Is the lift so you can use larger diameter and width tires? If so it will accomplish very little differential clearance gaining half the diameter increase of the tire. At best you may get 1" more ground clearance. Larger width tires are more prone to hydroplaning. The IMO only use for wide tires is to "float" on sand. Thinking there is not much sand in your part of the country. The tires will float in snow and mud the opposite of what you want to do if you want to maintain traction when offroading.
Chain clearance. Many of the newer vehicles have very limited space under the front fenders and require very small, weak chains or, in some cases, you can't use front chains at all. Heavy chains can do some expensive damage. I run narrower tires on my Dodge Ram. I use 245's instead of 265's that are the same diameter and load capacity. Not only do they handle better but they give an extra inch clearance for heavier chains.
