Tire size with a lift

[nxski]

I'm looking at putting in a 2-3" lift in the spring. I've seen a lot of threads on how to chose tire size and I've noticed that 235/75/R15's and 31X10.5 are common and that 33X12.5 can be used (not sure with what size lift or rim though). I don't want anything too large but I like the idea and look of a slightly wider tire. How can I figure out what the maximum rim / tire width I can use is? It seems that as long as the wheel diameter and offset doesn't change the width shouldn't be too much of a factor!? Please correct me if I'm worn because I'm not too informed on the subject. Costco referred me to a private dealer to get the sizing done but said the lift had to be in place before I could get an approximation.
Thanks

[fexlboi]

I would recommend not to go over a 2" lift as you run in all kinds of troubles if you go higher. In terms of tires everything larger than 31" and you would need at least a 3" lift. I consider 33" as "too large" for an l300, depending if you have the large tires just for show or if you actually want to go on trails.

Lots of posts about this subject already on this forum: http://www.google.ca/search?q=site%3Ade ... e+lift+rim

It seems that as long as the wheel diameter and offset doesn't change the width shouldn't be too much of a factor!?

Not true. Offset depends on rim width and not the diameter.

Here is a l300 with 33"s:

[nxski]

I've read the links from those posts. the 31X10.5 would be the best if I wanted to go to a slightly larger tire with good offroad performance on a 2" lift? I'm looking to get a bit more clearance but not lose stability. The 33's definitely look wrong but is it possible to put in spacers so as to get the tires a little bit further out? I've noticed that the Delica monsters seem to have quite a wide stance...

[jessef]

2" lift with 31's and good shocks will give you more clearance and better road/offroad handling than a stock Delica.

Any more than that and you have to start seriously playing with the driveline geometry = $$$.

[fexlboi]

I've read the links from those posts. the 31X10.5 would be the best if I wanted to go to a slightly larger tire with good offroad performance on a 2" lift? I'm looking to get a bit more clearance but not lose stability. The 33's definitely look wrong but is it possible to put in spacers so as to get the tires a little bit further out? I've noticed that the Delica monsters seem to have quite a wide stance...

I would say 31" are the tires you won't have any troubles as many owners use this size with a 2" lift. To get the tires further out you just need to find rims with the right offset. No spacers.

[dfnder]

What about going to a 16" rim to minimize sidewall... 16inch rim 31" tire? Anyone gone this route?

[fexlboi]

I don't think 31"s are available in 16". If you want to go to 16" the next size up after 31x10.5R15 is a 235/85R16 like ours: http://dinoevo.de/2010/02/tire-choice/
You also could go to a 245/75R16 which is slightly wider and has a smaller sidewall.

[nxski]

Excellent, larger rim with the correct offset and a 2" lift. Sounds like a good combo to me!
Thanks for all the help

[fexlboi]

Excellent, larger rim with the correct offset and a 2" lift. Sounds like a good combo to me!
Thanks for all the help

Keep in mind a 235/85R16 doesn't fit with a 2" lift.

[nxski]

I'll probably be looking for a 31" with a rim that will sit further out. Still lots of time for research.

[jessef]

I'll probably be looking for a 31" with a rim that will sit further out. Still lots of time for research.

No need for research. It's all done !

Tires, offset, backspacing, lift , etc are some of the words you can use to search.

[nxski]

By research I mean I'm going to be searching words like that on here to figure out what seems to be the best match.
Thanks

[jessef]

The wheel wells in the front are quite narrow, so fitting a very wide tire 10-11" will require quite a bit of plastic trimming/metal grinding, removal of the front steps and loss/relocation of the mud flaps.

With a 2" lift, you can go with a 31x10.5" tire, coupled with a 7" wide rim at 4" backspacing or an 8" wide rim at 4.25" backspacing. Those two combinations will push the tire roughly 1/2 - 3/4 of an inch past the body (sticking out). You'll have to judge whether that is acceptable for you or not. It looks great but you'll get a bucket full of snow/mud/dust with your window rolled down when you make turns offroad.

My personal preference is a 15x7" rim with 4" backspacing and a 31x10.5x15" aggressive all-terrain or mud/hybrid tire.

Some people keep existing size (29") tires and install a 2" lift just to gain a few inches of clearance between the body and the ground as the front end / approach angle is not the most desirable in stock format.

There are many lifted L300's out there with different combinations of tires/rims, etc...

Many options and lots to choose from.

With that said, a suspension lift is not a necessity. In stock form, the L300 with a good set of tires is a very capable offroad machine. Testament to many in the interior/out west/up north in all climates/terrain and the machines just keep going. If I had one word to describe an L300 offroad, it would a mountain goat. The shape, weight distribution and wheelbase make them great climbing machines.

If a suspension lift is what you are after, it will be either for looks, more ground clearance, stiffer ride (less body roll) or all three.

A few inches of extra clearance does make a big difference in some area when doing offroading, cross ditches, off camber rocks, etc... you just have to ask yourself whether it's something you really 'need'.

[nxski]

If a suspension lift is what you are after, it will be either for looks, more ground clearance, stiffer ride (less body roll) or all three.

I definitely like all three of those bonuses

With a 2" lift, you can go with a 31x10.5" tire, coupled with a 7" wide rim at 4" backspacing or an 8" wide rim at 4.25" backspacing. Those two combinations will push the tire roughly 1/2 - 3/4 of an inch past the body (sticking out). You'll have to judge whether that is acceptable for you or not. It looks great but you'll get a bucket full of snow/mud/dust with your window rolled down when you make turns offroad.

I'm assuming that fenders will solve that problem. Will the sliding door still work with those combinations. I told my mechanic I'd like to do a lift and he said that for every inch up I take it I should go an inch out. That is my reasoning for wanting a nice wide tire.

Also, I've seen a posting for a delica that is being parted out and has a lift. What are your opinions on removing and reusing lift kits? I've heard it can be a very tricky procedure depending on the type of lift. Also, is a rubber block lift effective in terms of performance or does it all come down to appearance?
Thanks

[jessef]

The one that's being parted out is my old one (search for Granola). He's got one of my 2" lifts on (rear - longer shackles / front - balljoint spacers).

There is nothing wrong with using/moving those components onto another rig. Rear is solid steel and front is 6061 aluminum with grade 10.9 hardware. Will outlast the chassis.

The problem you may have is who will remove it, at what cost and how will the parted out Delica sit (you're disconnecting the front/rear suspension that supports the vehicle).

In my opinion, it may cost you more to remove and install, then to just install a new one.