Tire & Rim Question....

[JoFotoz]

I'm looking to put 33 x 11.50 or 12.50 x 16 on with new rims.

I'm getting mixed feedback from tire shops on rim size...

My DD says go with 10 inch rims on 12.50's...and 8 inch if I go 11.50


So..questions !!

Can a 12.50 live on an 8 inch rim?
Will a 10 inch rim stick out WAY to far?

What backspacing/offset works on a 3 inch lifted VX for these rims?
I'm OK with some cladding surgery.I have anesthetic (rum!!) ready...for me!

Any input much appreciated.

jo

[Triathlete]

Jo,
you may want to go do a test fit first. You will need to do more than a "little trimming" of the cladding to get them to fit. Those that are running them will chime in. You will need to do a bit of metal reshaping also. Those that are running 33s with the least amount of metal reshaping are sticking with 10.5 in width. The off set of your rims will make a huge differance also. I say test fit the tire/wheel combo trying differant off sets then go home trim cladding/beat some metal then go back and perchase/install. I ended up sticking with 31s this time after a test fit of 33s. The 33s look awesome and will be my next choice after taking a look a a few with 33s in Moab. But when I went to purchase I wasn't ready yet to take the hammer to the VX...

[AlaskaVX]

My DD says go with 10 inch rims on 12.50's...and 8 inch if I go 11.50

^This guy knows what he is talking about. Do not put 11.5's on the 10 inch rim if you do a lot of rocky stuff as your rim will make a lot of contact with the rocks. As for the 12.5 on the 8 you will get horrible tire wear.

[JoFotoz]

What kind of backspacing have you got on those rims...?
Looks from your gallery pics that they dont hang out too far.

jo

[AlaskaVX]

I think it was right around -25mm. but if you want to do the research they are Eagle Commets 16x10

[Triathlete]

They probably are 25s. That is the closest to stock you will get in a "common" size. My off road rims have 25mm backspace and with 10.5s brings the tires to just a hair outside the cladding.

[JoFotoz]

I'm just about to order...so all input was most helpfull.

I'm going with ...

Nitto's new Mud Grapplers.... 33x11.50x16

http://www.nittotire.com/tires_mudgrappler.asp

(Take a look at the 360 degree photo show...nice side wall!!)

These give an overall inflated width of 12.01 inches and a diam of 33.07
The 33 inch Super Swamper SSR's give 12.3 inches. and a diam of 33.4

The Nitto's fit 8 inch rims , and being slightly less tall/wide will hopefully reduce the "surgery" required....by a little anyway!

I'm getting them from Off Road Warehouse in San Diego.
They fitted my lift kit ( I am "workshopless" at the moment!!)...so despite being about $100 more than Discount Tire.....
..I figured they should do it ALL , so any problems cant be blamed on anyone else!

They also promised to swap them for the Super Swamper SSR 32's ..if surgery is TOO drastic.

Thanks again for all info.

jo

[Ldub]

WOW,
Those are some seriously prehistoric lookin'' treads!...Me likey.

Ldub

[Triathlete]

( I am "workshopless" at the moment!!)...

No workshop needed. If you have a parking space, jack, a few tools and a couple hours your set.

[JoFotoz]

...should of done it myself !!!

But tools etc ..etc in storage at the moment(just moved)...
....and house refurb projects get priority.

At least they do if I want to cuddle with the wife...

..instead of the dog on the deck!

jo

[JoFotoz]

They have a certain "Gnarly-ness" about them!

The "Croc skin" styling kind of matches the cladding...sort of!

jo

[Triathlete]

If you plan on driving home with the new skins on better get out the hammer and blade before you go get them. When I tested the 33s I conld not even get 1/4 turn of the wheel without the tires hitting!
If you need to test those bad boys out come join October 1&2

[JoFotoz]

Going to mount one tire/rim combo...and offer it up to the vehicle first.

Follow this with a stiff drink...and decide how much I'm prepared to cut.

Then run away home and do the surgery.

Off Road warehouse will then mount and balance all 4 (or swap for the 32.11.50 Super Swampers if its too much cutting)...

...and I'll return there all "cut up"...to get re-shod.

This also means I'll have time to spray the center caps before final mounting.

Thanks for your input ..this is a GREAT venue for info.

jo


PS.

The outing in Arizona is a real iffy one ...I may be in Alaska delivering a Yacht back to San Siego.
If not..I'll be there.

[AlaskaVX]

I may be in Alaska delivering a Yacht back to San Siego.

Hey if you do come to Anchorage let me know and maybe we can head off into the boonies to do some mudd'n

[JoFotoz]

...though it looks like I'll be picking the yacht up in either Sitka or Skagway.

jo