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ZUKIWORLD Model Specific Suzuki Forum => Suzuki Grand Vitara, Vitara, Chevy Tracker (Gen. 2 Platform) 1999-2005 => Topic started by: Meyou on March 24, 2009, 05:42:29 PM

Title: Need some advice for tires
Post by: Meyou on March 24, 2009, 05:42:29 PM

Howdy. I was hoping to get some info concerning tires. I've got me an unmodified 2005 GV 3 door, was wondering how large a tire I could fit into it without running into any rubbing problems. I poked back 20 or 30 pages through this section of the forum, but without much success, only figuring out that a 225/70/R16 might fit, but not being entirely sure.

Also, any tips on what type of tires would be appreciated. I do a lot of driving through mud and gravel, although I also do a lot of road miles too, so I need a tire which will handle well on road, but not get me stuck in the mud with my wheels spinning helplessly.

I dont have much mechanical know-how, so giving my GV a lift or something along those lines is a bit beyond my ability at the moment. Tips on this side of things would also be appreciated.

Title: Re: Need some advice for tires
Post by: beercheck on March 24, 2009, 08:33:14 PM

My advice, as of today:

1.5" spring spacers in the back, 1" spring spacers in the front, complication-free (no cam bolts, no hole-slotting) alignment, 235/70R16 Firestone Destination A/T tires.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/surveyresults/surveydisplay.jsp?type=ORAT&width=235%2F&ratio=70&diameter=16&tireSearch=true (http://www.tirerack.com/tires/surveyresults/surveydisplay.jsp?type=ORAT&width=235%2F&ratio=70&diameter=16&tireSearch=true)

Max you can do, all-purpose, off-the-shelf, for the minimum money/skills.

There are many other opinions, including mine 6-months ago and 6-months down the road, but that's where I am right now, and I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

Title: Re: Need some advice for tires
Post by: richardmh on March 25, 2009, 03:47:46 PM

I'm running 225/70 - 16 BFG AT's with 1inch coil spring spacers.

Title: Re: Need some advice for tires
Post by: Meyou on March 30, 2009, 07:10:53 PM

Thanks for the help! I've found me a joint which sells Firestones, but come across a potential problem in that as I understand it, bigger tires will cause my speedometer to show less than I'm really doing. Is this likely to cause any upsets with the Gov? I remember reading somewhere that a car can fail its MOT if it shows even slightly less than the actual speed, are MOT places likely to get all technical on my ass and declare it unroadworthy? or will the tires not affect the speed much?

Title: Re: Need some advice for tires
Post by: beercheck on March 30, 2009, 08:49:46 PM

29" tires will result in roughly 7-8% slower reading.  No probs in US, but beats me with your regulations.

Title: Re: Need some advice for tires
Post by: IanL on March 31, 2009, 01:43:03 AM

Quote from: Meyou on March 30, 2009, 07:10:53 PM

Thanks for the help! I've found me a joint which sells Firestones, but come across a potential problem in that as I understand it, bigger tires will cause my speedometer to show less than I'm really doing. Is this likely to cause any upsets with the Gov? I remember reading somewhere that a car can fail its MOT if it shows even slightly less than the actual speed, are MOT places likely to get all technical on my ass and declare it unroadworthy? or will the tires not affect the speed much?

I have oversize tires on my X-90, so the speedo reads low.  It has never failed MOT - I don't think they test it for accuracy.  But you are correct that it is illegal to have a speedo which reads low.

Title: Re: Need some advice for tires
Post by: 79mic79 on April 12, 2009, 06:32:38 AM

I ran 225/70/16 tires on my 01 GV without any modifications and they fit perfectly, no rubbing, filled the gaps well. That size is perfect instead of searching for 235/60/16 which is one of the worst sizes to find.
Hope this helped.

Title: Re: Need some advice for tires
Post by: Sn0vv on April 13, 2009, 06:14:53 PM

I have 4 wheel drive which is a big plus (I assume you do to) 2000 Chevy Tracker

I also live in a rural area FILLED with Gravel and MUD which I drive on everyday for about 20 minutes till I finally hit pavement......for another 20 minutes...

I use 205/75/15 Cooper Trendsetters SE tires (around 64 dollars Canadian if you shop around properly)
in the winter I use 205/75/15 Artic Claws which do wonders on snow and ice..another great...but inexpensive tire..Obviously you would want to get the proper size tires for your vehicle....for what you said you use it for I would not go with bigger tires and stick with stock sizes....its the types of tires you buy the settings of those tires that make the difference......bigger tires and lifting your truck its not necessary for average use....unless

1.) you just wanna look cool (which by all means do so its your money)
2.) your going through mud or snow that is way beyond your ground clearance.....