Tires and Wheels Question
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Rab_Himself
- Posts: 4
- Joined: Mon Jul 01, 2019 7:33 am
- Car: 2000 Qx4
Tires and Wheels Question
Hi, I have a 2000 Qx4 all OEM with new struts and shocks and am wondering if I can run 245/70r17 (30.5”) with a neutral to a negative offset wheel? It’s my wife’s car so driving won’t be a off-roader or any hard flexing. If I understand correct this offset would push the wheels out a inch or so and I really would like that stance. Basically I just want to know what’s the max size in diameter I can use without having to cut or remove oem hardware, and do negative offset rims help or hurt rubbing? I’ve read on the forum yes this rubs and no it doesn’t rub, just need some clear advice. Should I just run 245/65r17 (29.5”)? Thanks!
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Frank01pathfinder
- Posts: 19
- Joined: Sat Jun 29, 2019 10:28 pm
- Car: 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
Re: Tires and Wheels Question
I am running 245/75/16 all terrains on my 01 4x4 pathfinder with stock wheels and suspension. Fits perfect and no tire rub. I hope this helps.
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Rab_Himself
- Posts: 4
- Joined: Mon Jul 01, 2019 7:33 am
- Car: 2000 Qx4
Re: Tires and Wheels Question
Thanks, that does help. I’m hoping someone will chime in about the negative offset rim. I don’t think it would matter but maybe the tire sitting out farther would rub?
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nickelghandi
- Posts: 205
- Joined: Mon Jan 28, 2013 3:23 pm
- Car: 1999.5 Nissan Pathfinder LE 4X4 (rusted out: sold)
2004 Nissan Pathfinder LE 4X4
1998 Volvo S70 GLT
2001 Ford F150 XLT - Location: Frankfort, KY, U.S.
- Contact:
Re: Tires and Wheels Question
If my memory serves correct, I think I read a post saying that a 31" tire is as large as you can go on a completely stock suspension and wheel setup on these SUVs. That does not account for sagging springs.
I ran some 1" (and later 3") spacers on my '04 with stock 245/65/17 tires and had some rub. It tends to catch in weird places that you wouldn't really expect and really don't want to trim.
I fixed my sagging suspension, added a 2-2.5" lift kit from Fleurys site, and swapped to some 265/70/17 (31.61") tires. I then had rub from the tires, but cut some of the fender out where it isn't visible and it cured it. I don't run the spacers anymore because the wider tires give it a nice stance even on the stock wheels and the spacers made it drive like garbage. If I wanted larger tires than I have now, I would be looking at some wheels with negative spacing to clear the struts. As it is, I have less than an inch of clearance between the sidewall and the lower spring seat on the strut.
My Pathfinder does see some mud and offroad use, but not rock crawling or extreme offroading. Mostly just getting to fishing or hunting spots and needing to clear the occasional log, hole, creek, or deeply rutted and muddy dirt road.
The worst thing about a wider stance in my opinion is a significantly worse turn radius. With the spacers, I felt like I was turning a tractor. With just the larger tires, turning is still pretty tight and the ride height and track width are more aggressive.
If you can throw money at wheels, lifts, spacers, 3rd member, axle shafts, etc. if/when you encounter issues from oversize tires, then experiment. If not, then stick with stock size and get more aggressive treads.
I ran some 1" (and later 3") spacers on my '04 with stock 245/65/17 tires and had some rub. It tends to catch in weird places that you wouldn't really expect and really don't want to trim.
I fixed my sagging suspension, added a 2-2.5" lift kit from Fleurys site, and swapped to some 265/70/17 (31.61") tires. I then had rub from the tires, but cut some of the fender out where it isn't visible and it cured it. I don't run the spacers anymore because the wider tires give it a nice stance even on the stock wheels and the spacers made it drive like garbage. If I wanted larger tires than I have now, I would be looking at some wheels with negative spacing to clear the struts. As it is, I have less than an inch of clearance between the sidewall and the lower spring seat on the strut.
My Pathfinder does see some mud and offroad use, but not rock crawling or extreme offroading. Mostly just getting to fishing or hunting spots and needing to clear the occasional log, hole, creek, or deeply rutted and muddy dirt road.
The worst thing about a wider stance in my opinion is a significantly worse turn radius. With the spacers, I felt like I was turning a tractor. With just the larger tires, turning is still pretty tight and the ride height and track width are more aggressive.
If you can throw money at wheels, lifts, spacers, 3rd member, axle shafts, etc. if/when you encounter issues from oversize tires, then experiment. If not, then stick with stock size and get more aggressive treads.