The Sams Club tire guy said... bigger tires will tear up my transfer case, transmission, engine, suspension, brakes

[Gnomad]

My base is scheduled for production so now I'm earnestly working on the new tire situation. I love the look of the steelies but not the tires Ford puts on them. Since I'm already in Sams that day I head to the tire department to see what they have, the guy looks up the Bronco, tells me the stock tire size. I tell him I need 265's and of course he isn't going to put them on, but then he proceeds to tell me that going to a bigger tire will tear up my transfer case and transmission, my engine, the suspension, brakes, and render the vehicle unable to be driven safely.

I tell him not to bother any further with looking things up, and he keeps going. You'll never find a shop that will install those tires, the whole industry is going that way, and all the time he has my membership card and seems reluctant to give it back. I had to ask him directly for its return.

It's one thing to be told "we don't do that" I expected it TBH. But the hard sell put me off.
One last thing-I looked at the tire decal in the door jamb of the Wrangler and it lists 3 different tire sizes. Can someone with a base look at theirs and see what it lists? I'm thinking that any tire on that sticker should be a go at any tire shop, even a consumer grade Karen shop like Sams.

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[old goat]

he's a sales person not a knowledgeable tire guy . stay away from them and go to a tire shop JMHO

 

[kodiakisland]

Go to a local tire shop and get what you want.

 

[Big Boss]

Sam's has great prices on tires, but their sales guys and techs must have some odd rules to follow.

When I needed new tires for my Focus, I got the same the same size as the OEM but a different brand and speed rating and the tech told me he couldn't install them. Told him he better install them because they were already paid for and confirmed to "fit" my vehicle. He installed them but said it wouldn't happen again

 

[swami37]

I have some Aluminum BD take offs with general grabber tires for sale... ( south Florida)
I upgraded to SAS wheels and 35

 

[Who iz]

Stay far far away from sales people who act this way. Never reward this type of behavior, regardless of the company. Smile , thank them and move along.

 

[Tripodbruno]

Sams/Wally world will usually only install a stock size listed on the door per their rules. Other big boxes may be similar. I'm sure it is a liability legal/lawyer decision. Try to find a 4 wheel shop in your area- they can also help you get the stance/avoid issues/reset your speedo etc... many will price match or at least come close in price.

 

[da_jokker]

Just tell him Ford puts 35 from the factory so you're good

I doubt he knows enough to realize the front axles are different.

 

[JeebusCripes]

Probably wouldn’t have had an issue if you went to Costco. Jk

Edit: I’ve never purchased tires at Costco. It was just a joke. Glad to hear they’re just as shitty.

 

[MileHighCitizen]

You can always pull out your phone and use Google to call people out on their bullshit.

I do it all the time irl....you'll make less friends this way, but people get real quiet when you say, "Ive never heard that before; Im gonna look it up right now on my phone."

99% of the time they suddenly remember "that's something i heard a while back, but im not sure if it right or not"

 

[Fmuguira]

This is exactly why I go to a local tire shop ( same place for 40 years) and they know their business and don’t give you that big box tire store BS.

BTW, no appointments needed, leave your car for 1-2 hours stuff. Roll in for a rotation and you re on the road in literally 10-15 minutes. If you re the 3 rd guy there for a rotation you still get done in 40-45 minutes. And these guys know your name!!

 

[AZMikeL]

Costco will only install the stock size as well. Most of my business goes to Discount Tire for this reason since my wife's car has a non-stock size, and so will my Bronco when the factory GYs wear out.

 

[Lil Red Broncette]

My 2-door base with steelies came with Bridgestone Dueler HT 255/70/R16 on it.

 

[SeaVee]

Wow Sam’s used to be my go to place to get bigger tires when other shops balked. My Burb came with 245’s and they’ve slapped several sets on from 295’s to 305’s. Times they are a changing…

 

[NewBroncoOwner]

Trailbuilt offroad will mount and balance on new rims and ship any tire and wheel option you want. The steelies are a +55 offset, I switched to a +35 to have that poke. good luck and have fun.

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