Im not saying you can't, I'm saying you shouldn't. Its not safe. Granted some people may be running these types of setups for quite some time with no issues, but others that I know personally have dealt with issues they wouldn't have had to deal with, had they gotten the right size in the first place.

If you want a wider tire, get a wider wheel.

 

balooning the tire onto the rim isn't good for the tire and high speed stability. the shoulder of the tire should be parallel to the bead on the rim. Yes you can go bigger and make them work, but that's not how they're designed to work. I ran 235's on my 18 x 8's on my avenger and they were nice and flush.

Also, your wheel/offset are going to play a big factor in whether you rub or not. The further out you take the wheel, the bigger tire you can go on it.

 

Okay, change in plan. What about a 17x8 (which I found at a better price than the 17x7s) inch rim, 5x100 bolt pattern, with an offset of 35mm. I'll probably go with a 235/40/17. With the stage 1 lowering springs, will this rim and tire combination fit comfortably on my ride? could I go 245?

 

You can't go 245 w/out coilovers, and 235 may be pushing it on a stop to stop turn but should clear.

 

So you think the 235s with stage 1 lowering springs should be OK with possible rubbing only if I turn the wheel all she's got?

 

If you went with a 235, have them put a 235/40 on the wheels and test it lock to lock and over bumps. You may have a problem with it rubbing against the spring seat, and the base of the strut itself...but you never know.

Make sure you test it beforehand, but 225/40/18s fit like a dream