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zukster88

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Discussion starter · #1 · (Edited)
Got the new Tires on! Sandblasted and painted the wheels before mounting them up. I've run the Grabbers in the past on a Cherokee and love them just as much on my Rav4. They ride nice.. A little louder then a highway tire. My only gripe is that they rub on the front wheel liners when I'm turning. I did expect this and hope the OME lift fixes the problem. Here are some before and after pics.
 

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Looks nice. The wheel finish looks professional. The tires looks rugged!

Have you tried mildly heating that plastic part that hits the tires and push it in a bit? Be careful not to melt the plastic. I used a heat gun from a distance. That's what I did when I i needed to make room in my Corolla. It was lowered over 3 inches on coilovers and I fitted larger 235/40/17 tires on it.
 
Discussion starter · #4 ·
I did try heating up the liner, but there is steel directly behind it. I only gained and extra 1/8" or so of clearance. I'm debating on using a BFH to hammer the steel in a bit. Id rather not tho. I dont want to chip any paint off. The road salt here in New England will eat away at the rockers in no time.
 
Looks good. Maybe next time consider a BFG All-Terrain T/A in size 225/70/16. The 70 series is a little shorter than 75 series (but the same width) which would allow more fender clearance less/no rubbing. The Grabbers don't seem to be available in a 70 series.
 
Discussion starter · #7 ·
I did allot of research and consider many other tires and sizes including the BFG. However the Generals appeared to be the best bang for the buck. I paid $103 per tire from Town Fair Tire. The best quote I got on the BFG was around $170ea. With a 60K mi rating, I doubt Ill be getting new tires anytime soon. I have planned on the OME lift for a while now, and will be purchasing one around Christmas time. I think with OME and some strut spacers to level it they will be perfect. I just hope I dont rub off too much tread by then.
 
I'm glad someone finally decided to go with these tires! I've been trying to decide between the Grabbers or the BFG all terrains and I've been leaning towards the Grabbers. Only con for me is they don't make a 70 in which case the 75 will rub. I've also been thinking about getting a lift but it's nothing certain so I guess I'm just playing the waiting game until I make up my mind :p. Nonetheless, those tires are pretty damn mean, they'll replace my undersized michelins very well:thumbs_up: And props on the wheels, you did an awesome job!
 
YES!

I'm looking at the Grabbers right now:cool: cool is a big plus on the looks. I was a salesman for Toyota for a while and loved the whole line but kept going back to the Rav as my all time favorite. All your suggestions have helped me on what size tire to get. I would however like to know what you'd need to do to get 245 to fit? :cheers: Hears to bad ass looking Rav's every where.
 
Hey, thanks. what do you think about General Altimax Arctic 235/60R16's?
My manual says 215/70R16's (which I have on my 2wd now) and 235/60R16's. wWill I have any clearance problems with the 235's?
R u sure u want to go with 235/60/16? That size would be about 3/4" shorter and 3/4" wider than stock 215/70/16.
 
:oops: Okay, I'm learning here. Right now I'm looking at 235/65R16's which will keep me about the same diameter, and if I go 70 instead of 65 I might deal with a little rubbing?:confused: Too bad they are not like clothes. Just try them on until they look great without busting a seam.
 
Just remember the simple formula for metric size tires.

235 X .65 X 2 / 25.4 + 16 = 27.98" diameter
235 / 25.4 = 9.25" wide

215 X .70 X 2 /25.4 + 16 = 27.85" diameter
215 / 25.4 = 8.46" wide

Tire diameter is the most important number. Staying close to the original diameter maintains basically the same mechanical leverage (as stock), the same speedo, odom numbers and fender/suspension clearance. I would much rather go with a tire that is the same diameter as stock (maybe even slightly less).....a taller tire is kinda like shifting to a higher gear on a 10 speed bike.....the taller tire (higher gear) is harder to turn (less performance).
 
Discussion starter · #18 ·
Just a bit of an update.. I've been driving on these tires for three days now. I love the way they look on the Rav and I'm sure they will be great in the snow and off road. However there is a noticeable decrease in power to the ground. Around town its not bad, but going from first to second while climbing a steep hill, it falls on its face. I also find myself downshifting more often for hills on the highway, cruising between 65-70. The rubbing is 90% avoidable by taking turns a little wider.

Next up, OME lift, Intake, and Exhaust..
 
That is one bad ride. Wow!
You noticed that to be a Landcruiser right with aftermarket nearly everything?


@Zukster:
Bigger wheels usually require more power to turn, influence the speedo and if your engine is dirty, make the car struggle to give enough power.
Might want to take a look at the air intake and the throttle body if they are clean enough inside. Also if you haven't use some engine cleaner fluid to rinse the inside of the engine a bit.
Greetz

Pim
 
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