Limited Success with Narrower Front Tires

[Samurai9]

I tried to solve my problem with front tires hitting the body by going to the same tire, same 25 inch diameter, but eight inches wide instead of eleven. I have now had a chance to try out the new front tires. They hit the body but not as often as with the wider tires. The outside rubber lugs are being damaged and are starting to crumble, just like the wider tires which came on the truck. But I think the compromise is worth it. The wider, bigger tires provide more off road traction and I am able to retain the nice alloy Motosport wheels. Perhaps the damage to the tires will be limited. As the outside lugs wear and crumble, the hitting will be reduced. Ultimately I may have damaged but usable tires which rarely rub against the wheel wells. I also have a set of 23 inch ATV tires which do not rub and a set of street tires on stock wheels. So I am ready for all possibilities.

Sam

[topherztoyz]

Do you have a lift kit at all? I assume your 8" tires should not rub if you have a 3", or 4" lift.
I'm waithing on shipping of my new Wheels and 23x8x12 tires. I installed a 3"l lift, then after reading more posts and info.. decided to take the 3" off, and installed a 2" .. seeing thats all I should need for 23" tires.. I was told the 3" is good for 24", and 25" tires..
Chris..

[Samurai9]

Three inch lift. I measured it. The wheel wells are cut.

Sam

[TRAX and HORNS]

I've installed alot of these tires on daihatsu's. I install either a 2" or 2 1/2" lift kit. 1 in 4 trucks will have a problem with tire lugs hitting outside of fender well. I take a rubber hammer and beat in that corner just enough for tire not to rub. If you didnt know it you wuold never see it. On another note you will rub inside if you full lock it right or left. Only way to fix that would be 1/2" spacer. Dont like the 3" lift kit, puts left front drive axel to close to cv housing.

[Samurai9]

I have done some filing and hammering in the areas of contact. I am satisfied that I have got a good compromise between big tires and hitting. I get a little hitting once in a while, not enough to drive me crazy. I will eventually try to beat up the wheel wells a bit more. I am pleased to be able to use the nice Motosport Alloys Telluride wheels and the aggressive Goodyear Rawhide Grip tires, 25x11-12 at the rear, 25x8-12 at the front. With these tires, my Hijet is quite capable going up steep, rough trails. The truck came with a three inch lift and I will leave it as is. I have no way of knowing if there is damage or how long the suspension will hold up. I drive the truck only about eight miles a week. So far, so good.

Thanks,

Sam