Bigger Tire Issues?

[shealy]

I've been looking at putting some bigger tires on my L300, but in talking to some friends who have done this to different vehicles I've heard there can be some issues. I was wondering if anyone who has put a larger set on their deli has experienced any problems. (I'm looking at putting a 30'' tire on it). I'm mostly talking about power related problems such as the engine getting bogged down, or highway cruising speed affected etc.. Any wisdom would be great!

And while we're on the topic, the tires I'm thinking of putting on are BF Goodrich A/T KO's. Anyone have these on their rig that would recommend them (or not)? Thanks in advance!

[nxski]

I have the 31" version of those tires and love them! I find that the vehicle feels better if you take off the line slower than with stock tires but once tolling I don't really notice a difference in performance. Either way, 30 is not a huge step up so it should be fine.

[jessef]

A 30" tire on a Delica is perfect. You will not notice any difference in power.

BFG AT KO tires are based on old compound technology and are considered outdated in today's tire selection. They used to be 'the' tire to get back in the day (3-5 years ago) when all terrain's did not have a wide selection.

If you do have a set already, use them up and then sell them. The one single advantage with the BFG's is the compound is very hard and will still 'look' like new after a good 10,000 km's.

Since then, there are far better all terrain tires out there that excel in dry, wet, snow/ice handling with the snow flake rated symbol.

When I say 'far better' I mean it as a comparison between a bald tire (as a BFG AT) compared to a snow tire (as a modern hybrid AT).

I recommend Goodyear Duratrac's as they make the BFG AT KO's feel like bald tires in all road/offroad conditions. I'm at 30,000km's at I still have 89% left.

[Jungle Jon]

One thing my mechanic warned me about with larger than stock tires is the potential for overpowering the brakes.
Since the stock L300 brakes are adequate, but not known to be super-powerful, you could consider Jesse's dual piston brake upgrade to help mitigate this.

[jessef]

all L300's can benefit from the dual pistons up front regardless of tires size, stock and up. It's just a healthy upgrade.

[FalcoColumbarius]

To put things into perspective, the MLB can stop in 20, or so feet @ 50 KPH with stock callipers on the level. I think that is outstanding. I know this because one day I was gauging my speed on Keith Road in North Van when a cat ran out before my wagon, I was one car length and a bit before the traffic island, panned the brakes and the Miss Lil' Bitchi bowed before the emperor and came to a dead stop with the cat frozen, glaring up into my eyes before he/she ran off. The MLB has 235/75R15 tyres (29.5"diameter).

Falco.

[jessef]

panned the brakes and the Miss Lil' Bitchi bowed before the emperor

That is a priceless quote and should be a bumper sticker. Laughing so hard my neighbors must think there's a crazy living here

Dude that made my night.

[naterade]

At what point does one require a lift for larger tires to fit?

Will a 30" tire fit without needing further mods (ie lift kit)?

What about 31"??

[jessef]

If you just drive on the road, then you may be fine. As soon as the wheels articulate into the wheel well they may rub or hang up.

30" you can get away with if your suspension is in good shape and your torsion bars are not sagging otherwise you may need to remove your from steps and/or mud flaps depending on the tire/wheel combo. A typical 30" tire is actually 29 or 29.5" inches so if you want a true 30" tire, then you may need to lift it.

31" you can't do it without a lift.

[nxski]

I believe 30 will fit and 31 needs a lift!? Both will most likely require trimming though.

Edit: See above...

[naterade]

Ok cool, thanks

So if I wanted to put 31s on, how much of a lift am I looking at? 2"?

[shealy]

So, I've been looking around and have a few tire types that I'm looking at. Hopefully some of you out there might have these?


YOKAHAMA Geolandar AT-S

KUMHO KL61 SAT 104S 6-C OWL

HANKOOK DYNAPRO ATM RF10

Any recommendations? (I've also been looking at BF Goodrich A/T KO's and Goodyear Duratecs)

Thanks!

-Steve

[FalcoColumbarius]

Yokohama Geolandar AT/S ~ LT235/75R15s.

Falco.

[Luna-Sea]

I would add nokian vativa AT's to your mix,
I have been really pleased with them.
http://www.nokiantires.com/tyre?id=1195 ... ame=Nokian

We have the duratracs on my spousals L400 and they are nice too,seem softer
than the nokians.
Canadian Tire sells a Goodyear "Territory" which is pretty close to the Duratracs.
They seem go on sale pretty regularly.
this link is for a 31x10.5x15
http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/4 ... iewDetails



Right On!

[Fishtank]

I'm running the General Grabber AT2's: http://www.generaltire.ca/productdetail ... grabberat2 and I really like them. One of the more capable tires of the group, similar pattern to the BFG AT's. The Yoko's would be my second choice but they seem to be other peoples first.

My 2 cents.