Tires/Wheels/Lift - Questions

[Bassomatic]

Hello, Thanks in advance for the replies. I searched the forums and I could not find any answers to these specific questions.

 

I have a 2003 4x4 LE with 182,000 miles. All stock, including wheels.

 

I have been considering getting larger tires on the stock 17" wheels, stock is 245/65 R17, and I think I am going to get Wrangler MT/R or BFG Mud Terrain tires in 245/70 R17 on the stock 17" rim

 

I would like to keep the tire and stock wheel combination mentioned above and get a 2" lift; however, the AC (4x4parts.com) website states with any of their lift packages that: "You must purchase aftermarket wheels with 3.75" negative backspace when installing this lift."

 

Is there any way to lift the truck with the stock wheels? I would be happy with a 1" or 1 1/2" lift but I cant find any, are there any shocks that will give me 1" or so lift? If I buy the Wrangler MT/R or BFG Mud Terrain tires and put them on the stock wheels am I stuck with the stock height? I just don't want to drop $900 on tires and not be able to lift the truck with the stock tires.

 

Also, a few of my buddies with Silverado's and F150's have "leveling kits" that allow them to run a little bigger tires, any such thing for a 2003 Pathfinder?

 

Like I said I have 182K on the truck with stock suspension, so it is time to do something, I just want to spend my money well, and not regret $900 on tires, only to find that I can't lift me truck with the stock wheels.

 

Thanks for the help!!!

Edited September 13, 2010 by Bassomatic

[180sx]

You can lift the truck with stock wheels and with those tires mounted on the stock wheels no problem. AC is dumb for putting that on there, and is actually probably hurting business because it might turn people away because they don;t want to spend the money to lift and buy wheels, but in reality you don't have to. Stupid AC.

 

Jose

[TooQForYou]

That's only if you want to go with like a 32" tire (or larger), so that it won't hit the struts. Or you could use wheel spacers. But you'll be fine with a 30.5" tire.

Edited September 13, 2010 by TooQForYou

[Pezzy]

You can run stock wheels & tires with a lift. I think AC lists that there for people who plan on buying larger tires... as tooQ mentioned, when you upsize the tires, you can run into issues with hitting the struts.

 

There are a couple people who have made and sold strut spacers which will bring up the front of the pathy a bit, if you want that. Daddy Rim sells them on his site. Be careful not to change the angles of your CV's too much with the spacers & the lift, as it will cause premature wear. (Which can be avoided if you buy manual locking hubs... but then that = more $$$).