265's or 285's? (32's or 33's)

[RamAirZ]

I was gonna post a poll but can't figure out how to (maybe I'm not allowed to right now?). I'm looking to buy some new tires and trying to decide which route I should go with the VX. I'm trying to decide between 265/75-16's (32's) or 285/75-16's (33's). I'm going to be installing some OME 912's and a T-Bar crank, running some 16x7.5 Isuzu Snowflakes. It's about a $72 difference between the 2 for 4. Part of me wants the 33's but I've seen alot of VX's on the 265's that look great! Bring on the opinions!

[VXorado]

I say 33s but it depends on what you're looking to do with the VX. I have 33s and like them but I'm sure the 32s (actually 265/75/16=31.6") would have a nicer road feel overall. Check out my gallery, when I first bought the VX it had 265/75/16 tires and now I have 285/70/17s. The big difference between 265 & 285 is the width so the 285s will require more cladding trim in the front. Personally I like bigger tires with some offset so 285s are my fav.

[Ldub]

I say 33s but it depends on what you're looking to do with the VX. I have 33s and like them but I'm sure the 32s (actually 265/75/16=31.6") would have a nicer road feel overall. Check out my gallery, when I first bought the VX it had 265/75/16 tires and now I have 285/70/17s. The big difference between 265 & 285 is the width so the 285s will require more cladding trim in the front. Personally I like bigger tires with some offset so 285s are my fav.

x2

The first tires I replaced the stockers with were 265/75x16"

I soon realized that to me, they just didn't look "beefy enough".

So I went with 285/75x16"...

Then "offroad evolution" kicked in...

Now I think my VX looks "weenie" with anything less than 33x12.50x20", & much prefer the look of 35x12.50x20"...

Yeah, I'm lifted to pretty much max as suspension lift goes, & have had to do LOTS of trimming/ mods to enable a full lock turn, but I wouldn't want to go back...

But that's just what works for me.

The taller sidewalls of the 285/75's have the advantage of more rim protection in offroad applications, at the expense of crisp cornering. That's why I prefer a larger rim diameter.

Were I to have a "do over", I'd probably be rollin' on 35x12.50x18", sacrificing a bit of handling for a bit more sidewall height.

[Riff Raff]

Since you plan on "lifting" your VX, go with a "fatter" series tire in one of the three(3) sizes listed below:

LT285/75R16 (32.6" O.D.)
LT295/75R16 (33.3" O.D.)
LT305/70R16 (33.2" O.D.)

Skinny 265 series tires look like wagon wheels on a stage-coach if they're put on a lifted VX, so use a wider series tire to help fill-up the huge VX wheelwells.

[tom4bren]

Offset ... don't forget the offset.

Sorry but this thread just wouldn't be right without my $.02

[RamAirZ]

lol the rims are "stock" Isuzu wheels so offset should still have them right at the fender. On my 97' Rodeo I started with 235/75 then 265/75 then 305/70. I really liked the way the 305/70 looked on it. I think the VX "looks" smaller though and therefore still looks good with the smaller tires. Bart's VX looks great IMO on the 265's as well as CrotchRocket's VX. I just found a set of barely used Buckshot Mudder's locally in the 285/75 so I think I'm gonna snatch em' up so that takes care of that haha. I agree with you Dub, once you start modding, it always seems "not big enough" because you get used to it. On my 89' GMC Z71 I had it lifted on 33x13.50 Swampers and everyone thought my truck was huge and I was like "not really, needs bigger tires" lol. Here's Crotchrocket's VX on the 265's, I don't think they look like wagon wheels but that is just me, now a 235/85, ya that would probably be tooooo skinny. Thanks for the input folks!




Here are my new wheels (except these are 15", mine ar 16"):


Some 16" ones

[nfpgasmask]

I'm running 265s. I like the way they look. I don't think they aren't beefy enough. They fill the wheel wells enough for me with minimal trimming/hammering of the front cladding. Either way, its gonna look great!

Bart

[RamAirZ]

Thanks Bart! Here's Ryan's VX with 285/75's on stock wheels, just the 912's like you:

[nfpgasmask]

Looks great!!

Bart

[RamAirZ]

Thanks! Now just need to order my springs haha, anyone got a set laying around :wink wink:

[Riff Raff]

Now just need to order my springs haha, anyone got a set laying around

You might want to send an E-Mail to fellow member "RallyDude" and ask him for his soon to be available Rear Springs. He just purchased a "lifted" VX by the P.O., and "RallyDude" is planning on re-verting the VX back to normal stock ride height. Heck, maybe you two guys can do a one-for-one swap trade because "RallyDude" may be looking for a set of OEM Rear Springs (like yours) to re-vert his VX back to stock. Just a thought.

[RamAirZ]

Thanks, I'll PM him

[WormGod]

Messing around in the garage last night, I "fitted" my 18x8.5 track wheels and 245/40 tires to the VX just to see how silly it would look. (fitted meaning, sitting on styrofoam blocks up against the VX hubs, which is on jackstands).

Yep.... silly. REALLY not meant for low profile. Needs meat. Out.

[LittleBeast]

As I always say in these threads, "go big or go home and wish you did"

[RamAirZ]

lol true. I've been using your VX for some reference pics by the way haha, I love your VX