wider wheels=shorter tires?

[virgil's ranger]

I have 35's on 15x8 and would like to go to 15x10. will spreading the tire like this effectivly shorten it? thats what 4wheel parts told me. they said putting a 35 on a 15x10 would make it a 33.

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

Why do you want to go to a 10" wheel?

The 8" wheel is easier on your wheel bearings and will retain a bead much better offroad than a 10" wide wheel will.

 

[DangerRanger]

Changing rim width will not change your 35 into a 33. The tread on the tire with the belts in it will not allow the tire to change shape in that direction. I understand what he is saying, if it were a baloon, yeah, but not a tire.

 

[Rotagotideas]

tires

think of it like squeezing or stretching a sponge or balloon in the middle, it's shape may deform a little but the size will remain the same as long as the stretch is not excessive.

depending on your method of mounting you can stretch the tire itself so that you will not have any problems with beat seat issues, tho it's not recomended stretching a tire for offroad / daily driver. Pm me if ya want to know how to do it.
I would recomend a 15x9 instead, still has good bead strength and flattens out the tread face a little. A buddy of mine runs 35's on a 15x9, never has had a problem yet with bead strength.

 

[pillen140]

I have 15x10" wheels and 35x12.50's. I measured my tires before mounting them at 34.4" exactly. I measured them after I mounted them and............ they were still 34.4"s!
I don't air mine down too much, never gone below 17psi, but I've never had a bead problem.