2 Questions???

[jhigareda]

Big THANKS Marlin!

[Riff Raff]

The 285/75R16 are 32.8" O.D., but we'll just call 'em 33's for all practical purposes. Thus, grab a tape measure and then measure-out 16.5" from dead-center of the existing wheel hub (radius measurement). Look specifically at the 3:00 and at the 9:00 positions in both front & rear wheel-wells, as this is the location where clearance issues are most likely to arise between the cladding and the new tire. Essentially, this is approximately where the outer circumference of the new tire will be and it will give you a general idea of any potential clearance problems in advance.

The 285 series tire (11.5" wide) is a fairly wide tire for the VX. To help keep this wide tire neatly tucked in the tightly cramped front wheel-wells of the VX, it is highly recommended to only use the Stock OEM 16x7 Factory Rims which has the proper offset/backspacing you'll want to maintain. The use of any other aftermarket wheel is only gonna' cause additional rubbing issues and a multitude of clearance problems.

When it comes to lifting the VX, there is basically three(3) phases:

A. No Lift. VX is left 100% at OEM stock height.

B. Front Torsion Bar Crank Only. OEM Rear Springs are left untouched.

C. Front Torsion Bar Crank AND aftermarket Rear Spring replacement (912, 913, etc) or OEM Rear Springs used with spacer's (for a minor rear lift).

First, mount the tires on the front axle, and check for clearance issues. You may find the tires fit perfectly with version-A (no lift) and with just some minor cladding trim and/or rear hammering of the front wheel-well. The new tires should fit perfectly fine within the existing rear wheel-well using OEM Rear Springs (no rear lift), as it already has gobs of extra space. Your only problem will likely be clearance within the front wheel-well and swing-arc clearance when the front tires are turned lock-to-lock. The true secret is to only use the Stock OEM 16x7 Rims with the 285/75R16 size tires!!!

[vt_maverick]

...To help keep this wide tire neatly tucked in the tightly cramped front wheel-wells of the VX, it is highly recommended to only use the Stock OEM 16x7 Factory Rims which has the proper offset/backspacing you'll want to maintain.
...
The true secret is to only use the Stock OEM 16x7 Rims with the 285/75R16 size tires!!!

Riff I think you should watch your wording with newer members; using phrases like "it is highly recommended" surely leads some folks to believe that you're quoting a repair manual or other industry document, rather than just stating your opinion. I for one do appreciate the amount of input you provide on these wheel/tire threads, but that's just something I think you might consider.

The other reason I point that out is that 7" rims are NOT recommended by Bridgestone for their Dueller tires in the 285 section width. Their APT III tires have been superseded by the APT IV, but you can see from that spec sheet that they recommend 7.5" - 9" rims only. Will the 1/2" cause the tire to separate from the rim? Probably not, but when it comes from the manufacturer I think it bears mentioning to provide balance against glowing recommendations.

http://www.bridgestonetire.com/tires...roduct_ID=2022

Btw, this reminded me of something I read (I believe) in Sue's thread on the Coopers. General doesn't recommended 7" rims for their 285 section Grabber AT2 tires either - they actually recommend a minimum of 8".

http://www.generaltire.com/tires/Grabber-ATsup2-sup

[etlsport]

i just noticed that you said you got apt IIIs.. they have been out of production for some time now.. make sure to check the date codes on them before installing those tires..

and VT, you make a good point, I have yet to see a 285 width tire recommended for use with a 7" wheel. many folk are running them with no issues, i for one did have an issue with feathering the edges of my tires with a 285/60/18 on stock rims. wider rims has corrected the problem, but as stated before, the aftermarket wheels being wider and with less offset made me trim the front fenders a bit more