Pajero Wheel Size Inquiry

[Ayman_AG]

Hello Everyone! 

I'm a bit confused about something and was wondering if someone with more knowledge could clear this up for me.

I currently have 18 inch wheels and 265/60/R18 tyres on my 2018 Pajero SWB and I wanted to get smaller wheels for more sidewall for more grip in the sand. The sidewall difference in 265/65/R17 seems very minimal so I wanted to get a 16 inch wheel with 265/70/R16 tyres. Apparently the pajeros that come with 16inch wheels have the same bolt pattern and hub bore, however it has a slightly different backspacing (18=154mm, 16=148mm). Does this mean I can pick up 16 inch pajero wheels and not have any issues? Additionally, what other information/measurements do I need if I wanna pick up a third party/non-Mitsubishi wheel? 

I would really appreciate the help, thank you in advance.

[Andrew John Melvill]

 Not sure about the SWB but on my LWB 2020 model I cannot go smaller than 17 inch wheels without changes to the brakes. 

[Lala G]

Agree completely with @Andrew John Melvill The 3.8 has larger brake calipers for which 16" rims will not fit. The lowest that you can go is a 17" Rim.
That said just the drop from 18 to 17 will make quite a difference in power. As for tyres, my personal preference was Geolanders for Pajero. 
If you aftermarket rim has a slight negative offset, you are fully set. Avoid spacers and go for negative offset wheel. Also note that some brand models (KMC for me) have zero mentioned offset but still fit with a slight negative offset which is great. Just before buying fit one on and have a look first. Downside will be if you dont have a lift it may scrape the edge of the wheel well on articulation.