Largest tires on stock rims? - Sorry if it's been covered.

[IronMaiden]

Hey guys, I'm new to the forum and I've just acquired a 97 Pathfinder for free.

It currently has 235/70R15's on it, and they look way too small IMO and they are shot.

What is the largest size I can run on a stock 15 or 16 inch rim?

Also: I've seen 2" lift kits but are there leveling kits available so that I can just raise the front?

Sorry if all of this has already been covered. I searched the forum and could not readily find the answers that I am looking for.

I'll introduce myself and post some pics tomorrow once I get some pics of my FREE pathy.

Thanks in advance.

[alexf20c]

search harder

[Buzzman]

search harder

He's a new guy just looking for a little help, and he asked nicely to boot. Why not just answer his question instead of being a d!ck?

[alexf20c]

He's a new guy just looking for a little help, and he asked nicely to boot. Why not just answer his question instead of being a d!ck?

funny, you didn't answer his question either.

[Pwnin O'Brien]

To answer your question, without a lift or any suspension modifications, you shouldn't go any larger than a 31" tall tire. So for a 16" rim you could do a 265/70R16 (30.61") and be fine. For a 15" rim you could do a 265/75R15 (30.65") and be fine.

[IronMaiden]

Thanks for the info to all that replied in a civil manner.

I grabbed a set of 16" steelies today off of an Isuzu Rodeo. I'm going to run them until I can find a set of OEM alloys. I just got done sanding them all down and painted them with some rattle can silver.

I already have a nice set of 265/70R16's and I want to throw them on the steelies so that I can get it inspected and on the road. The inspection expires at the end of the month.

The 15" tires that are on it are shot and it was cheaper ($24 @ a local U Pull It) to just buy some steel rims.

I'd like to raise the front about 2" to level it out. Are there any inexpensive ways to do it without spending $350 on a 2" lift kit? Are there any other OEM springs that can be retrofitted?

Modified by IronMaiden at 1:20 PM 3/21/2010
Modified by IronMaiden at 1:21 PM 3/21/2010

[KyooX4]

I'd like to raise the front about 2" to level it out. Are there any inexpensive ways to do it without spending $350 on a 2" lift kit? Are there any other OEM springs that can be retrofitted?

Sadly, no. Any decent amount of lift is going to cost you $500+, whether it's a spring lift or custom subframe drop. You could get metal strut spacers in the $140-$180 range but they only net you about an inch of lift. Also you could get rubber coil spacers pretty cheap ($10-$20 per), but again, only about an inch lift.I haven't heard of anyone being able to retrofit OEM springs from a different make/model vehicle (unless it was in combo with a custom SFD).

I personally have one-inch rubber coil spacers on all four corners (although technically they're only to be used on the rear springs). Not much difference, but it didn't cost much.

[Tjdriggs]

Basically, since your question was answered, I will tell you. I have a 1989 Pathfinder. I didnt like the looks of 30 inch tires either. As far as biggest size for stock rims is concerned, its whatever you can fit under your rig at stock height. and still turn wheels without rubbing.

I have a 4 inch body lift, I put 34 9 1/2 x 15 Mudders on it, Just remember, wide tires, less bite for traction as you lose pounds per square inch where the tire contacts the ground. Tall looks good, mine are narrow, 9 1/2 inches, siped, gets excellent traction and good grip in snow and even mud.

Have a nice day !

[alexf20c]

wrong. the narrower the tire, the higher the psi where the tire contacts the ground.

[IronMaiden]

Sadly, no. Any decent amount of lift is going to cost you $500+, whether it's a spring lift or custom subframe drop. You could get metal strut spacers in the $140-$180 range but they only net you about an inch of lift. Also you could get rubber coil spacers pretty cheap ($10-$20 per), but again, only about an inch lift.I haven't heard of anyone being able to retrofit OEM springs from a different make/model vehicle (unless it was in combo with a custom SFD).

I personally have one-inch rubber coil spacers on all four corners (although technically they're only to be used on the rear springs). Not much difference, but it didn't cost much.

I guess I'll give the spacers a try or see if I can find some new front coils. I'm not trying to lift the rig much, but more or less just level it out.

I have another rig (Jeep Grand Cherokee with 7" lift and 35's) that I wheel with.

I'm not looking to turn this another project. Just wanting something with some decent tires and that looks like it should have come that way from the factory.

[Buzzman]

Just remember, wide tires, less bite for traction as you lose pounds per square inch where the tire contacts the ground.

wrong. the narrower the tire, the higher the psi where the tire contacts the ground.

Not wrong. You're both saying the same thing, just in a different way.(BTW, ever wonder why those really old cars, like model T's, were so good in mud and snow? Those big skinny tires).

[Tjdriggs]

yeah, if you read what was written, I said, the wider the tire, the lower the pounds per square inch.........I DIDNT SAY NARROWER WAS LESS...THATS WHY I HAVE NARROW TIRES.TO GET MORE GRIP