jitterymonkey Posted March 7, 2009 Share Posted March 7, 2009 Searched through 22 pages & didn't find exactly what I was looking for. Given the fact that (at least for now) I'm sticking with the stock gearing & Leggo's in my '95 3.0/automatic SE WD-21 & the trails around here are mostly hilly,off-camber & covered in slime. Would it be better staying with a slight lift (suspension or body) & 31/10.5/15" tires rather than 33/10.5's? Not to concerned with MPG or passing Escorts at 80 mph on the Hi-way but am worried that with the stock gearing I'll loose all the advantages the 33's will give me. Apples & oranges but I remember easily climbing a steep,muddy hill in my stock Suzuki Samurai with 30/9.50/15 AT's that a lifted '85 Blazer with stock gearing & 35" MT's couldn't. What's better off-road with stock gearing? A. Stock suspension & 31's or B. 3" lift (body or suspension) +31's or C. 3+3 & 31's or D. 3+3 & 33's & yes,I know 32's would be a good compromise but I can only find them in an 11.5" width & don't want to run anything wider than 10.5. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Precise1 Posted March 7, 2009 Share Posted March 7, 2009 Honestly, I think you are to specific about your options without giving the same detail about your off roading terrain and expectations. All of that said, for a daily driver I'd vote B (suspension lift), C then D. I'm in the same boat, wondering if I should go with 33 or 31' tires. I think I have decided on 31". Cheaper, doesn't effect gearing as much for street driving, and the extra 1" of lift really isn't the make or break difference. If it was, you wouldn't be asking... Oh, I will install a 2" body lift, just because. I want a little more height and it is easier to work on many things with the body jacked up a little... B Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jitterymonkey Posted March 7, 2009 Author Share Posted March 7, 2009 Honestly, I think you are to specific about your options without giving the same detail about your off roading terrain and expectations. All of that said, for a daily driver I'd vote B (suspension lift), C then D. I'm in the same boat, wondering if I should go with 33 or 31' tires. I think I have decided on 31". Cheaper, doesn't effect gearing as much for street driving, and the extra 1" of lift really isn't the make or break difference. If it was, you wouldn't be asking... Oh, I will install a 2" body lift, just because. I want a little more height and it is easier to work on many things with the body jacked up a little... B Well I drive it on the street about 20 miles a day & like to play in old strip mines,gravel pits,muddy fields & gas paths on the weekends. No big rock gardens around here. Just mud,hills,tree roots,scattered rocks here & there & more mud. My original plan was to just run 31's with OME's 1.5" rear springs,a slight crank on the torsion bars & my Calmini steering system. But when I found & bought a 3" AC body lift for $100 & a pair of Superlift UCA's for $150 I started thinking of running 33/10.5's on my Leggo's so I wouldn't have to buy new rims & "so there'd be less stress on my IFS." But if the 33's (without re-gearing) are not only going to cause more wear & tear on the drive train,hurt my MPG & street drivability + cause the WD to be less able to climb hills & get through mud. With the only benefits of a few more inches of ground clearance & having a rig that stands out in parking lot, I'll sell 1 or both of the lifts & run a good set of 31's Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Precise1 Posted March 8, 2009 Share Posted March 8, 2009 But if the 33's (without re-gearing) are not only going to cause more wear & tear on the drive train,hurt my MPG & street drivability + cause the WD to be less able to climb hills Yes 33" tires will generally add stress/wear to your front end components, reduce gas mileage and slow the truck down on steep grades. I see no reason not to do a suspension lift even if you are running 31" tires. If you decide not to and the superlift UCAs are in good shape, I'll gladly purchase them from you. The 3" body lift is debatable for your purposes and has pro's and con's... B Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
colbywan Posted March 8, 2009 Share Posted March 8, 2009 What about 32's? Isn't there an in between size to satisfiy your desires? I'm running 255 x 75 17" on my rig and they equal out to alomst exactly 32" x 10" I love em. -Colby Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BowTied Posted March 8, 2009 Share Posted March 8, 2009 I am totally noob on off-roading, so take this with a grain (ton) of salt: Looking at this from an engineering perspective: When considering traction you need for a particular off-roading scenario, there is tread design/style of course, but there is also contact patch size which would be dictated by the type of tire to some extent, the width, and the air pressure. You might? find that find the right combination of those items would help as much or more than diameter. Does that make any sense? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jitterymonkey Posted March 9, 2009 Author Share Posted March 9, 2009 (edited) Thanks precise1, you've kinda helped me make up my mind & I agree about the body lift. From what I've read here ,it's much easier to work on with a body lift. just not sure I want to install the 3 incher. colbywan, Yes,I'm running 265/75/15 Kelly safari M+S which converts to 30.6/10.4/15 Problem I'm having is finding a good 32/10.5" or metric equivalent for a 15" rim. Only one I've found so far is the Swamper TSL & since I drive on icy roads a lot I want a tire with some siping. Thinking about these http://www.offroaders.com/tech/AT-MT-Tires...Mud-Country.htm I am totally noob on off-roading, so take this with a grain (ton) of salt:Looking at this from an engineering perspective: When considering traction you need for a particular off-roading scenario, there is tread design/style of course, but there is also contact patch size which would be dictated by the type of tire to some extent, the width, and the air pressure. You might? find that find the right combination of those items would help as much or more than diameter. Does that make any sense? Yep,I'm definitly no expert either but that makes sense to me. A taller tire will give you more ground clearance & better approach/departure angles, but I think going from a 31" to a 33" tall tire without re-gearing negates a lot of the advantage. 32" (I think) would be a good compromise.... But, that brings up the subject of tire width advantages/disadvantages because I could only find the Swamper TSL in a 32/10.5/15. A wider tire like a 12.5 (I think) should help you to float over mud/obstacles easier, but causes more wear on the IFS parts & I guess more rolling resistance. Again an 11.5 is probably a good compromise but I don't want to run 11.5's on my 15X7 Leggo's or go to a wider rim. Pretty much decided to install either the 3" suspension or the 3" body lift & run a good 31" tall tire until I can re-gear. Although I'm being tempted by this guy who wants to sell me just the tires for $500 http://akroncanton.craigslist.org/pts/1065577527.html Edited March 9, 2009 by jitterymonkey Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johannes Posted March 9, 2009 Share Posted March 9, 2009 My two cents.I got he 3 inch suspension lift which i am not too happy with on road due to the instability but is better for offroad. Body lift is more solid and is awesome when working on your truck but not reccommended for hardcore offraod due to strain on the contact points and i got that too. I run the 32x11.5x15 on my legos and thier fine. All said i think you would have enough power with 33s with a new muffler, intake and headers. Not only does it stand out inthe parking lot but it sounds sweet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Precise1 Posted March 9, 2009 Share Posted March 9, 2009 Thanks precise1,you've kinda helped me make up my mind & I agree about the body lift. From what I've read here ,it's much easier to work on with a body lift. just not sure I want to install the 3 incher. My pleasure!! Yes, that is why I bought (not yet installed) a 2" lift. Kind of a happy medium with a simpler install. They do (did) make 1" lifts, but you can always have the lift pucks cut down from a larger size. Thinking about these I have heard good things about those tires but don't know first hand. Have you read the 'unofficial tire review' thread in the 'product reviews' section? It may be helpful. Although I'm being tempted by this guy who wants to sell me just the tires for $500 Yes, tempting, but is it 4 or 5? I'm a proponent of matching spares... Remember, you can get steel 8" rims with the same offset for 60-$80 each. That didn't help, did it? B Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nige Posted March 9, 2009 Share Posted March 9, 2009 don't forget the extra cost to mount and balance the tires what gears do you have? I put 32x11.5 bfg at's on my legos and they feel like a decent size tire, not too big and not to small. They do rub the outside of my frame when i stuff them though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GrimGreg Posted March 9, 2009 Share Posted March 9, 2009 After wheeling with a lot of other Nissans and seeing what breaks and what doesn't, I think 31s with a BL and slight SL(1" or so) will get you further than most any other setup. Even with beefed up steering I have seen twisted or broken tie rods with 33s, broken ball joints are more common also. I have also seen guys having to use a lot of skinny pedal to roll the 33s over things I can practically idle over with my 31s, even when they are locked (mine are both open rear). No question larger tires do make the truck look REALLY nice, but they also put a lot of extra strain and stress on components. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
88pathoffroad Posted March 9, 2009 Share Posted March 9, 2009 Yup. 33's put me at a disadvantage for everything but crawling in 4LO. It kills your power on the road and kills your ability to climb sand and steep inclines. I think I'll be going back to 31's eventually. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
88pathoffroad Posted March 9, 2009 Share Posted March 9, 2009 Body lift is more solid and is awesome when working on your truck but not reccommended for hardcore offraod due to strain on the contact points and i got that too. Who have you known that has had any kind of body lift problem? I've never heard of anyone with a Pathfinder body lift problem except for the install... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silver97ex Posted March 9, 2009 Share Posted March 9, 2009 Thinking about thesehttp://www.offroaders.com/tech/AT-MT-Tires...Mud-Country.htm A guy I work with has these tires and absolutely loves them, I have no personal experience with them though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GrimGreg Posted March 9, 2009 Share Posted March 9, 2009 Who have you known that has had any kind of body lift problem? I've never heard of anyone with a Pathfinder body lift problem except for the install... Yeah, only problem I ever saw with any body lift was a Jeep Comanchee that rolled at 65mph and the body detached. I don't know the entire specs on the body lift that was used or if it was installed properly(only saw pics on the web), it could have been a cobbled together setup with grade 3 bolts . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harvey Posted March 19, 2009 Share Posted March 19, 2009 & yes,I know 32's would be a good compromise but I can only find them in an 11.5" width &don't want to run anything wider than 10.5. 265/75/16 = 32x10.50x16 I hope this helps Harv Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
unccpathfinder Posted March 20, 2009 Share Posted March 20, 2009 Who have you known that has had any kind of body lift problem? I've never heard of anyone with a Pathfinder body lift problem except for the install... I havent heard problems on the pathy's but I would recommend checking the bolts periodically...a guy i used to work with had a body bolt back out and he noticed it in the cab once it sheared another one off on his HB...he got it fixed and no big deal but I have seen some high speed rollovers where body lifts resulted in the cab separating from the frame...Once I get my 3" BL in the next couple of weeks I'll see if I think bolt bending is an issue and if so i'll do something to fix it but as long as its in sheer and tension i'll be satisfied Any modification should be done with the understanding that the handling capabilities will change and increase loads on the factory parts and there is a risk whether it be large or small to be aware of and periodically checking your rig over can reduce some of these risks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adamzan Posted March 20, 2009 Share Posted March 20, 2009 Yeah, only problem I ever saw with any body lift was a Jeep Comanchee that rolled at 65mph and the body detached. I don't know the entire specs on the body lift that was used or if it was installed properly(only saw pics on the web), it could have been a cobbled together setup with grade 3 bolts . Well knowing jeep owners, and from the video's we've seen on you tube.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slick Posted March 20, 2009 Share Posted March 20, 2009 well... i have a jcg coil lfited pathy on 31's, and a 4+3 on 33's pathy ........ i drive the lifted pathy to work almost every day.... he gets good gas mileage n still chits n gits when asked.. he is a perfect gentleman on the road and is a joy to drive. but i love my lil mini me (5 spd) ..... i do switch between the 2 after a couple weeks DD each truck... but that's just me........ *walks off* pointless post i'm sure just had to defend the lifted DD lols Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jitterymonkey Posted March 20, 2009 Author Share Posted March 20, 2009 well... i have a jcg coil lfited pathy on 31's, and a 4+3 on 33's pathy ........ i drive the lifted pathy to work almost every day.... he gets good gas mileage n still chits n gits when asked.. he is a perfect gentleman on the road and is a joy to drive. but i love my lil mini me (5 spd) ..... i do switch between the 2 after a couple weeks DD each truck... but that's just me........ *walks off* pointless post i'm sure just had to defend the lifted DD lols Glad Ya chimed in Slick. No need to defend King.( he's one of my favorites in the forum) I know a 3+3 Pathfinder on 33s with the stock 4.6 gear ratio has to get less MPG & not be as peppy on the street as a Pathfinder at stock hight or small lift rolling on 31s. What I'm really curious about is if running 33s with the stock gearing actually hurts a WD-21's OFF-ROAD performance more than it helps in certain situations like mud and climbing & what I mainly have around here..... off camber muddy climbing king's has an auto tranny & is rolling on 33's. Mini's on 31's & has a manual tranny,Right? Gear ratios the same? 4.3? 4.6? You have to use the skinny pedal a lot more with King off-road? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slick Posted March 20, 2009 Share Posted March 20, 2009 (edited) Glad Ya chimed in Slick. No need to defend King.( he's one of my favorites in the forum) I know a 3+3 Pathfinder on 33s with the stock 4.6 gear ratio has to get less MPG & not be as peppy on the street as a Pathfinder at stock hight or small lift rolling on 31s. What I'm really curious about is if running 33s with the stock gearing actually hurts a WD-21's OFF-ROAD performance more than it helps in certain situations like mud and climbing & what I mainly have around here..... off camber muddy climbing king's has an auto tranny & is rolling on 33's. Mini's on 31's & has a manual tranny,Right? Gear ratios the same? 4.3? 4.6? You have to use the skinny pedal a lot more with King off-road? mini has the 4:37's king has 4:63's........ and no, king is VERY amicable off road, not much gas, pulls like a tractor with little effort and gets better gas mileage than mini (by about 1-2 mpg) on the street. tho i don't drive him "hard", where as i am a tad more "aggressive" with mini, bein as she's 5 spd. king spanks mini to about 35mph (yes, i've raced them), then mini SMOKES king lols......then he catches up..... and they're about even. big guy has some chit n git for a oompaloompah... and he's a gentleman off road, not much gas needed for awkward or steep climbs, or gooey mud. mini was a bit more of a handful off road. bless her king is out in the driveway blushing at your lovely comlpliment, and mini is biting his tire..... i'll have to go give her a hug soon....... *edit* the only things i've fried on king so far were my TRE's (fell off a rock on my old bald tires)..... 1/2 hr fix....... i don't have his steering stops set to big so it takes 40 acres to turn him around, but i haven't fried any steering components yet..... also, my t-bars are not set high, so less stress there too. he also doesn't have a rear sway bar..... kinda broke that. then removed the leftovers i also have a hoohaa centerlink sitting here begging for install lmao! i LOVE LOVE LOVE my cooper discoverer STT's too (33x12.5x15)............ they go great on anything, and i picked a set of 4 up from east coast tires on ebay for $775 shipped to my work Edited March 20, 2009 by Slick Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Precise1 Posted March 21, 2009 Share Posted March 21, 2009 mini has the 4:37's king has 4:63's........ Ahh, this is why... B Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Morningwould Posted March 22, 2009 Share Posted March 22, 2009 If you want a 32 that is narrower than an 11.5 go with a metric size tire. here is a link to a tire and wheel calculator that will give you all of the conversions you need. DML tire and wheel calculator Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jfypaths Posted April 15, 2009 Share Posted April 15, 2009 My two cents.I got he 3 inch suspension lift which i am not too happy with on road due to the instability but is better for offroad. Body lift is more solid and is awesome when working on your truck but not reccommended for hardcore offraod due to strain on the contact points and i got that too. I run the 32x11.5x15 on my legos and thier fine. All said i think you would have enough power with 33s with a new muffler, intake and headers. Not only does it stand out inthe parking lot but it sounds sweet. I will agree, I have a 3" BL and run 33x12.5 15's still have stock muff set up but no cat. and she did great! for having those big ass tires and a lil V6! As for the lift ya the 3" lift is rough on the Bolts Im most likely going for bigger body mount boltz as my front ones are starting to bend all ready after 3 weekend jontz! granted she almost flipped goin crazy on some rocks! AS for the power loss the kick ass baja claws make up for it! Had to cut out both front and rear fenders and add cover plates " (welding)OR spray foam it!" in the new holes I had made in the side rails< sorry going off here! this is my weekend rig not a daily driver! daily has 31's and thats all I would run for a daily driver pathy with no lift!!! ok time to get off this damn computer and go work on my truck!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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