.

I make the assumption that the taller 215-75-14 should also fit without any difficulties. The 70 series tires were not too close to anything, including the tie rods.

I will tell you, however, that the sidewall on a 215-75-14 is about as big as the Empire State Building. You may not like the handling characteristics of them.

I am currently running the same 215-70-14's on the SD and it certainly floats around a bit in corners on those sidewalls.

[JDmills]

my interest in 215's is that they are taller, gaining me a little hight, as well as a small overdrive effect. Also they came off another car so they are free... butt if 215/70's work, I like the idea that they have a slightly wider footprint.

[Brian Carlton]

If you get the 215-75's for free, then put 'em on and see how you like them. They will provide an even greater effect at reducing rpm's than the 215-70's.

You will have to decide, based upon your driving style, whether they feel too soft and mushy for your tastes.

I'm a pretty slow driver most of the time, however, I will be switching the SD over to 215-65-15's when the 215-70-14's wear out. I've already got the wheels for them. The sidewalls on the 215-70-14's are just a bit too tall for my tastes.

[rgp123]

When considering size changes run this little tool to give comparisons:

http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

You can figure the "under-drive/over-drive" effect here.