I picked up some new wheels

[samneil2000]

Found these at tirerack.com for $79 bucks each. I figured I might as well. My stock 16 inch wheels have had it.
I got 18x8.5. Now I just need to find the right 32 or 33 inch MT tire to compliment the look.

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/Wheel3.jpg

[handeeman]

I think those will look sweeeeeeet. I bet the daughter will like cruising around the Mighty Missip. with those on your ride.
Oh and I'll bet one or more of our resident tire experts will offer suggestions. lol

[Gussie2000]

Good choice !

When i was on the market for new shoes i highly considered those very rims,'till i got into an deal for my horse's current shoes.

[VX KAT]

NICE! Clean & simple! What's the offset and how's that affect the VX? (I've never mastered the offset stuff....so any explanation would be appreciated....:o)

[VXorado]

Good choice, make sure to post pics of your VX after you put them on. I think BFG MT KM2s would look on those rims and make your VX look very aggressive.

[etlsport]

kat, once the offset has been explained to you once, its pretty easy...

offset is the distance from the center of the wheel to where the lugs seat, so if its a 8" wheel with a 25mm offset (25mm = 1 inch) then the lugs sit 3" back from the face of the wheel, and 5" from the back of the wheel

backspacing is just the distance from the back of the wheel to where the lugs sit, so on the wheel i just gave an example of, the backspacing would be 5"

basically the farther closer to the back of wheel you get (ie lower backspacing or a negative offset) will give make the wheel/tire swing a wider arc when turning the steering wheel, increasing you chance of hitting the outer part of the fender

the farther towards the front of the wheel (ie greater your offset) the farther into the wheel well the more the wheel sticks into the fender so you run the risk of hitting the inner fender

factory on the VX iirc is a 7.5" width wheel with 18mm (0.7inches) so from where the lugs sit, there is approx 3" to the front face of the wheel, and 4.5" to the back of the wheel

when you get an aftermarket wheel, ideally you want to stay as close to that as possible, so stepping up to an 8" wheel, you would want to do an offset of approx 12mm (1/2") so that you have 3.5" to the face of the wheel and 4.5" to the back of the wheel.. of course if you get to a really wide rim this doesnt work because the wheel sticks too far into the wheel well

hope this helps :_confused

[circmand]

Found these at tirerack.com for $79 bucks each. I figured I might as well. My stock 16 inch wheels have had it.
I got 18x8.5. Now I just need to find the right 32 or 33 inch MT tire to compliment the look.

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/Wheel3.jpg

especially on a Proton I bought a set of 18s for close to that a few months ago. I love the look but am not sure I would have done it again especially with the Bobet rims from the VX@ for sale with a set of tires as well.

[samneil2000]

Thanks for the compliments guys. I believe the wheels are zero offset. So there would be 4.25 in front of the rim, and 4.25 behind. Totalling the 8.5 inch width.
I want the biggest gnarliest tires with the least amount of trimming. I like the tires LittleBeast has, I believe they are mud grapplers. But I dont think I want to "customize" my fender well that much.
I picked up a FourWheeler magazine to look at tire options. There aren't a lot of 32/33 inch MT tires for 18 inch wheels. I'll find some tho.

[samneil2000]

Good choice, make sure to post pics of your VX after you put them on. I think BFG MT KM2s would look on those rims and make your VX look very aggressive.


Update:
I'm going with your advice. I searched tires for a while, and I believe size 305-60-18 tires are what I'm after. They are about 32.5 inches tall and 12 inches wide. I'm hoping I can get them in with little to no trimming necessary (I have OME 912s in back and t-bar crank up front). I found the BFG MT TA KM2 tires for 306 each at tirerack.com. I then checked with my brother and he can get them for me at that price through his work at a local Ford dealership. That way I can avoid shipping charges. Yay :yesy:

So, hopefully by next weekend or so, I'll have some new pics with my new wheels and tires.

[PK]

Rear wheels will fit fine.
Be prepared to trim and BFH up front.

My 32" x 11" wide tyres needed it, and they were on stock rims with the correct offset.

Larger dia + wider thread + wrong offset = lots of BFH work.:bwgy::smilewink:bgwo:

PK

[Riff Raff]

I say; if you're gonna' go, then go big or go home!!! Consider the LT285/75R18 which is a whooping 35" O.D. There are only three(3) tires manufactured in the world in this size, and they would fit excellent on a "lifted" VX, they are:

LT285/75R18 = 35" O.D.

A: MAXXIS - MT-762 "Bighorn" (Mud-Terrain)
B: TOYO - OPEN COUNTRY M/T (Mud-Terrain)
C: TOYO - OPEN COUNTRY A/T (All-Terrain)

:thumbup:

[Triathlete]

I think there are a few more than 3 in that size... (http://www.4wheelparts.com/TT113X11320X1132016.aspx):bwgy:

[VX KAT]

especially on a Proton I bought a set of 18s for close to that a few months ago. I love the look but am not sure I would have done it again especially with the Bobet rims from the VX@ for sale with a set of tires as well.
Hey Dave post some pics!!! We want to see 'em!!!!

[circmand]

Hey Dave post some pics!!! We want to see 'em!!!!

having troubles with the upload says it exceeds my quota small pic and am a donor so have no idea why it does not work

[Riff Raff]

I think there are a few more than 3 in that size... (http://www.4wheelparts.com/TT113X11320X1132016.aspx):bwgy:

TRIATHLETE--- Thank you for the tire knowledge challenge test; unfortunately, you are incorrect. The website "link" you provided are wider 12.5" (315 series) tires, as opposed to the narrower 11.5" (285 series) that I provided in my previous posting.

Tire width equivalent in inches:

285 = 11.5"
305 = 12.0"
315 = 12.5"
325 = 13.0"

The 35" O.D. tires available for the 18" rim are as follows with examples of tire manufacturers who produce them (listed in graduating widths, narrowest to widest). Note: The equivalent tire size shown in parentheses ( ) is not manufactured and therefore not available.

35" O.D. Tires:

285/75R18 = (35x11.5R18) (only from Maxxis & Toyo)
305/70R18 = (35x12.0R18) (Dick Cepek; Mickey Thompson)
(315/70R18) = 35x12.5R18 (see "link" in quotation:bgwb:)
325/65R18 = (35x13.0R18) (Toyo; Dick Cepek; Mickey Thompson; Pro-Comp)


The narrower 285/75R18 tire from Maxxis & Toyo in 35" O.D. will fit on a "lifted" VX with less installation difficulties than the wider vesions. This is because the narrower 285 series width has a lesser degree of a "tire swing arc" within the tightly cramped VX front wheelwell. This 285 series tire will also fit perfectly on the '00/'01 OEM 18x7 stock VX rims; which will significantly reduce rubbing issues even further, as the OEM rims have the correct factory offset & backspacing.:fyi:

[samneil2000]

Well, I guess if that's what it takes, that's what I'll do. ;)
My brother told me the tires are already in, so now I just have to get the VX and the rims to his shop...


Rear wheels will fit fine.
Be prepared to trim and BFH up front.

My 32" x 11" wide tyres needed it, and they were on stock rims with the correct offset.

Larger dia + wider thread + wrong offset = lots of BFH work.:bwgy::smilewink:bgwo:

PK

[Triathlete]

TRIATHLETE--- Thank you for the tire knowledge challenge test; unfortunately, you are incorrect.

Thats what I get for reading and responding in a glycogen depleted state after riding a bike 100+ miles followed by a brutal swim workout!:bwgy:

[Triathlete]

Well, I guess if that's what it takes, that's what I'll do. ;)
My brother told me the tires are already in, so now I just have to get the VX and the rims to his shop...

remember, you will have to take care of your wheel wells before taking the VX to get the wheels/tires installed or you will not be able to drive it home....unless you live in a straight line from the shop!

[VXorado]

Well, I guess if that's what it takes, that's what I'll do. ;)
My brother told me the tires are already in, so now I just have to get the VX and the rims to his shop...

Those tires are gonna look mean on your VX. I used a sawzall and grinder for the wheel wells. Its not hard but like Triathlete said, plan ahead.

[samneil2000]

Are there any other pics besides LittleBeast's pics of the required "modifications" to the fender? Is it easiest to just put the wheel tire combo on, turn the wheels and see how much clearance is needed or what?

Thanks guys.

[circmand]

my attachment folder was maxed out

[VX KAT]

Look nice Dave!!

my attachment folder was maxed out

[samneil2000]

Those do look nice, even in the grainy pic!
I just dropped the wheels off at my brothers work. The tires were there, and all I can say is pictures do not do these things justice. Wow! I hope my little VX can turn the dang things... haha
So, my brother will get them mounted and balanced today most likely. I'll get them home ASAP, and hopefully get them on by this weekend. The bad thing is they are calling for rain Thursday and Friday. I might be out there in the rain because I am ready to see these beastly things under my VX!!!

[circmand]

Look nice Dave!!

but was totally happy with the result. The black merges with the cladding and I like the lower wider tire profile. Of course I bought my digital camera because of the price too.

[samneil2000]

My brother hauled the new wheels/tires out to my house from his work. I went to work on the VX. The rear was a piece of cake. At least it inspired me to get the front done after seeing the results in the rear.

I was nervous when I saw how much additional room I needed to turn the front wheels. Turn one way, and I needed more room in the front of the well. Turn the other way, and I needed more room in the back of the well. I tried to see roughly how much space was needed in the front, and only take just enough plastic off. It's really amazing how a sawzall with a fine tooth blade will cut through our cladding like a hot knife through butter. I hacked off the corner area of the front pretty quick.

In the back, I pulled out two bolts and 4 plastic push-pin type things that hold the fender liner in. Then I folded the liner up and outta my way, it's thin and flexible. Then I took the sawzall and cut cladding and sheet metal that I thought I needed to remove. Then a few taps with the BFH and a shot of rustoleum flat black, and that was that. I trimmed the inner fender liner a bit because it has a bulge that was in the way. I used heavy duty scissors for that.

That was it. It took a while to do the first fender well. The second was much quicker because I didn't have to measure so much. I knew what needed to be done. It was dark when I finished, so I don't have great pics of the final result, but I would say they make a pretty good improvement to the overall look of the VX. Now it really looks like it will go anywhere...

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/CIMG5484.JPG
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/CIMG5483.JPG
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/CIMG5478.JPG
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/CIMG5489.JPG
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/CIMG5488.JPG
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/CIMG5491.JPG
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/CIMG5487.JPG
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/CIMG5480.JPG
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/CIMG5493.JPG

[Ldub]

I like that a LOT!...:thumbup:...:yes:

[circmand]

I put the OEM size on the rims and have plenty of room

[samneil2000]

305-60-18
They are about 12 inches wide and just under 33 inches tall, according to the specs.

And thanks Ldub, that's an honor...

[LittleBeast]

Dude serious improvement! I like that look a lot. Nice tire choice as well, 2 thumbs way up :)

[Triathlete]

Looks good!
Did you put a jack under the front tire and stuff it into the wheel well to be sure you have clearance there with the wheel turned?

[Riff Raff]

305-60-18
They are about 12 inches wide and just under 33 inches tall, according to the specs.

The BFG in LT305/60R18 (32.6" O.D./65 lbs) looks very nice on your VX. It's kinda' heavy compared to the 34 lbs OEM tire, so allow an extra big cushion of space between the car in front of you in case of emergency panic stop. Drive safe; and never tail-gate somebody with those heavy tires, as they're much harder to stop.

[LittleBeast]

The BFG in LT305/60R18 (32.6" O.D./65 lbs) looks very nice on your VX. It's kinda' heavy compared to the 34 lbs OEM tire, so allow an extra big cushion of space between the car in front of you in case of emergency panic stop. Drive safe; and never tail-gate somebody with those heavy tires, as they're much harder to stop.

Or rely on the increase in contact patch to stop you faster ;)

Sorry I had too, hahaha :)

disclaimer: I am just kidding be safe and drive smart ;)

[Riff Raff]

Or rely on the increase in contact patch to stop you faster ;)

Ryan-- True; however, M/T's do not stop as quick as their A/T sister. The wide-open lug pattern of an M/T has less actual rubber in contact with the road surface than the A/T version, as the A/T has a tighter close-knit tread pattern.:fyi:

[tomdietrying]

I would like to go a little wider than my 285/60/18s. Has anyone tried to put a 305/60/18 on a stock rim? Our rims are 7.5 inches wide, but I wonder if the 305 might be just a bit to wide. Any thoughts.
Peace.
Tom

[samneil2000]

I snapped a couple more pics just to show the overall effect. I'm pleased with the look and the tires actually ride pretty good considering the tread. There is some noise, but it is not unreasonable.
By the way, it's dusk in the pics so the VX has a tannish hue. It is Astral though...
Also, the last pic shows what happens when your wife isn't looking where she's backing. She smacked the front of the VX pretty hard. Lucky for me (and her) there wasn't too much damage to my VX. Her car is in the body shop this morning... grrr
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/CIMG5505.JPG
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/CIMG5500.JPG
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/CIMG5499.JPG
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/CIMG5502.JPG

[VXorado]

Looks good and aggressive! I love those BFGs and the rims match the astral silver.

Your wife must have hit the front skid and not the cladding. Just think if you didn't lift your VX, your front bumper cladding would have been dented in.

[samneil2000]

Looks good and aggressive! I love those BFGs and the rims match the astral silver.

Your wife must have hit the front skid and not the cladding. Just think if you didn't lift your VX, your front bumper cladding would have been dented in.

Actually she did hit the cladding, and I believe her trunk might have caught the lip on the hood on the left side. It is bent down a little bit. The front bumper shows some scratches and is a little out of wack, but probably not noticeable to anyone that doesn't own a VX.

Thanks for the comments on the shoes!