33s M/T - Questions

[JHarris1385]

Alright had a little delay in getting my stock rims powder coated but everything is lined up for next week. Finalizing color ideas Friday.

Thread here: http://vehicross.info/forums/showthread.php?t=20563&highlight=powder

On the stock rims (powder coated) I want to run 33s M/T tires.

Right now I am pretty set on these: http://www.treadwright.com/p-72-285-65r18-guard-dog-d.aspx

But before I bite the bullet I wanted to see what others thought and could share about a couple questions I have.

The tread looks similar to the older Wrangler MT-R, which if I remember right is what Jay Dunford ran?

I currently run 265/75-16 AT (Dakota - Pep Boys)

1. This will be a heavier tire but stiffer, how much performance will I lose, given that I have stock gears? These are 65lbs.

2. Anyone with a similar set up care to share how much it affected gas? If it does a lot I will probably be forced to start driving another car as my DD or split time instead of 100% VX (which I don't like the sound of!)

3. At $190 each it is a GOOD price for this style of tire but the 265/75-16 is almost half the costs $110. Not sure but I think in the long run I will not be happy with the 16 version and still want to go bigger.

4. With the stock rim and about an inch or so of tire, think I will have much more to trim or hammer out? I forget my offset now but it sticks out a bit but not much. (4.5 backspacing kinda sounds right).

- Really just trying to bring anything to the surface that I may not realize till I put them on. And I may get a spacer and crank a bit more (do have my diff dropped).

Thanks in advance.

[Grif]

Just pull the trigger already John! You won't regret it.

[Bob Barker]

Geeze 65lbs a piece??? That's a heavy *** tire! I don't know how much effect it will have on the performance, but there will some slow down in acceleration, and dropping of MPG's. The 33's I got from Pep Boys I have no idea what they weigh, but I could pick one up in each hand and load it, so not that much. They still had a slightly noticeable effect on performance and MPG's.

[pbkid]

do you want the honest answer or the answer that will get you to buy the tires?

if you are really concerned with gas mileage/performance. you are not going to be happy with bigger, heavier tires.

your performance is going to go down, and your gas mileage is going to go down.

but your VX will look awesome. :thumbup:

[RamAirZ]

Geeze 65lbs a piece??? That's a heavy *** tire!

LOL my 34's on the 15x6 steel wheels weigh in at 94lbs per rim/tire

[Bob Barker]

WTF!!! I'd die just trying to mount those :laughing:


Forget about trying to rotate 4 of them with any kind of quickness!!!

[RamAirZ]

lol ya they aren't very light. I'm sure my tire carrier loves having the full size spare on it

[Riff Raff]

For comparison purposes, our OEM wheels weigh 28 lbs, and the OEM tires weigh 34 lbs, for a combined OEM wheel+tire weight of 62 lbs. Thus, an OEM wheel of 28 lbs + aftermarket 65 lbs tire = 93 lbs

Here's some possible options to lower overall weight using either 16" or 18" OEM wheels and achieving a 33" O.D. with an aggressive M/T or very aggressive A/T:



16" OEM Wheel with 285/75R16 (32.9" O.D.):

Yokohama, Geolandar M/T+ (51 lbs)



18" OEM Wheel with 275/70R18 (33" O.D.) tire:

BFG, Rugged Trail (46 lbs) - lightest of the A/T's
General, Grabber AT2 (54 lbs)
G/Y, Dura-Trac (55 lbs)
Firestone, M/T (60 lbs) - lightest of the M/T's

:bgwb:

[JHarris1385]

What is the weight the stock 16?

I could not find the weight of my current set up either to compare.

I am for sure going to go MT this time, no more messing around. If the Firestone MT is the lightest and is only 5lbs lower, then it looks like this Treadwright is a good choice and is about $100 cheaper or more. Tirerack did not have that size. At least I did not see it from my small phone screen.

I have always like the Yoko Geos MT though! Something about that mid ridge down the middle.

- Would gearing be nessecary or needed? I am open to that idea, but have not followed it enough to fully know how hard it is to find them and from what vehicle(s).

[RamAirZ]

I ran the 33" MT's on mine with stock gearing and it did fine. If your going to upgrade, search for the 4.77's out of a '89 Isuzu Trooper RS, some 4dr Trooper's in that time frame came with them if they had the big tire package but they will be very hard to verify without pulling the diffs. If you don't do any extreme wheeling and don't travel up steep inclines on a daily basis, I'd keep the stock gears.

[LiquidVX]

I just got these 33" today. I like them so far but I'm sure the mileage will suck.
http://liquidproduction.net/vx/20110713_006-w800-h800.jpg

[JHarris1385]

What are those? What the numbers for the size or are they 33x12.5x16? Know the weight?

I still don't know what the weight of the 16 rim is? Can't find it.

Looks great!

[yellowgizmo99]

I'll see how much the ones I have are, you want just the rims right.

[Bob Barker]

Even with the heavy rims/tires I wouldn't do a gear change. It will make mileage that much worse! Mine performs "well" for 33" MT's. It's not a race car to begin with, or particularly quick either, so I wasn't too worried about that aspect.

[LiquidVX]

They are LT285/75R16 / 33X11.50R16 and weigh 56lbs each. In hindsight I would have got LT265/75R16 / 32X10.50R16 and saved a total of 12lbs.

I had the Baja Belted HP on my previous VX. They were 30x9.5x16, lightweight, quiet, wore well and looked great; best tires I ever owned. If you find something like them , get them.

http://liquidproduction.net/vx/CIMG2162.jpg

[JHarris1385]

Opinions on this tread compared to the "Guard Dog?"

http://www.treadwright.com/p-28-235-85r16-crawler-m-t-e.aspx

[Riff Raff]

Opinions on this tread compared to the "Guard Dog?"

http://www.treadwright.com/p-28-235-85r16-crawler-m-t-e.aspx

Not a bad lookin' M/T tire (pretty meaty). However, I hope you're not really considering putting 235 series width (extremely skinny) tires on your VX??? You will absolutely hate the look, as it will make the VX appear as if it's riding on skinny wagon-wheels from the ol' West and make the VX look like a frickin' stagecoach (not good).

When shopping for VX tires using OEM rims, you should ONLY consider 265; 275; 285 series width tires, as you will want to "fill-out" the huge wheel-wells of the VX and not make it look weird like a match-box!!!

For a cool lookin' & wide super-lightweight M/T tire using the 1999 OEM 16x7 rim, I highly recommend only the 33" Yokohama - Geolandar M/T+ in 285/75R16 (32.9" O.D./51.6 lbs). This specific tire should be the only one on your shopping list!!!

Save your money and just get the Yoko's and never look back (you'll be glad you did)!!! The Yoko's give you the 33" O.D. you want, the wide 285 width you want, the super-lightweight you want, the awesome traction you want, and the frickin' bad-@ss look you want!!! 'Nuff said.

:bgwb:


EDIT: Please visit the website of www.Tires-Easy.com as they have the Yokohama - Geolandar M/T+ in 285/75R16 for only $198.80 each (a true bargain).

[Bob Barker]

Looks like a good mud tire. I'd drive around on them if they were on sell and I needed another set.

[RamAirZ]

I would take the guard dogs myself for a multipurpose truck IMO. As for Riff, if he WANTED that tire he would be asking about it :)

[Riff Raff]

As for Riff, if he WANTED that tire he would be asking about it :)

No harm; no foul, Ram. I do believe JHarris1385 just really wants to save some $$$ overall and that's the main reason he's even considering the TreadWrights which are essentially heavy re-treaded tires on an old tire carcass for cheap $$$.

I look at is this way-- JHarris1385 is already "half-way" there monetarily in meeting his tire purchase goal of getting a lightweight 33" M/T tire. The TreadWrights are >$100 per tire and the Yoko's are <$200 per tire. Thus, JHarris1385 has allocated enough money in his piggy-bank for 2 Yoko's already and is 50% done in meeting his tire purchase goal.

There is something to be said about true happiness with your purchase and buyer's remorse regretting that you should have just saved your pennies a tiny bit longer and bought what your heart really wanted from the start. There is no worse feeling of saying to yourself "Damn, I shoulda' just saved my money a bit longer and got what I really wanted" VERSUS "I'm so much happier I went ahead and splurged for the better choice". Bottom Line-- you get what you pay for; there is no free lunch.

My primary goal is that I truly wish JHarris1385 to be happy with his tire purchase whatever tire he finally decides to go with and that they meet or exceed his expectations which is a tire that meets "his" following criteria:

o M/T
o Lightweight
o 33" O.D.
o Wide Width
o Good Looks
o Cheapest Price Available

JHarris1385 asked for people's opinion, and I offered mine from an "analysis perspective" that meets ALL of his criteria (except maybe $$$). My opinion is just that-- only my opinion. Again, no harm; no foul, Ram. Cheers!!!

:bgwb:

[RamAirZ]

I was just messing with you on all the "wants". I agree that a 285/75 looks good, but from seeing some 34x10.50's on a 15x6 rim on a VX, I really liked the look, that's why they are on my Passport now, mind you the 235's would be about an inch thinner overall:

My truck on right with 285/75's, VX on left on 34x10.50's
http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/Isuzu%20Stuff/20100904212105.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/Isuzu%20Stuff/20100904212149.jpg

One thing you didn't mention about that size, it's load range E, it will ride like a stagecoach too. That size is USUALLY found on dually's hence the reason it's probably only offered in the E-range. Here are some trucks with 235/85's

http://i928.photobucket.com/albums/ad121/zkolich/100_1396.jpg

Jeep in the front
http://img47.imageshack.us/img47/1773/dsc0145zj6.jpg

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x311/jason_goates/Stalker/100_4449.jpg

http://www.discoweb.org/briandickens/qtrview.jpg

[Riff Raff]

OMG, that Nissan Xterra looks absolutely hidious with the 235/85's and really illustrates my point about a "stagecoach with wagon-wheels" from the ol' West. The same size tire on a VX with its huge oversize wheel-wells would look even worse!!!;puke2;

Heck, if I was gonna' lift a VX and wasn't concerned about individual tire weight of 60+ lbs-- my #1 tire size choice would be 285/75R18 (35" O.D.) mounted on the 2000/2001 OEM 18x7 stock rim (tires available from Toyo; Maxxis; G/Y), and become a member of the elite 35" O.D. VX club. Go big, or go home!!!

:bgwb:

[Hiredgoon]

To me the large skinny tire with a really aggressive tread always looks very military and utilitarian. It seems odd to see it on a more finished/refined looking vehicle such as the X-Terra or the VX, but it's not unattractive. It's very well suited to simple black rims as well IMO--there's something very matter-of-fact looking about it from a purely aesthetic point of view. I thought it was a very striking and effective look on Mikenomy's rig in particular.

On the Ironman as well, the contrast will be great--puts me in mind of those great Toyota Hiluxes from District 9.

[VXorado]

Go big, or go home!!!

:bgwb:

X2, after running 33s for 2 years I have the itch to get those 35s. I just need a little more lift first.

[JHarris1385]

VXorado - What are you running now in that thumbnail?

.
.
Yeah I am being terribly indecisive...I have three sets of rims and tired of not being particularly happy with any of them. I want a more aggressive stance with the MT look, but for some reason leery of a tire larger than 265...don't know why, guess I just need to personally see a VX with that or greater first hand.

I plan to no matter what keep the stock 18's, and I like the look of a larger rim with meat on it. I have always like the Yoko, it is just a bit more money. At $190 plus shipping for the Treadwright (Guard Dogs) it may end up being near the same price as a local dealer of the Yokos. They are on back order so I have time to make up my mind. They told me they will let me know when they have the carcasses in. Thats the reason I looked at the 235/85-16 meanwhile. I like the look of the skinny tough tire but it did look BAD on the Xterra!

Anyone else notice a grinding noise in the cvs when running a 33 (heavier than stock wheel combo)?

[RamAirZ]

I never noticed any noises with my 33's. I know you said you need to personally see a VX with the 285's or larger, but here are a few pics of mine with 285/75-16 MT's with Isuzu Snowflake rims:

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_5151.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_5153.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_5155.jpg

[tom4bren]

I was just messing with you on all the "wants". I agree that a 285/75 looks good, but from seeing some 34x10.50's on a 15x6 rim on a VX, I really liked the look, that's why they are on my Passport now, mind you the 235's would be about an inch thinner overall:

My truck on right with 285/75's, VX on left on 34x10.50's
http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/Isuzu%20Stuff/20100904212105.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/Isuzu%20Stuff/20100904212149.jpg



No, No, No, No, No, No, No, No!!!!

A VX is s'posed to look like this:




http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/CIMG5112.JPG

[LittleBeast]

No, No, No, No, No, No, No, No!!!!

A VX is s'posed to look like this:




http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/CIMG5112.JPG

I agree Tom.....

OR LIKE THIS:

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3258/3-1-10_016.jpghttp://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/515/VXcovers_012.jpghttp://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/515/VXcovers_021.jpg

[tom4bren]

Now Dat's what I'm talkin 'bout!!!!

[JHarris1385]

I really do like the look of that one with the 34x10.5. I like the stiffer looking sidewall.

[VXorado]

VXorado - What are you running now in that thumbnail?


BFG Mud Terrains KM1 32x11.5x15 tires with black steel rims

I was running 285/70/17 terra grapplers but I swapped with a friend for my current tires. Tires are much cheaper when you run 15" rims which is why I happily traded away my 17" rims. I plan on selling the tires I have now on craigslist & upgrading to 35x12.50x15 Goodyear Wrangler MTRs.

I was looking into guard dogs but realized that I couldn't get them for a 15" rim. They look great but I would be worried about getting a worn 2-ply sidewall core that could fail on the trails. I guess it just depends on how you use them.

[Etfren]

I thought 15" wheels wouldn't clear the brakes on the VX? I've only been looking for 16's or larger because of this, but a ton of the Toyota guys I know around here run 15's so it would be much easier to find something if I could run 15's.

[Bob Barker]

There are several on here that run 15's as well.

[tom4bren]

Mine are 15" but you can't go by that. NONE of my rims extend inboard ... offset is your friend.

[RamAirZ]

Those 15x6 Montero wheels cleared the VX, and there is no offset on them lol, and the 15x7 Isuzu snowflakes fit as well as a few others. Worst case scenario you might have to do a little grinding on the rear caliper. And I still think it should look like this Tom ;)

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss272/RamAirZ/1999%20Isuzu%20Vehicross/IMG_5155.jpg

[JHarris1385]

Hey if anyone is interested here is another source for retreads.

Pulled this from Planet Isuzu.

http://www.easterntire.ns.ca/retread-tire-products.html

My closest dealer is A and R Tire. Which also has Techno Tires: http://www.aandrtire.com/showcaseproductslist.htm?Brand=-1855&Type=3010

I was priced a 275/70-18 for $123 MT

The Techno MT is a knock off Yoko MT

[JHarris1385]

Well TreadWright said they will not have any 285/65-18 Guard Dogs for a while due to the casings. So I am going with:

https://www.treadwright.com/p-76-255-75r17-guard-dog-c.aspx

and these:

http://www.4wheelparts.com/Wheels/Rock-Crawler-Series-52-Black-Powder-Wheel.aspx?t_c=11&t_s=209&t_pt=100021&t_pl=100347&t_pn=PCW52-7883S3.75

Finally...and my current set is being shipped this weekend to another VX owner.

[VXorado]

Should be good. Personally I would just go down to 16s to save a little money on the rims & gain a little tire width.

http://www.4wheelparts.com/Wheels/Rock-Crawler-Series-52-Flat-Black-Powder-Wheel.aspx?t_c=11&t_s=209&t_pt=100021&t_pl=101829&t_pn=PCW52-6883F

https://www.treadwright.com/p-71-265-75r16-guard-dog-m-t-c.aspx

[JHarris1385]

I would but I met myself in the middle with the 17 rim. I wanted a bigger rim.

I could still go 265/70-17 as they said it may be a couple of days till they get all 4 of my casings in for the 255/75-17 and I let them know of my interest in both.

The 265/75-16 was another 10lbs they said and VERY similar in overall size so why not.

Not ordering the rims till they tell me the tires are in process. We do or don't get hub centric? I forget now, been a few years since buying rims.

[Bob Barker]

That's a big-ole heavy steel rim! I would find something aluminum, but then again I kept my factory wheels cause my wife is too cheap to let me have ALL the fun.

[JHarris1385]

My ProComps now are 27 these are 35lbs.

[Riff Raff]

I'll see how much the ones I have are, you want just the rims right.

We know that the 2000/2001 OEM 18x7 rim weighs 28 lbs, but I'd REALLY like to know how much a 1999 OEM 16x7 rim weighs each (even if by bathroom scale)??? Help us "YellowGizmo99"???

:_confused

[JHarris1385]

Wow I am glad I checked the offset calc, while I have a couple days before they tell me the casings are in. With that rim I posted I would stick out 70mm compared to stock. Back to looking.

[yellowgizmo99]

didn't bring the truck with the rims in it today, will check when i get home, the scales battery was dead and no one had told me.

[yellowgizmo99]

OK finally remembered and they weigh around 20#, this is with scales that are from the 70's, but they weigh me good.

[Riff Raff]

OK finally remembered and they weigh around 20#, this is with scales that are from the 70's, but they weigh me good.

Wow, only 20 lbs each for a 1999 OEM 16x7 stock rim??? That sounds almost too good to be true.

Can you please double-check the rim weight by holding it in your hands and standing on your home Bathroom Scale and then subtract your own body weight from the total??? It just seems 20 lbs might be a tad light, so please double-check at home with your Bathroom Scale to be sure. Thanx for your assistance.

:bgwb:

[yellowgizmo99]

I'll take to work and put on digital scales Monday.

[yellowgizmo99]

OK on calibrated digital scale with the caps on it weighted in at 20.00#'s.

[Riff Raff]

OK on calibrated digital scale with the caps on it weighted in at 20.00#'s.

A big THANK YOU for the verification. I'm totally amazed that the 1999 OEM 16x7 factory rim (with Center Cap installed) only weighs a featherlight 20 lbs. Simply incredible, and it's a full 8 lbs lighter than the 2000/2001 OEM 18x7 factory rim which weighs 28 lbs each!!!

:freek:

[JHarris1385]

I would take that extra 8 pounds any day.

[Vendetta]

JEEZ! Only 20lbs?!

Man, that's a downer. I was thiiiiiiiis close to pulling the trigger on 18" KMC Monsters, which weigh more than TWICE that!

And what's more, I was going to have them wrapped in 285/65 Nitto Terra Grapplers.

Is it worth it??? I have OEM 16s on my '99, and they're in good enough shape, so do I just go with taller tires instead? I really like the look of the Monsters though.

I can probably be talked off the fence in either direction at this point. Have at it.

-V

[JHarris1385]

I personally have a set up near 80lbs. No issues.

Look for the "Post all wheels and tires" thread.

[Riff Raff]

I personally have a set up near 80lbs. No issues.

Yup, no issues until you come up on a grid-lock traffic jam on the freeway and try to stop those rolling 80 lbs of unsprung weight. CRUNCH!!!

:rollo2:

[Vendetta]

Well, I'm due for new brakes all around anyway... mine are really mushy after having sat as long as they did.

Guess I'll just add that to the list. *sigh*

[Ldub]

Yup, no issues until you come up on a grid-lock traffic jam on the freeway and try to stop those rolling 80 lbs of unsprung weight. CRUNCH!!!

:rollo2:

That's a very subjective dealio...my 35" mud grapplers have a shipping weight of 75#, with a wheel weight (centerline spec) of 26#...that's spec for my 20's.

I just "bathroom scaled" my 18's (35x12.5 mud graps & c-lines) & they offer no improvement @ 80 & 22#.

For whatever reason, during the long @$$ roll to SC & back, I didn't smuck into any grind to a sudden halt/gridlocked traffic, & there was PLENTY, what with road closures/detours/acci's/construction etc. I even managed to cut & thrust my way through big city traffic without ending up a statistic...:thumbup:

However, I have a few advantages that the avg member looking to upgrade in size may not have...:naughty:

I'd have to say, the ability to drive 2-3-400 yds ahead of the vehicle helps the most (all the while NOT texting, yapping on a cel phone I don't own yet, or applying yet another layer of makeup), then stainless braid reinforced brake lines are also a factor, the third factor, which I believe to be helpful, is cross drilled rotors & fresh OEM pads...I was usually more concerned about getting rear end'd, than about what was in front of me.

That all having been said, I agree with riff, unless you're willing to make some upgrades in braking performance, & turn off the phon etc...(you know...concentrate on the task at hand...DRIVING) you have a pretty good chance of becoming "just another number"...unfortunately, you'll probably take a VX with you...:(

[Vendetta]

Yep, as mentioned, I'm good for upgrading the brakes. No issues there. Any suggestions on rotors? I also prefer to stick with OEM pads whenever possible.

As for the phone, eh, 'ow'yoooo doin? Not all a us New Yawkuz tawk on the phone while we drive there, guy.

(Saw a bumper sticker yesterday that read "HANG UP BEFORE YOU KILL SOMEONE!" Love that.)

[Ldub]

Yep, as mentioned, I'm good for upgrading the brakes. No issues there. Any suggestions on rotors? I also prefer to stick with OEM pads whenever possible.

As for the phone, eh, 'ow'yoooo doin? Not all a us New Yawkuz tawk on the phone while we drive there, guy.

(Saw a bumper sticker yesterday that read "HANG UP BEFORE YOU KILL SOMEONE!" Love that.)

I'm sorry...:flower:

I didn't mean for that to be taken personally by anyone...:mbrasd:

Just painting my experience with a broad brush.

[Vendetta]

And you'd be right in sooo many instances here, especially on LI. Not cool.

As for me, I'm too busy paying attention to the RPMs, the drivetrain noises, the wig-wagging fuel gauge needle, the check engine light, you know... :bgwo:

[Vendetta]

Yup, no issues until you come up on a grid-lock traffic jam on the freeway and try to stop those rolling 80 lbs of unsprung weight. CRUNCH!!!

:rollo2:


Riff,

Do you think the R1 cross-drilled/slotted "premium" rotors (http://www.r1concepts.com/isuzu-vehicross-1999-brakes.htm) with some new pads be enough of an upgrade to the brakes to handle the larger wheel & tire load I'm considering, or is there more to it?

[tom4bren]

Actually, it's tire diameter that has a much more significant effect on braking capability than unsprung weight. Unsprung weight is however significant in regard to bearing and shock absorber life. Here's a little light reading for you:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unsprung_mass

[Riff Raff]

Riff,

Do you think the R1 cross-drilled/slotted "premium" rotors (http://www.r1concepts.com/isuzu-vehicross-1999-brakes.htm) with some new pads be enough of an upgrade to the brakes to handle the larger wheel & tire load I'm considering, or is there more to it?

I'm not really a brake guy, but any improvement over the stock OEM brakes would be just that-- "an improvement". I would defer any brake questions to our "Big Tire Club" guys like L-Dub, LittleBeast, JoFotoz, and Tom4Bren. Those folks can attest to the effects of using huge heavy tires more than anyone on this site.

My advice would not even venture into troubled waters if you don't have to and try to limit your maximum wheel/tire combination weight to a target of 72 lbs (which is a safe 10 lbs over the '00/'01 VX stock wheel/tire combo). Here are just two(2) examples of the 72 lbs target combo's using both OEM version wheels (16's & 18's):

1999 OEM 16x7 rim (20 lbs) + Yoko - Geolandar M/T+ in 285/75R16 (32.9" O.D./51.6 lbs) = 71.6 lbs

'00/'01 OEM 18x7 rim (28 lbs) + Grabber AT2 in 275/65R18-116S (32.1" O.D./42.6 lbs) = 70.6 lbs

:bgwb:

[Vendetta]

Thank you Riff, I'l have a look-see at those combos.

Big Tire guys, any thoughts on those rotors if I _do_ end up going with the 285/65 on the KMC 18s?

Cheers,
-V

[tom4bren]

IMHO, you only need to replace the rotors if yours are bad. The SS brake lines however are a very good idea. Disabling the ABS is also probably a very good idea.

My personal experience is that driving with larger tires requires a wholistic re-learning of your driving style. You don't corner as sharp; you don't stop as fast; you don't start up as fast; you gas up more often; depending on tread design, you'll probably experience more 'wander'; depending on offset, you will probably NEVER drive in the rain with your windows open (even a little). Is it worth it ... you betcha!!! The feel of a VX sitting on big meat just can't be beat.

[samneil2000]

Is it worth it ... you betcha!!! The feel of a VX sitting on big meat just can't be beat.

The "WTF" looks on others' faces and all the questions only increase when you get the VX up in the air.
Of course around here in the south, all I hear is "you ever get that thang in the mud?" :p

[Ldub]

Thank you Riff, I'l have a look-see at those combos.

Big Tire guys, any thoughts on those rotors if I _do_ end up going with the 285/65 on the KMC 18s?

Cheers,
-V

These don't look too bad...http://cgi.ebay.com/2-FRONT-2-REAR-Performance-DRILLED-Brake-Rotors-/280708782238?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Model%3AVehiCROSS&hash=item415b8c189e

These look good too...http://cgi.ebay.com/PREMIUM-SERIES-PERFORMANCE-Brake-Rotor-2-FRONT-2-REAR-/390329770232?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Model%3AVehiCROSS&hash=item5ae177a0f8

Though I have no personal experience with those particular vendors. I purchased mine from Magnum on ebay, though I can't currently find them there.
IMO, slotted is unnecessary, if slotting really improved stopping dist, you'd see them on race cars.


IMHO, you only need to replace the rotors if yours are bad. The SS brake lines however are a very good idea. Disabling the ABS is also probably a very good idea.

My personal experience is that driving with larger tires requires a wholistic re-learning of your driving style. You don't corner as sharp; you don't stop as fast; you don't start up as fast; you gas up more often; depending on tread design, you'll probably experience more 'wander'; depending on offset, you will probably NEVER drive in the rain with your windows open (even a little). Is it worth it ... you betcha!!! The feel of a VX sitting on big meat just can't be beat.

X a factor of 2...:yes:

[Vendetta]

Thanks Ldub! As always, the tips are appreciated. That second link you pulled from Ebay are from R1, which are the same as I was looking at direct from their site. So we're converging on the same products, which tells me they're not a bad way to go.

Believe it or not though, it's cheaper to get them directly from the site than through ebay - just in case anyone else is thinking of going this route.

Cheers,
-V

http://img52.imageshack.us/img52/5397/vsig.png

[Etfren]

Ldub, from everything I've read slotting just improves initial bite of the brakes and probably really only helps when the brakes are cool. It also wears out pads faster so for race cars who keep their brakes and tires up to race temp all the time its probably not necessary and not worth the extra wear when you don't want to have to change brakes mid-race.

I'm planning on putting 35's on my truck and since my brakes are bad I've been doing some research to figure out what brakes I want. Think I've decided on drilled R1 rotors up front, regular R1 rotors out back and OEM pads all around with Stainless steel lines from Apex. I've heard good things about the EBC pads though so thats the only thing I haven't settled on is if they are worth it over the OEM's.

[Ldub]

I'm not really a brake guy, but any improvement over the stock OEM brakes would be just that-- "an improvement". I would defer any brake questions to our "Big Tire Club" guys like L-Dub, LittleBeast, JoFotoz, and Tom4Bren. Those folks can attest to the effects of using huge heavy tires more than anyone on this site.

Here are my thoughts on that aspect of the subject...for whatever they're worth...:_confused

Around these here parts, EVERYONE, with the exception of a chosen few, re-learns their braking capabilities in a big hurry after the first snowfall...:yesgray:
The chosen few are quickly weeded out of the general driving populace, or are later seen driving rentals/loaners while the results of their inability to adapt are being repaired. (college students from southern states are most susceptible)
IMO, within a few hrs/days of driving on bigger/heavier tire/wheel combinations, you instinctively know that you need to slow it down a little, leave a bigger buffer zone between you & whatever you might be following, & in general, be a bit more aware of what's going on around & in front of you.
I personally have successfully made the transition from summer braking to winter braking almost 30 times, & feel the difference between snow/ice, vs larger/heavier doughnuts, to be a far steeper learning curve...:_snowplow

Just my opine, take it FWIW.

[Ldub]

Ldub, from everything I've read slotting just improves initial bite of the brakes and probably really only helps when the brakes are cool. It also wears out pads faster so for race cars who keep their brakes and tires up to race temp all the time its probably not necessary and not worth the extra wear when you don't want to have to change brakes mid-race.

I'm planning on putting 35's on my truck and since my brakes are bad I've been doing some research to figure out what brakes I want. Think I've decided on drilled R1 rotors up front, regular R1 rotors out back and OEM pads all around with Stainless steel lines from Apex. I've heard good things about the EBC pads though so thats the only thing I haven't settled on is if they are worth it over the OEM's.

OK, I'll buy the initial bite theory, but after your brakes are warmed up, you still have the increased pad wear as a bonus...:smilewink

Though it may decrease over time as the leading edge becomes dulled...:_confused

With the price of OEM pads being what it is, I think I'll stick with drilled only...:yesgray:

[JHarris1385]

UPDATE!

I finally have my newest set up installed.

I bought 5 of each.

The wheels are Black Rocks Dunes - 17''
http://www.blackrockwheels.com/productoverview19-5/SteelWheels

The tires are 255/75-17 Treadwrights
https://www.treadwright.com/p-76-255-75r17-guard-dog-c.aspx

First off, I really like the steel wheels. They look great and have a nice anti-stick like coating on them.

So far the TWs are good as well, only have a couple hundred miles on them but so far great all around. The road noise humming is low and is something I actually like.

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/thumbs/New_Wheels2.jpg (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=21808)http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/thumbs/New_Wheels.jpg (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=21807)

[VX KAT]

UPDATE!

I finally have my newest set up installed.

I bought 5 of each.

The wheels are Black Rocks Dunes - 17''
http://www.blackrockwheels.com/productoverview19-5/SteelWheels

The tires are 255/75-17 Treadwrights
https://www.treadwright.com/p-76-255-75r17-guard-dog-c.aspx

First off, I really like the steel wheels. They look great and have a nice anti-stick like coating on them.

So far the TWs are good as well, only have a couple hundred miles on them but so far great all around. The road noise humming is low and is something I actually like.

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/thumbs/New_Wheels2.jpg (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=21808)http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/thumbs/New_Wheels.jpg (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=21807)

Looks good, like the "black out" look. I have some smoked Klearz front turn signal lenses I can't decide if I like or not on mine, but think they'd go better with your theme now because of your great contrast with the white....:_thinking

What kind of mileage life do they claim for the TreadWrights?
(yes, I could look it up, but thought you might know off the top of your head :goof:)

[JHarris1385]

Thank you. I need to repaint my corners.

There is a 24K warranty on them but most on pirate or other forums say 50-60K.
@ $108 that is a steal.

I know there are some who don't agree with the retread idea. Personally I don't see an issue.

[JAMAS]

I have some smoked Klearz front turn signal lenses I can't decide if I like or not on mine, but think they'd go better with your theme now because of your great contrast with the white....:_thinking


Let me know if you want to get rid of those, I might be interested :yesy:

[tom4bren]

Let me know if you want to get rid of those, I might be interested :yesy:

Will you ever stop cannibalizing perfectly good VX's???

You're starting to get a little morbid ... you know that, right???

[JAMAS]

Will you ever stop cannibalizing perfectly good VX's???

You're starting to get a little morbid ... you know that, right???

Ha! I'm only after your complete Tone collection.

[VXorado]

There is a 24K warranty on them but most on pirate or other forums say 50-60K.
@ $108 that is a steal.

I know there are some who don't agree with the retread idea. Personally I don't see an issue.

I was planning on buying TW tires when I had my 17" rims because of the price & good reviews. My only worry was that the core would come from a tire with a 2-ply sidewall. Only an issue for rocks and you bought a spare so you should be good.

I think the new rims/tires look great on your VX!!

[Lizardmen3477]

Ok sorry to kinda hijack thread but seeing all this talk I think I am gonna move up to 33O.D tires and mine are bout done for. The tires im looking at are gonna be 33.1 i believe and 12inch wide( hate the tall skinny look want some meat with the height) Now i know being these are only 33s but abit wider then most of the 33s running out there. What would be needed to fit them would the 3 inch lift be enough to clear the front fender well, the front is cut i mean the back or will ihave to hammer. I have the new rancho shocks waitin in box and I am pickin out which springs to go with the 919s or the 913,912s. Any advice would be appreicated thanks.

[Triathlete]

Its going to require a bit of :smack::smack:

[VXorado]

Its going to require a bit of :smack::smack:

+1 :)


912s and some cutting will work. 919s will also work but are a little taller and stiffer. Also, you may have CV issues without a diff drop.

[Lizardmen3477]

As long as I know its do able me and my hammer will make em fit :)

[tom4bren]

It depends a lot on the rim offset as well. Prolly won't know how much trimming will be required until you actually mount them.

[VXorado]

It depends a lot on the rim offset as well. Prolly won't know how much trimming will be required until you actually mount them.

Recommended VX rim offset is -60mm on a 12" wide rim :)

[Lizardmen3477]

I believe therye 9.5inch rim and +10mm offset

[VXorado]

I believe therye 9.5inch rim and +10mm offset

Post some pics after they're installed. I would like to see how the 9.5" wide rims fit the vx.