the biggest and best tire you can put on the stock vx is the bf goodrich all terrain TA 255/70-R16. i have a '99 with 16" rims and i didnt have to cut any cladding. the wheel did rub when new if i cut the wheel hard over, but not bad at all and within a month there was enuf wear that it didnt happen anymore. ive had those tires now for almost 50,000 miles and there are just about done. i am an aggressive driver and that is a life time personal best. usually i only get 30K. great in mud and awesome in snow, and virtually no noise while highway driving. i give them 2 thumbs up. u can find them for about 150 a tire so it should be right in ur budget.