SJ 17 inch 235/60 or 225/65

[goobags]

So my Foz is on order and I'm looking at wheel and tyre combos. As far as wheels, it will either be a 'downgrade' to OEM 17s (18s from factory and supposedly 16s won't fit a diesel) or leave at 18s and go aftermarket. That bit is easy and just comes down to the look and if I want a different offset and width.

My issue is that I am getting a manual and not sure the larger diameter 225/65 is a good thing for gearing. I don't do hectic trails, mainly fire roads and beach work and I will be putting in a 2 inch lift. On the other hand, a bit of reading tells me a 235/60 and 7 inch wide rims could be an issue, so that option would probably go with aftermarket 7.5 wide rims.

Sorry it's a bit of a ramble, it's doing my head in but I'm leaning towards aftermarket wheels and 235/60r17s

 

[Kevin]

I really don't understand why they put 18s on these cars which they advertise as "A city SUV and mean off-roader"!

As you figured out already, getting a taller sidewall with a smaller wheel is a good thing.

What size tyre is OEM standard for the 18s?

 

[goobags]

I don't understand why they fit brakes so big you can't fit 16s. My 3 tonne GVM, 5.8 tonne GCM ute fits 16 inch wheels.

OEM is 225/55r18

Did the maths and it seems the difference in speed at 1000rpm is fairly insignificant. When I changed tyres on my ute, it was about a 1kph different, in this case it is about 0.26kph. So basically I think the 225/65 will be the option. I can put the maths up if anyone is interested.

 

[Kevin]

Exactly!

The Subie speedos usually read about 10% slower so any increase in tyre diameter will help adjust that error.