Hey Zuki World!

I have a question regarding tires! Fist of all, I have a 1996 Suzuki Sidekick (16 v 1.6) with the Altered Ego 4.5 Suspension lift. This zuki will mainly be used on the trails (old woods roads), with some highway driving. I was wondering what tires should I buy - Altered Ego states that the lift can accommodate 32 x 11.5 inch MT's without any rubbing. I don't mind some rubbing but I don't want too much. Also, in the future I'm considering adding lower gears.

I was leaning toward 32 x 11.5 MT, but recently I have been considering 33 x 10.5 MT. Should I stay from both and just go with 31 x 10.5 MT, which would be safer. I kinda want the 33 x 10.5 for more ground clearance - there are lots of rocks and tree stumps!   

What are your thoughts?

Thanks so much!
 

Seems you already answered your own question. Altered Ego states that the lift can accommodate 32 x 11.5 inch MT's without any rubbing. Why open a can of worms.  Take your thumb and forefinger and open it to a half of an inch. That is how much you might gain by going to 33s. Is that really worth the trouble of rubbing and a set of tires you have heavily invested in that are not working. I would stay with the 32 x 11.5 inch MT's.

I would be more concerned about the wheel.  Correct backspacing?  Correct width for the larger tire?  The wheel is where the real problems could bite you.

Thanks for the reply! You're right about the wheel position, I've been considering that too. I was just searching for some insight into running 33 x 10.5's, 32 x 11.5 and 31 x 10.5.  Cheers

Also consider the loss in power and MPG with the larger tires.  I chose 31's for the optimum in my situation, although if you measure tires they are seldom the size you think they are.

Larger tires also compensate a little for driving skill so factor that in as well.   Smaller tires tend to make you look at the lines you take and as you said with stumps and other obstacles it may be an issue.

I'm in the desert mostly so big rocks are an issue but I like having a little extra power and driving skill

Do you run into a lot of mud?  Do you need a "sticky" tire?  All Terrains or a hybrid may be more economical

Hopefully we get some more opinions before you purchase the tires

Thanks rjkick!

Yes, depending on the time of year, there can be mud and water. And Yes I was thinking about an AT, do you have a suggestions? Ya, 31's seem to be a more popular choice. Thanks

33's require some work and usually fender trimming to get them to fit without rubbing.  They will take more power to turn, and lower TC gearing is really helpful when off road (they are nice to have with smaller tires also). 
Most 33" tires are about 32.4", that being said most of the tires rated as ??x??x?? are smaller than their ratings both in height and width.  With the metric tire ratings you can figure out the true tire sizes. 

Tire size does make some lines easier, but I wouldn't say it compensates for driving skills.  Driving skills are acquired.  Knowing how your vehicle handles, is just as important on 33" tires as on 28" tires. 

Also keep in mind that any tire much bigger than a 31", you will need gears, as your off road performance will suffer otherwise. I put 35" tires on my X90, and almost can't get out of my own way on the street. Off road, it just is not happening at all without gears.

Right on, Thanks! I have to agree, driving skill and ability are very important. However I'm interested to know people's experience with their tire situation. Perhaps I'm putting too much emphasis on clearance; )

Ya I have to agree 31's might be a safe investment.

I run BFG 32X11.50 KM2 MT's and with a calmini 3" body lift & R.R.O. 2.5" suspension lift i still had to trim 1/2 inch off the lower front fenders, where they curve back in towards the tire.Plus the 11.50 wide tire rubs the frame on hard turns.Not badly but i thought it should be mentioned.i also moved my rear spring cups& rear upper link to push the rearend back about an inch too.And believe us about the "power loss" with a tire larger than 30",it makes you have to drive threw trail hard spots with more speed than you'll like ,as you wont have the danglingly bits under the hood to crawl or use 5th gear on the highway.i ended up going to new gears "5:85."But a set of transfercase gears mite be just the fix for that if you went with a 32 or 33 tire for you.I just got a alter ego 4.5" kit too.(still in the box's) lol.I CANT WAIT TO PUT"ER ON....LOL.good luck .

We put 33's on the Project White Rabbit http://www.zukiworld.com/forum/build-diaries-how-to-diy/project-white-rabbit/, trying to do minimal lift.  Our solution was to move ball joints forward 1 1/2" and slide rear axle back 1", along with taller springs and spring spacers in rear.  This Tracker has a three speed automatic, so we were able to change to 5:13 gears and be slightly lower geared on 33's than stock gearing and tires.  4.24 gears in TC made it work good in the rocks.

I have been to Moab in my Tracker (not White Rabbit) on both 30's and then 33's.  First time was great fun seeing what my build could do, and it surprised many, as it looked close to stock.  Second time was on 33's with family and after EJS, so trails were more open and we had a blast seeing what our rigs were capable of.  When I went to 33's, I also went to taller springs so I had more clearance and travel.  I am really considering 35's as my tires are getting thin, but I know that they will eat into my power and mpg.  I have enough power to swing 35's and still use my OD's, so the real question is how much of a loss in mpg i can accept.  I currently run 22 mpg on highways if I stay below 65, but that just doesn't happen, so it seems 20 mpg city and highway is acceptable now.

Just remember Every Modification Begets Another Modification!

Other more knowledgeable people may weigh in, but here are my thoughts. 

Highway driving will suffer the more you increase the tire size.  Your lift on 31s will give you about 15 inches of clearance at the frame.  If it is only some highway driving, 32s may be ok. 

I just got back from Moab, Utah wheeling my Tracker on 31 BFG All Terrains which are really less than 30" and a 4.24 T case and no lockers.
I had a great time with the challenge.
It did well on on most trails and struggled but made it without much help on some of the difficult trails.
On the most difficult trails my Tracker would not have had a chance.
It  is all relative because the Jeep I was also driving with 42" tires and lockers did not struggle at all.
One Dana 60 Axle assembly on the Jeep cost more than my Tracker build including the 2.3 Aerio engine conversion.
Next time I go to Moab I will be set up for taller tires,  33's, 35's
I will stay with the 31's for all purpose off roading when not in the rocks.
The taller the tire the more Sawzall blades and spare parts you will need.

This is great information, exactly what I was looking for! In my situation I will not be doing much highway driving, but I do want enough power to go from the trail to the highway without a problem. I do see TC gearing in the future!

As for the position of the wheels, Altered Ego's kit pushed the front 1.5 inches forward and the rear-end about 1 inch back. This will help support bigger tires, however as mentioned I may have to cut the fenders.

At this point I'm leaning toward 32 x 11.5

Thanks again, I love reading peoples experience with their setup!

Cheers   

And if you are looking for a taller tire and not as wide go to a 235 85 16 , almost 32" tall and only 7" wide. You can find Grand Vitara wheels around for less than getting new ones and the off set is just about rite .