Several members have posted pics of awesome looking trucks with aftermarket wheels and tires (billq, workman, KATM, et. al.). Most have been done on trucks that have been lifted with the Daystar kit. In my mind the Daystar kit also improves the look of the truck, but is it really necessary? Based on the reported strut problems, I am leary of this kit until more positive experiences are reported.
The OEM tires are 265/70/18 (32.6 x 10.4), or in the case of the off-road package 285/70/17 (32.7 x 11.2). The aftermarket tire of choice is the Nitto Grappler, 325/60/18, which is equivalent to 33.3 x 12.8. Nitto's web site actually lists the inflated diameter as 32.99. Does this additional 0.4 to 0.6 inches of tire diameter actually require a lift? Or is it the width of the tire that necessitates the lift? The width appears to be a problem, even with the lift, based on workman's "grinding" instructions.
Has anyone tried any of the aftermarket tires without the lift? I am also considering the BFG 285/65/18 (32.8 x 11.5). This tire seems very likely to fit without the Daystar kit.
The 285/65/18's should fit just fine without any lift, and should fit on a 18x8 rim. The Nitto or Toyo 325's would require a minimum lift of 2.5" or so. It's mainly the width I believe, but we really won't know what's possible till people start experimenting with backspacing/rim widiths/tire sizes/etc. If you are leary of the Daystars, you might just want to wait till Rancho releases their ride-height adjustable coilovers.
The 285/65/18's should fit just fine without any lift, and should fit on a 18x8 rim. The Nitto or Toyo 325's would require a minimum lift of 2.5" or so. It's mainly the width I believe, but we really won't know what's possible till people start experimenting with backspacing/rim widiths/tire sizes/etc. If you are leary of the Daystars, you might just want to wait till Rancho releases their ride-height adjustable coilovers.
Sammy--What exactly is a ride-height adjustable coilover? I assume it is a new coil spring and strut that you can adjust? What is your experience with this type of product? I don't want too stiff a ride after any minor lift that I do. What are your near-term plans for your rig?
Sammy--What exactly is a ride-height adjustable coilover? I assume it is a new coil spring and strut that you can adjust? What is your experience with this type of product? I don't want too stiff a ride after any minor lift that I do. What are your near-term plans for your rig?
Thx.
It's basically a shock and spring all together in one unit. The shocks body is threaded externally with a ring at the top that can be adjusted up or down to change ride height. Same thing you see on Baja trucks, dune buggies, rock crawlers, etc. I have no personal experience with coil-overs, I just read a lot. The Ranchos use the shock valving from a 9000x shock, which allows adjustable rebound/compression/etc with a 9 setting dial. Alternatively, you can have an in-cab adjuster for on the fly changes. I can't comment on ride stiffness because I don't know the spring loading/rebound that Rancho will be using, but with the adjustable shock, you should be able to dial in a comfortable setting. My near-term plans are to wait and see the pricing on these coil-overs and also see if someone like Fabtech comes out with lift spindles. I'd rather have lift spindles, as it wouldn't decrease the downward cycle of the suspension. But if you have a 4wd, you'll have to go with coil-overs, spring spacers, or a full on diff drop type of lift.
See attachment for further info on the Ranchos.
Last edited by sammy sandbag : 05-11-2004 at 08:44 AM.
It's basically a shock and spring all together in one unit. The shocks body is threaded externally with a ring at the top that can be adjusted up or down to change ride height. Same thing you see on Baja trucks, dune buggies, rock crawlers, etc. I have no personal experience with coil-overs, I just read a lot. The Ranchos use the shock valving from a 9000x shock, which allows adjustable rebound/compression/etc with a 9 setting dial. Alternatively, you can have an in-cab adjuster for on the fly changes. I can't comment on ride stiffness because I don't know the spring loading/rebound that Rancho will be using, but with the adjustable shock, you should be able to dial in a comfortable setting. My near-term plans are to wait and see the pricing on these coil-overs and also see if someone like Fabtech comes out with lift spindles. I'd rather have lift spindles, as it wouldn't decrease the downward cycle of the suspension. But if you have a 4wd, you'll have to go with coil-overs, spring spacers, or a full on diff drop type of lift.
See attachment for further info on the Ranchos.
I agree--the lift spindles seem to be the way to go, for 2WD. After a little research, I learned that lift spindles do not modify the factory suspension components, brakes or anything else For those who are curious, here is a link to a bunch of lift spindles (none for the Titan yet, unfortunately )
I emaild CST to see if they would be producing spindle lifts for the Titan, since they make them for GM trucks already. Their reply:
WE OFFER A 8 IN LIFT FOR THE NISSAN AT THIS TIME WE DO NOT HAVE ANY
PLANS TO PRODUCE A SPINDLE ONLY LIFT.
I guess they really meant it since they yelled it. That's too bad they won't be offering them, guess that leaves it up to Fabtech. I don't know any other companies that make spindle lifts.
I emaild CST to see if they would be producing spindle lifts for the Titan, since they make them for GM trucks already. Their reply:
WE OFFER A 8 IN LIFT FOR THE NISSAN AT THIS TIME WE DO NOT HAVE ANY
PLANS TO PRODUCE A SPINDLE ONLY LIFT.
I guess they really meant it since they yelled it. That's too bad they won't be offering them, guess that leaves it up to Fabtech. I don't know any other companies that make spindle lifts.
AutoForums.com is the premier network of enthusiast-owned
enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
We operate more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share
experiences and opinions as a community.
Technical discussion about the suspension components.
05-10-2004, 11:25 AM
For those who are curious, here is a link to a bunch of lift spindles (none for the Titan yet, unfortunately 
)
Linear Mode
