Larger Tires on Stock Suspension

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PF Flyer
Posts: 19
Joined: Thu Jan 24, 2019 4:34 pm
Location: Jacksonville, FL

Larger Tires on Stock Suspension

Postby PF Flyer » Thu Feb 13, 2020 2:30 pm

What are the largest tires you can fit on the R51 on stock suspension without rubbing/causing issues?

I don't see a need in my case for any sort of lift but I do drive in some sandy conditions and would like to get some AT tires when I am due next.

2012 Silver Edition

Thanks!


CRC11007
Posts: 32
Joined: Sat Nov 17, 2018 5:14 am
Location: Monument, CO

Postby CRC11007 » Thu Feb 13, 2020 3:22 pm

I have an ‘05 LE with 17†wheels. I replaced the front struts with factory stuff, and put the AirRide bags in the back.
I just put 255/75 R17 Goodyear Wrangler Duratraks on there, and they clear. They come close to rubbing the front mud flap while turning, but no contact. I love the tires so far, especially with the winter we’re having.
Discount Tire was great to work with ordering the right size, and verifying fitment when the tires arrived. I ordered 5 of them to have a matching spare, and it fits fine, as well. I don’t have any pictures on the forum, but I could email you some if you want.

CRC11007
Posts: 32
Joined: Sat Nov 17, 2018 5:14 am
Location: Monument, CO

Postby CRC11007 » Thu Feb 13, 2020 3:29 pm

Also consider upgrading your brakes before adding the additional rotating mass of larger tires.

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underworld1001
Posts: 328
Joined: Sun Nov 27, 2016 9:05 pm
Location: Austin, TX

Postby underworld1001 » Thu Feb 13, 2020 5:30 pm

2011 SV here. I have stock 17s and run 265/70/17. Raises the height about an inch which was good for me as I didn't want to do an actual lift. Info is in my signature. Also, if you've never driven with larger tires before, your gas mileage will drop depending on the size and the load rating of it. I went with C rated tires and lost about 1 mpg going to the larger size. I suppose if you went with P rated tires the difference would not be too crazy. My stock tire size is 265/65/17.

This might help too -- viewtopic.php?t=5557

PF Flyer
Posts: 19
Joined: Thu Jan 24, 2019 4:34 pm
Location: Jacksonville, FL

Postby PF Flyer » Fri Feb 14, 2020 8:40 am

underworld1001 wrote:2011 SV here. I have stock 17s and run 265/70/17. Raises the height about an inch which was good for me as I didn't want to do an actual lift. Info is in my signature. Also, if you've never driven with larger tires before, your gas mileage will drop depending on the size and the load rating of it. I went with C rated tires and lost about 1 mpg going to the larger size. I suppose if you went with P rated tires the difference would not be too crazy. My stock tire size is 265/65/17.

This might help too -- viewtopic.php?t=5557
Thanks for the info, this is what I have been leaning toward with the size and BFG AT's. The extra inch of height is more than enough anyways!

dobert
Posts: 10
Joined: Sun Feb 02, 2020 6:30 am

Postby dobert » Tue Apr 21, 2020 11:20 pm

My Pathfinder has 17" fuel wheels wrapped with 255/65's. No rubbing issues whatsoever. This tire size is almost the same with 265/70's but with less sidewall.

LF81
Posts: 14
Joined: Tue Feb 12, 2013 11:33 am
Location: Miami

Re: Larger Tires on Stock Suspension

Postby LF81 » Wed Aug 05, 2020 9:30 pm

PF Flyer: Did you end up getting those AT's? If so, how did they work out?
CRC11007 wrote:
Thu Feb 13, 2020 3:22 pm
I replaced the front struts with factory stuff, and put the AirRide bags in the back.
CRC11007: Just new stock components in the front (no lifts/levelers), correct? Do the AirRide bags provide any lift?
CRC11007 wrote:
Thu Feb 13, 2020 3:29 pm
Also consider upgrading your brakes before adding the additional rotating mass of larger tires.
Would going from stock tires (265/65R17) to something larger (275/70R17) require new brakes?

OEM Tires - BFGoodrich Radial Long Trail T/A
Link: https://www.walmart.com/ip/BFGoodrich-L ... re/6022919

Tires I am considering - Goodyear Wrangler TrailRunner AT all_season Radial Tire-LT265/70R17 121S
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075KH3V58/re ... kFbDG68G5E

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

CRC11007
Posts: 32
Joined: Sat Nov 17, 2018 5:14 am
Location: Monument, CO

Re: Larger Tires on Stock Suspension

Postby CRC11007 » Fri Aug 28, 2020 8:16 am

Sorry for the delayed response...
After replacing the front struts, I did not notice much of a difference in height. I suppose the factory springs may have settled over time, so now it’s back to where it was originally. The AirRide bags don’t noticeably lift the rear in my opinion, but it makes for a much more controlled and compliant ride, especially for towing. I went with P-rated (passenger) tires, instead of the LT-rated (light truck) tires. The P-rated ones are not as stiff, and since I don’t tow that much, not necessary for me. The LT tires are heavier, as well. The upgraded brakes for me were an absolute necessity, as I felt the factory brakes were always under-powered, let alone with larger tires. It’s an easy upgrade, and one that I would do before any other.
I know SMJ999 just did a write-up on the V8 brake upgrade recently. I did the same V8 conversion last year, but a little more budget-friendly. I think I spent about $550 for the whole job. As long as you have the 17-inch wheels, you’re good to go.


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