Wheel and Tire question

[Mile High VX]

Hey Riff Raff thanks for all the help.

The biggest issue was the lower portion of the wheel well where the cladding and inner fender meet. We couldn't ever turn the wheels all the way it had so much contact!

What about moving down to a 17" rim? They have this wheel in a 17" size with a +25 offset.

Not sure that's the look I'm after, but also not sure that there would be a marked difference.

First off, congrats on your purchase!!! The Dragon is my second favorite color and the paint is breath-taking in bright sunshine.

The Nitto T/G in 285/65R18 (32.52" O.D.) tires are both wide & tall, and you have them mounted on very wide rims which greatly magnify their "swing arc" when turning. The same height tire in 265/70R18 (32.64" O.D.) will have a lesser degree of "swing arc" due to its narrower 265 series width and may have less rubbing conflict within the tightly cramped VX front wheelwells.

I would guess that one of your major rubbing points is the famous protruding "bolt" located at the extreme bottom inner fenderwell rear on the front-left driver side when the front wheels are turned full-lock left. This "bolt" can simply be removed and may solve your problem; if not, then you have a series of other options to choose from:

A. After removing famous "bolt", check "swing arc" fitment. Consider using a BFH to customize the rear of the inner fenderwells until appropriate tire clearance is gained. If you don't like the BFH idea, then move on to other options below.
B. Switch to a same height, but much narrower tire in 265/70R18 (32.64" O.D.) and check fitment.
C. Switch to a slightly smaller & narrower tire in 275/65R18 (32" O.D.) and check fitment. This is probably your best option.
D. Switch to the short & stubby 285/60R18 (31.3" O.D.) and check fitment.

If you're after both a "wider" look with "taller" O.D., then option "C" may be your best option without further damaging your new Dragon purchase with a BFH.

[samneil2000]

I recently put 33x12 tires on my VX and had the clearance issue you are talking about. I took a sawzall with a metal blade and cut inward at the bottom of the well. I left the outside corner (where people see it) intact but cut in from that point. I only removed probably 3/4 inch or so, but it was enough to clear them.

Check this thread http://www.vehicross.info/forums/showthread.php?t=16761
to see what I had to do.

[rowhard]

The biggest issue was the lower portion of the wheel well where the cladding and inner fender meet. We couldn't ever turn the wheels all the way it had so much contact!

What about moving down to a 17" rim? They have this wheel in a 17" size with a +25 offset.

Not sure that's the look I'm after, but also not sure that there would be a marked difference.

I had the same issue (rubbing at the back) and that was with a +18 offset. Had to take a BFH and knock the bottom bolt in. It is just a sheet metal tab to hold the cladding. With a 17 at a +25, I'd be surprised if you have any issues and if so, it would be a easy fix. I run the 285-60-18's