? on stock wheels

erwinrfletcher · 09-25-2006, 02:05 PM

Hello all, I am new to the forum, though have had my Titan for almost 2 years now. I have a 4x4 SE with the Off-Road package, and still have the included 17-inch 7-spoke OEM wheels. Though I only have 28k on the truck, the OEM BFG R/T tires are shot, and I am going to get a new set of Goodyear Wrangler Silent Armors.

I have always wished it had been possible to keep the base SE model 5-spoke 18-inch wheels as they look so much better than the 7-spoke Off-Road wheels do. I have found several sets of used (but in great condition) 18-inch wheels for sale and would like to find out from anyone with experience in changing. Does anyone know what Nissan's reasoning is for the 17-inch with the Off-Road package? Are the 18s not strong enough for off-road?

thanks for any info.

**HudsonValleyTitan** · 09-25-2006, 03:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by erwinrfletcher

Hello all, I am new to the forum, though have had my Titan for almost 2 years now. I have a 4x4 SE with the Off-Road package, and still have the included 17-inch 7-spoke OEM wheels. Though I only have 28k on the truck, the OEM BFG R/T tires are shot, and I am going to get a new set of Goodyear Wrangler Silent Armors.

I have always wished it had been possible to keep the base SE model 5-spoke 18-inch wheels as they look so much better than the 7-spoke Off-Road wheels do. I have found several sets of used (but in great condition) 18-inch wheels for sale and would like to find out from anyone with experience in changing. Does anyone know what Nissan's reasoning is for the 17-inch with the Off-Road package? Are the 18s not strong enough for off-road?

thanks for any info.

You're alone on thinking the 5 spokers look better IMHO but....hey, lol...to each his own. I'm sure the 18s would do fine offroad, but the 17s are wider and taller, therefore can take more abuse. It's a PITA finding our 17" size too! Good luck in whatever you decide.

erwinrfletcher · 09-25-2006, 04:13 PM

I actually had more trouble finding a quality model of aftermarket highway/off-road tires to fit the 18x8 rims than I did to fit my stock 17x7.5s, but that could be a regional supply issue.

I see from your profile info that you also have an 04, but have added the post-05 aluminum diff cover. Where did you get the new cover (Nissan OEM or aftermarket?) and was it a direct replacement on an 04 model? I might have mine changed out during my next major service at 30k since they will be in the diff to change fluid anyway.

kvoman · 09-25-2006, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by erwinrfletcher

I see from your profile info that you also have an 04, but have added the post-05 aluminum diff cover. Where did you get the new cover (Nissan OEM or aftermarket?) and was it a direct replacement on an 04 model? I might have mine changed out during my next major service at 30k since they will be in the diff to change fluid anyway.

If your cover is rusted and the paint flaked off, it's a warranty issue and can be covered under warranty by your dealer. Mine did when I brought it up to them. I told them that means the cover is overheated and the gears are being subjected to this intense heat.

Regarding 17" OR tires, the 17" tires have more sidewall to flex for wheeling and it should be able to absorb a little bit more punishment than 18".

kartman · 09-25-2006, 06:37 PM

It is far easier to find 17 tires than 18s, not sure where you shop.

You want taller sidewalls for offroad use. Inmy opinion 17s are too large for the small stock tires. You can get by with 17s on 35s but id still rather have 15s.