Offroad-Express

In addition to my Safari I've just got a 1997 LWB V6 Vitara. I'll continue to use the Safari for serious offroad stuff but I want to make the Vitara a bit more capable as it's on road tyres at the moment. It has 16x6 wheels with 215/65's. My choices of A/T tyres on 16's seem pretty limited so I'm thinking of getting 15in wheels, probably 15x7. I know nothing about the Vitara so I'm hoping that you guys can give me some info before I spend any money. My questions are:

1. If I keep the 16in wheels, I guess 225/75 would fit. Would these foul on the wheel arches?

2. If I go to 15x7 would 30/9.5 fit? I don't really want to do a suspension lift.

TIA

You have two problems with the 30"x9.5" tyres on 15"X7" rims cobber.

Firstly, the 15" rims will not fit the front hubs as the rotors on the V6 models are larger than the 1600 models, because of this the caliper sits out further and the rim fouls up on it.

Secondly, the 30" tyres rub on the back wheel arch when the axle is flexing (our truck did not need to flex much to rub.).

If money is tight i would stick to the original rims and tyre size. If you want 15" rims I have a write up on this somewhere (will find the link for you), and if you want 30" tyres or bigger a lift is recommended.

Matt.

I had the same model, as said unless your ready to spend some $$$ your options arnt many, sold mine and bought a scud 1600 which opens
the door to many more options
Al

Thanks very much for the info guys. Sorry for the delay in replying but, for various reasons, I have been completely out of communication since I first posted.