Upgrading Rims and Tires: Advice Needed

[Pats]

Hello everyone,

I currently have a 2010 Pajero with 18-inch rims and 265/60R18 Geolandar tires. I’m considering upgrading to Method 305 NV 17-inch rims (0mm offset) paired with 265/65R17 Geolandar tires.

The suspension is stock, but I’ve already trimmed the bumper. Is this setup feasible, or could it lead to any issues? hat are the pros and cons I might face with this change?

I’d appreciate your thoughts and suggestions!

Thanks!

[Luke K P]

hi @Pats

at 0mm offset without any lift.. you will get rubbing of your tyres on the wheel arches when the suspension is under compression. when suspension under compression and turning.. you will be rubbing the fender and wheel arches.

On my pajero.. this resulted in cracked fender plastic trim pieces, and the front wheel well liners getting torn completely out exposing the wiring harnesses etc which run through the inside of the steel fender.

you could look for a method wheel that has higher offset, as close as possible to your factory offset to avoid rubbing.
Or get the stock 17' rims and mount the R17 tyres on it.

Edited January 23, 2025 by Luke K P
typos

[Marek]

...or go even 16" if you have 2 door (2 door even with 3.8L uses 1 pot caliper which makes it possible to fit 16" rims) - 265/70 R16 or sth similar  - more air, more rubber, better traction and no need to go oversize there: you can achieve much better traction in sand without risk of rubbing.

Edited January 23, 2025 by Marek

[Jimmyp]

Hi All enthusiasts,

I am reaching out for some advice regarding my 2016 Pajero LWB 3.8 with 18-inch rims. Recently, I have started off-roading and have installed a few basic upgrades, including front and rear skid plates, a kill switch, and a flag.

I am considering changing the rims and tyres, as I am getting bogged down quite frequently. A friend of mine has a set of spare 17-inch FJ rims. Would it be feasible to swap my current 18-inch rims with the 17-inch FJ rims?

Additionally, I would appreciate any feedback from those who have used a combination of King Springs and Bilstein Shocks. Alternatively, would the Dobinson Stage 2 suspension upgrade be a better option?

Your insights would be greatly appreciated!

[Alexanderrr]

@JimmypFj rims are 30mm offset if I am not wrong, if you are doing lift, better to have lower offset to compesate the center of gravity due to lift  (+10-0) , if you are planning to keep the car for a while, get dobinson mrr , you will never go wrong with it

[Jimmyp]

thanks @Alexanderrr. i have decided to go with IMS (budget constraints LOL) will give feedback once i use them. Also does rim size matter in dune bashing i have seen a few pajeros go up pretty big dunes with 18Inch Rims.

Whats the relation between rim size and dune bashing?

[Alexanderrr]

With 17inch rim you can use tyre with biger sidewall 265/ (65) /R17 compared with 18inch 265/ (60) /R18  keeping the same wheel size, gives more room for tyre deflation and avoidance of pop out