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I have not had any rubbing issues with the Nitto 285 70 18's Posted specific part numbers someplace if your interested. You may have to reroute a couple of lines, to avoid any rubbing on them.
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Thanks twoxred. That link should be made a sticky in the forums. So checking out other sites, it seems that overall diameter (OD) must be BELOW 31.5 if you don't want rubbing issues.
Unseenone, rerouting, do you mean tucking it away? Thanks!
I'm trying to see if the 285/60-18 will fit without the rubbing issues. The last thing I want is the tire ripping the height sensor out.
I just put on the johnsonrods kit and GY MTR's 275/65/18 (32.07 in). It defininately rubs. Two contact points that I can tell are the outside bottom front and back corners of the front two wheel wells right at the very bottom corners. I think a file or mitre saw to the corner of the front bumper will let it clear. I'm going to put on sliders so I'm hoping that fixes the plastic trim under the doors clearance issue. If not, I'll have to file the metal there down too. I don't think it rubs in the back at all.
I've got two sets of wheels and tires so I won't be running them unless it's trail time, but it definately rubs. You can avoid it by taking slightly softer corners. If you crank it all the way it's a problem.
For looks? Smaller tires are lighter and therefore have less rotational inertia as well as less unsprung weight for suspension compliance, result in less torque on your driveline, give you an effectively lower gear ratio, and leave plenty of room for some macho traction/snow chains.
There are good arguments for both sides of this. It depends on the intended purpose I suppose.
From a traction stability standpoint, the more rubber that meets to road so to speak, the better the grip. Another long debated topic is "airing down" This also increases the surface area grip. I don't feel like this is needed, unless a situation arises (stuck on ice, etc.), particularly if you already have oversize tires.
Generally, you increase the chances of hydroplaning on the highway with oversize tires, as well as increased stresses on the suspension and steering. You run more risks, particularly of tire failure with oversize tires, if you run them on rims not rated for the tire. In the LR3 DIII case, the rim is designed to accept slightly larger tires safely.
Airing down, would tend to increase the risks associated with severe tire cuts, rim damage, and increases stresses on the steering components of the vehicle. It would be interesting to collect statistics on breakage while on trails, and how many were running oversize tires (or standard), and if they were aired down at the time, etc. I think properly inflated is properly inflated, although there may be a "range" that allows things to be softened up to absorb some bumps.
My reason for oversize tires, is to increase the ruggedness, such as more plies (8-12) to decrease damage and flats due to punctures. Another advantage is some bead/rim protection to decrease rim damage. Finally that in the case of the LR3 stock badyear tires, they were never durable enough for the application.
Just a few unscientific thoughts on the subject, yes I am running slightly oversize tires. This comes down in the end to personal tastes, and preferences, as you can debate the pros and cons until the cows come home.
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Maximum tire size for LR3 SE without lift
