Offroad Tyre size for 2WD (standard height springs)

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T25griff
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Offroad Tyre size for 2WD (standard height springs)

Post by T25griff »

Hi people..

Will be moving over to off road tyres on 15" ronal penta alloys - I drive an Autohomes Komet high top. Ideally want to restore my original height springs (currently lowered on 18" rims). Looking at general grabber or cooper tyres. Has anyone done this conversion and able to advise suitable tyre sizes to avoid contact/rubbing.?

Thanks in advance..

bobby-gg
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Re: Offroad Tyre size for 2WD (standard height springs)

Post by bobby-gg »

Image

Caravelle on panel van standard springs with 7X15 Penta's, 215/75 front and 225/15 rear gripmax a/T's (bfg copy)
Last edited by bobby-gg on 13 Sep 2017, 18:49, edited 1 time in total.

T25griff
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Re: Offroad Tyre size for 2WD (standard height springs)

Post by T25griff »

Cool van.. any rubbing issues with this set up? Thinking I may need to introduce abit of lift as we often travel with quite a lot of 'stuff'.. plus my van is probably heavier anyway...??

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clift_d
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Offroad Tyre size for 2WD (standard height springs)

Post by clift_d »

215/75 in R15 is pretty much the biggest size you can fit on a standard 2WD or 14" Syncro without rubbing, provided your springs aren't at all saggy.

However you really need to watch your gearing. Your gearbox ratios will be optimised for standard tyres i.e. 185 R14. If you go for tyres that are more than 5% larger than that then you'll really notice your van suffering on hills.
1988 LHD T25 1.6TD Westfalia Club Joker Hightop syncro

T25griff
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Re: Offroad Tyre size for 2WD (standard height springs)

Post by T25griff »

Appreciate your comments.. will let you know how I get on.!!

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clift_d
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Re: Offroad Tyre size for 2WD (standard height springs)

Post by clift_d »

Have a look in the Getting High in Your 2WD (raising suspension thread).

Plenty of examples in there of people putting big tyres on their 2WD.
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andyhems
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Re: Offroad Tyre size for 2WD (standard height springs)

Post by andyhems »

Hi sorry if this has already been answered here but looking to get the raised AT look on my van I have stock wheels at the moment and have seen a set of 15 inch Merc A class alloys that say they are 195/50/R15 , W168 , 1997-2004 will these fit on my van and then look to put some AT tyres on. I am expecting to have to raise the springs is that correct. Thanks

Andy

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Re: Offroad Tyre size for 2WD (standard height springs)

Post by pfield69 »

215/75r15 the biggest you can go?
I was hoping to squeeze 215/80r15 on?
Not sure if mine is already lifted but it is taller then all but syncros?

For info they will be 0.6" taller the n the 75

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Re: Offroad Tyre size for 2WD (standard height springs)

Post by clift_d »

It's not just the height, it's whether it will rub at the front when you approach steering lock, or catch on your trailing arms. I think 215/75 R15 is the general consensus for a maximum size based upon previous experience, but you may find your larger tyres fit okay, but then again they may not.
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pfield69
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Re: Offroad Tyre size for 2WD (standard height springs)

Post by pfield69 »

there does appear to be a handful of space all around my current 195/70r15s

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AIR_CHILLED
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Re: Offroad Tyre size for 2WD (standard height springs)

Post by AIR_CHILLED »

pfield69 wrote:215/75r15 the biggest you can go?
I was hoping to squeeze 215/80r15 on?
Not sure if mine is already lifted but it is taller then all but syncros?

For info they will be 0.6" taller the n the 75
I would like to know if 215/80r15 tyres would fit on 40mm raised bus? (Brickwerks high lift kit)
Got some Maxxis tyres on Mercedes steels but I'm unable to fit the the high lift kit until I find some free time.

Any experience out there with this size?

Thanks,

Mike.
1988 Vanagon GL Westfalia Syncro (2wd to 4wd conversion)
1992 Golf II Syncro Country 

pfield69
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Re: Offroad Tyre size for 2WD (standard height springs)

Post by pfield69 »

Easy.
I have standard suspension and the fit fine. Last trip fully loaded i did get a little rub at speed on bumpy bends. My backend has dropped a little due to i presume tired springs. 40mm spacers and new rear springs and it should be perfect. Drive and noise are much better. I used wrangler at 2s

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Re: Offroad Tyre size for 2WD (standard height springs)

Post by AIR_CHILLED »

pfield69 wrote:Easy.
I have standard suspension and the fit fine. Last trip fully loaded i did get a little rub at speed on bumpy bends. My backend has dropped a little due to i presume tired springs. 40mm spacers and new rear springs and it should be perfect. Drive and noise are much better. I used wrangler at 2s

Cool thanks pfields69, I've just fitted the lift kit in fact but don't have correct wheel bolts for my steels at the moment.
Any issues on full lock or catching the top outer arch yet?

This is where my wheel caught the most and bent the arch on a lowered van.

Thanks,
Mike.
1988 Vanagon GL Westfalia Syncro (2wd to 4wd conversion)
1992 Golf II Syncro Country 

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