Tyre/Rim Sizes for PB

[Black Challenger]

I've noticed most guys are upgrading to a 70 series tyre on the stock 17 inch rims. Has anyone looked at reducing rim size to say 16 inch to have more options for tyre replacement and to save costs.

The only issues I can think of are that smaller rims will hit the brakes, has anyone looked into running say 285/75/16's

I've been quoted over $400.00 per tyre for Cooper STT's in the 17 inch option. I'd rather down size the rims and save some coin in the long run

[02-SR5]

I looked at this too.

Only problem, is finding the right rim with the correct offset and width.

285 is too wide. It will rub big time. Stick to the 265/70/17 as it will save you the cost of replacment rims too, unless you can get a good trade in on your factory alloys.

[LukeS]

I looked into this briefly but didnt have the time to spend checking the offsets with wheel shops. Still tempted to peruse this as the unfortunate fact with 17rims is the profile of the tyre is reduced bringing your rim closer to rocks etc. when 4x4ing.. I already have a few scratches on one of my rims complements of the springs 4x4 park..

If you find a combination that is workable in the 285 let us know cause I would be interested to hear!

[Ballfyboy]

get a friend with a 16 inched nm Triton to swap front wheels for an hour.

[Black Challenger]

I've got a mate with a Triton running 285's, I've been meaning to do the swap but it sounds like as soon as its off the jack the treads will rub on something. Will let you know.... I was thinking that with a 2inch lift this would allow enough room and travel for the tyres. The 285's have never rubbed on his with the 2 inch ironman lift.

[4wd26]

rims are not the problem, some hummer 16" rims (16x7.5 allow 285 width and stock offset- cheap too.) just not sure if 285 will fit the challenger- tritons fit with 2" lift no problems.

note triton alloys are 7" wide apart from the MN 17" rim (current glxr)

you should be able to source 16x8 +30 offset, in a whole heap of styles, which would be very close to stock +38 offset.

the rear being different though the best would be to test.

[wasarangie]

I run sunraysia style King rims in 17". I have measured the clearance at 20mm from the rim to the caliper. Given that clearance it would allow a 16" rim to clear I would think. The 70 series tyres rubbed on the inner plastic guard before the lift, now there is plenty of room and the inner guard is held back with heavy cable ties - Thanks to Ballyboy who posted that one up.

[greig]

The Challenger in Thailand comes with a 16" option ( read a cheaper spec model than here, although Mitsu has announced a "cheap" Challenger for 2011, with 16" alloys and no side airbags etc )

Should be good for those that want a set of sliders ( although it won't be technically legal for the side airbag Challengers )

[fun510]

Like many, I have been running 265/70/70 ATZ 4ribs on factory alloys. Recently picked up a set of kings 17x8 30P steel rims. I have fitted MTZ 285/70/17. The will fit - BARELY!

Here is my short list of pros & cons;

Pros
Awesome Traction Upgrade
Increased clearance
Improved side prodection in ruts (sidewalls extend slightly past guards)

Cons
Dramatic effect on gearing and available torque in gear.
Disproportionate fuel usage increase (20%) compared to my 32 ATZ
Greatly highlights the lack of bottom end torque of the 2.5L especially when towing.
Big hill starts are a HUGE strain on the clutch when towing. (I use low range when towing off road to avoid this)
Steering Vibration (wheel wobble) at 100km/hour? Not sure if this is typical?
Throws more mud/stones up side of vehicle due to lack of mudflap coverage.

Bottom line is I love the 33s off road. I will use them for off road and shorter towing trips when there will be noteable offroad work. For towing when touring I will probably stick with the 32s. For general on road duties I will stick with the 32s as I do 40,000km plus per year for work.
I would definitely recomend 32s for anyone looking for an allround package as they do not require any real compromise. They are an easy upgrade.

If you want 33s, there are some compromises to be made, but you will love them off road!

Some pics!

Including me snatching a cruiser that slipped off a step (front left wheel hooked over big step in washout) - Check the flex of where I was reversing whilst snatching! I don't think this would have worked without the locker and MTZs. Man they can dig some holes

[Ballfyboy]

fun510,
Nice rig, nice work

[LukeS]

Nice work fun510! Looks good with the 285's! Thats with no lift either right?? is there any scrubing? The look to be almost be inline with the outside of the flare..

I just tried a set of steelies in 16 x 8 (not sure of the offset) with 265/75 coopers and they fit on the rear no problems (havent tried the front but I think the rear would have been the issue..), however they did protrude past the flares (off a cruiser).. Im pretty keen to get into a set of 285 MTZ's on a 16in rim... one day.

[fun510]

Thanks for the positive feedback guys.

Luke - I have approx 20mm lift at the front and 25mm at the rear. This is a result of the additional weight in the stroage system plus deliberatley setting my front bilsteins (with 5 grooves for height adjustmests) lower to match the rear.

The big tyres definitley hide any lift as they fill the guards. Note as mentioned above they barely fit. After trimming they don't scub. Other than standard offset I would say this offset (30P) is the limit with this tyre size. They just fit and the sidewalls are just covered by the top of the guard. They actually do look like they stick out a bit due to the tapered profile of the guards. Hence they throw crap all over the car as they stick out way passed the lower sections of flare and mudflaps.

I also tried a cruiser rim (standard 80 series). they are 0 offset - No Chance with big tyres!

[4wd26]

with regard to the gearing- might I suggest getting a set of 4.1 diff gears out of a triton.

This will effectively match the standard gearing while running 33" tyres.

I have already sourced mine ready for my new vehicle upgrade in June.

I have done this for exactly the reasons you have stated. Towing and crawl ability with the smaller engine and torque off idle.




Its a bit busy but compares the ratios and effect of different tyres.
and then to counter the effect matching diff ratios.

BTW 4.1 ratio diffs from the triton are easily available

[cate03]

Interesting the Hilux manual runs the same gear ratios as Mitsu except for 5th...and turns smaller diameter tyres