2006 Xterra Wheels and Tires

[cjm_specv]

I am somewhat new to the 4x4 world and have some questions in regards to wheel and tire sizes. I searched all over this forum but could not seem to find any posts that answered my quesitons. They may be out there, I just couldn't seem to find them.

I am in need of a new set of tires on the my X and was hoping to upgrade to some aftermarket wheels at the same time. I most likely will stick with the same wheel size as factory (unless you have some better suggestions for me). How much bigger can I go in tire size over OEM? How much bigger could I go in wheel size (and corresponding tire size)? I would want to purchase a good on/off road tire as my X is my daily dirver but I have hopes to be a weekend warrior. Next summer I may look at a 2.5" lift too so I want to get the right tire/wheel combo now, if possible, to work well with the lift.

Anyways, sorry for rambling but any help would be appreciated.

[hsckris]

Next summer I may look at a 2.5" lift too so I want to get the right tire/wheel combo now, if possible, to work well with the lift.

Can't do it -- 2.5" lift will allow for a significantly larger tire. ANY tire you get now would look too small after that lift.

With that in mind, I would either do the lift and then buy tires or plan on buying tires again after the lift.

[cjm_specv]

I figured that would be the case. Given that, how big can I go keeping the factory ride height. I have seen posts where peopled talked about using a heat gun to reshape the fender shrouds but they were never too specific about their tire size.