33x10.5x15's

[DAB1]

I need new tires for my XTerra and I want to get larger than the stocks (265x75x15's) that are on there.

I know 31's would fit, but does anyone know if the 33's I bought for my Jeep CJ a few months ago would fit my X without a lot of trimming and/or driving problems? (I have since decided to get 35's for my Jeep instead).

Thanks for your help.

[evergreen]

33's would require a lift. or a sawzall.

[DAB1]

Thanks. 31's it is.

[OffroadX]

No, you can run 33x10.50 without a formal lift or a sawzall, I know at least 2 that have done so. As long as you're on stock wheels, it's actually not that complicated. Yes, you will need to do some fairly heavy (but not ugly) plastic trimming at the front wheel opening, you will have to crank the torsion bars up a fair bit, and something in the rear like an add-a-leaf would be helpful, but that's it. No need to shell out money on a suspension lift or body lift.
33x12.50 on the other hand does require some formal lift.

Brent

[evergreen]

Originally Posted by OffroadX

No, you can run 33x10.50 without a formal lift or a sawzall, I know at least 2 that have done so. As long as you're on stock wheels, it's actually not that complicated. Yes, you will need to do some fairly heavy (but not ugly) plastic trimming at the front wheel opening, you will have to crank the torsion bars up a fair bit, and something in the rear like an add-a-leaf would be helpful, but that's it. No need to shell out money on a suspension lift or body lift.
33x12.50 on the other hand does require some formal lift.

Brent

33's without a lift?? they must love the sound of tires rubbing, or they never wheel.

[DAB1]

In all honesty, my trucks don't see hard trails too often at all. Here in upstate NY, bogging around in some fields, getting back into some hunting camps and playing around in the snow are about all I do. Actually, snow is probably the biggest issue, hence I tend to buy narrower tires. I do like a tall tire, though.

Adding leafs and plastic trimming I don't mind. I am hoping to avoid any gearing/ball-joint/control arm modifications for the time being, though.

I think I'll try mounting the 33's on my X rims tomorrow morning. If they don't work out I'll just stick with 31's. If it appears they'll work, I'll let you know. Thanks for your input.

[ChuckH]

IMO, just because a few people have done it doesn't mean it's a good idea. 33's really require a body lift to fit properly...even 32's are troublemakers without any lift at all. Sure, with some plastic trimming they will "fit" but as soon as you get any suspension compression you will be tearing up parts inside the fenders. Even my 32's with a suspension lift do damage under compression. On the other hand, if you are just driving to and from the mall then they will "work."

Some other things to consider...

1) 33's cause a lot of drag on the driveline, possibly accelerating driveline wear, reducing fuel mileage, and sucking power.

2) 33's cause your brakes to work harder.

3) 33's will greatly accelerate the wear of your steering components.

IMO, you'd be better off selling the 33's and putting 31's on or maybe 32's if you do some modest lifting. First time you try going up a Mountain pass loaded up and that wimpy little 3.3 is working as hard as it can to turn the 31's and almost maintain the speed limit, you'll be glad you sold the 33's!

[OffroadX]

32x11.50s cause more problems with rubbing due to their width than 33x10.50s do because of their height.
Swampwrecker, of MAXC and NJAX ran 33x10.50 for quite a while on his X and wheels it pretty hard (he now has 33x12.50s with a mild lift). Rednec of ENCXC does too. Neither report any serious rubbing issues. Look them up and ask them about it if you like.

Brent

[ChuckH]

Actually, my 32's rub from the width and the height. In front it's the height and in back it's the width. Honestly, it's not bad with the lift and I really have to do something stupid to make it happen, but it does.

Anyway, I still don't think 33's belong on a stock truck for several different reasons. I wouldn't even put them on my lifted truck, but others can do what they want.

[OffroadX]

Not saying there aren't other issues, but fit really isn't a big one.

[DAB1]

Thanks for all your input. After considering everything you have said and really thinking about what I use this truck for, I decided to just stick with 31x10.5's for the time being. Maybe next time...

Again, thanks for all your comments.