265/60-18s…describe trimming/BFH expected on a STOCK height VX?

[VX KAT]

Did someone highjack Sue's account? Next thing you know she will be asking about 35's and lockers!

Just did a test fit of the Cooper AT3s in 265/60, on front Driver side.
I really like this Cooper tire, looks great!

ANY INPUT/SUGGESTIONS DEFINITELY WELCOME!

• **Biggest Issue** - Top of tire is only about 2.5" from bottom edge of cladding. This is closer than current set up. Upward wheel travel may hit cladding pretty hard. Upward travel is an arc shape, need to see if tire clears it.
  If it doesn't I'm thinking of trimming down the flat horizontal part of cladding wheel well, from about 10 to 2 o'clock position.
  Flat part is about 1/2" wide, so removing that be enough??
  The exterior side of wheel well wouldn't look any different in that area.
  Is there any metal behind the wheel well cladding, or is it just straight sanding/dremling down?
  
  
• The NTG 285/60 is 31.5" diameter, vs. the 265/60 is 30.5.
  Even though it's 1" (net effect 1/2") shorter, since the Coopers stick out a bit due to -2 offset, they'll likely hit cladding, whereas the 285s are within well, and don't hit.
  
  
• May consider turning TB a small amount to gain height, but not affect rake too much.
  
  
• Bolt on back side actuallly JUST cleared, so just needs some BFH
  
  
• Front outer edge (where already trimmed for the 285/60s ) needs a fair amount of cladding trimmed. We couldn't even get tire turned inward to see where/if it touched splash guard.
  
  
• My Rocky Road SuperSliders MAY need to be trimmed a bit?it protrudes about 1/8- 1/4" beyond the bolt head. If we grind it down, then we'd have to weld a cap back on and paint of powdercoat.
  Any suggestions on this problem?
  
  
• Tires stick out about 1 - 1.5" beyond wheel wells, I really like the look, so I'm willing to put up with the extra dust/dirt/rain/muck that they spray up on side?.hopefully not rocks?.
  

So I ordered them, install on rims tomorrow, but taking them to off road guy on Monday morning for install & trimming. Goodyear shop isn't allowed to do it, plus I want my off-road guy to do it anyway?ah yes, I love privately owned small businesses!


Body is lifted up a bit in pic.