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Wheels and Tires

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Offline DesertTramp

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Wheels and Tires
« on: February 19, 2020, 03:56:55 PM »
01 Suzuki Vitara 4x4 has 16" wheels with a 2" suspension lift. Want to go to 29" tall All Terrain tires. For now plan on using the stock 16" wheels. So there will be a total of 4" of lift. How far do I need to space the wheels out to make up for raising the center of gravity?

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Online fordem

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Re: Wheels and Tires
« Reply #1 on: February 19, 2020, 05:04:20 PM »
Just so you're aware - going from the stock 27 inch to a 29 inch will give you only 1 (one) inch of lift - yes, the tire is two inches larger, but only one inch of that is between the axle and the ground.

The answer to your question MAY depend on the type of suspension lift, stiffer lift springs reduce the degree of roll caused by the raised center of gravity.

Based on personal experience, with a good suspension lift, you're more likely to be bothered by the instability caused by the additional sidewall flex of the taller tire than that caused by the rise in the center of gravity.  I'm running Old Man Emu springs & shocks with 235/70R16 tires (28.95" - so close enough to 29" that it makes no difference) mounted on the OEM alloys and no wheel spacers.  When the lift was installed (I did it myself in my driveway) I continued to use the stock size 235/60R16 tires and despite the raised center of gravity, the vehicle had less roll and was more stable, when I fitted taller tires, the increase in sidewall flex was noticeable, to the point I was not comfortable, but I have gotten accustomed to it.

Oh - you don't need a two inch lift to clear 29's the OME springs give around 30mm, which I have found to be enough, you may need to trim the back edge of the front bumper and the inner fenderwell plastics to prevent rubbing when turning - also - you can expect the tires to rub on the frame when on full lock, and no, more lift won't fix these issues.
'98 SQ420 Grand Vitara
'05 JB420 Grand Vitara
'16 APK416 Vitara
'21 A6G415 Jimny

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Offline DesertTramp

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Re: Wheels and Tires
« Reply #2 on: February 25, 2020, 01:26:17 AM »
Just so you're aware - going from the stock 27 inch to a 29 inch will give you only 1 (one) inch of lift - yes, the tire is two inches larger, but only one inch of that is between the axle and the ground.

The answer to your question MAY depend on the type of suspension lift, stiffer lift springs reduce the degree of roll caused by the raised center of gravity.

Based on personal experience, with a good suspension lift, you're more likely to be bothered by the instability caused by the additional sidewall flex of the taller tire than that caused by the rise in the center of gravity.  I'm running Old Man Emu springs & shocks with 235/70R16 tires (28.95" - so close enough to 29" that it makes no difference) mounted on the OEM alloys and no wheel spacers.  When the lift was installed (I did it myself in my driveway) I continued to use the stock size 235/60R16 tires and despite the raised center of gravity, the vehicle had less roll and was more stable, when I fitted taller tires, the increase in sidewall flex was noticeable, to the point I was not comfortable, but I have gotten accustomed to it.

Oh - you don't need a two inch lift to clear 29's the OME springs give around 30mm, which I have found to be enough, you may need to trim the back edge of the front bumper and the inner fenderwell plastics to prevent rubbing when turning - also - you can expect the tires to rub on the frame when on full lock, and no, more lift won't fix these issues.

Want to say thanx for the info. And setting me straight on  the tire height. Now that it's been pointed out, I see it. My lift is done with spacer blocks. I've gotten an estimate from Old Man Emu for springs that'll increase my load a few hundred pounds, to accommodate my gold prospecting equipment. Putting springs on will have to wait a bit. Again thanks