Advice Needed, Pajero 3.8L rims

[Abdullah A.]

Hi all,

I have a 2009 Pajero which comes with stock 265/60/R18. It’s time to change my tires and I want to go for A/T. There is a chance that I get used stock R17 pajero tires, which i’d assume will allow me to go for a 265/65/R17 tires. Any recommendation whether to stay with the stock rims or downsize to 17”? And if I get the 17” what is the max tire size for better grip without modification? The car suspension is stock so no lift.

 

thanks

[Andrew John Melvill]

Hi, yes 17 inch rims and 265/65/17 tires will work perfectly with stock suspension, as the overall diameter is the same as your current 18's. They will give you more sidewall and allow for slightly lower pressures and better traction off road. 

[Abdullah A.]

1 hour ago, Andrew John Melvill said:

Hi, yes 17 inch rims and 265/65/17 tires will work perfectly with stock suspension, as the overall diameter is the same as your current 18's. They will give you more sidewall and allow for slightly lower pressures and better traction off road. 

Thanks Andrew, appreciated. Do you think I can go for 275/65 or 285/65 with the stock 17" rims? I read in other topics that it should significantly improve the footprint.

[Andrew John Melvill]

5 minutes ago, Abdullah A. said:

Thanks Andrew, appreciated. Do you think I can go for 275/65 or 285/65 with the stock 17" rims? I read in other topics that it should significantly improve the footprint.

Take a measurement from your current tires to any potential rubbing point, at full lock left and full lock right.

265/70 will add 6.5 mm to your sidewall height and the extra width will move the potential contact point out 5mm.  This should be OK but need to measure to be OK

285/65 will move everything again by 13mm and 10mm, my understanding is that this will be pushing it even with a suspension lift. On stock suspension i would expect a good bit of cutting and trimming required to prevent rubbing. For 285 width you may also need a wider rim than stock to fit the tire correctly. 

Another option to look at is 265/70/17, BUT again need to measure and check 1st for potential rubbing issues. 

Another point to consider is that fitting a tire of increased diameter will lengthen your gearing and reduce acceleration ability. Also adds additional un-sprung mass. 

[Abdullah A.]

1 minute ago, Andrew John Melvill said:

Take a measurement from your current tires to any potential rubbing point, at full lock left and full lock right.

265/70 will add 6.5 mm to your sidewall height and the extra width will move the potential contact point out 5mm.  This should be OK but need to measure to be OK

285/65 will move everything again by 13mm and 10mm, my understanding is that this will be pushing it even with a suspension lift. On stock suspension i would expect a good bit of cutting and trimming required to prevent rubbing. For 285 width you may also need a wider rim than stock to fit the tire correctly. 

Another option to look at is 265/70/17, BUT again need to measure and check 1st for potential rubbing issues. 

Another point to consider is that fitting a tire of increased diameter will lengthen your gearing and reduce acceleration ability. Also adds additional un-sprung mass. 

Great insights, thanks Andrew. I think the safest option for now is to go for 265/65/R17 and take it from there. 

 

Thanks again