Date: Sun, 12 Mar 2000 14:29:56 -0800
Reply-To: Brent Christensen <bpchristensen1@HOME.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Brent Christensen <bpchristensen1@HOME.COM>
Subject: Re: 30" BFG Tire clearance
In-Reply-To: <18.18e1a9f.25fd43e1@aol.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
Are you planning to use some fender flares to dress up the cutting? I found
some generic stuff years ago that worked pretty well on a '64 Scout I did
with military axles and 36" BFG MT's. Don't remember where I found the
stuff - I think it may have been 4 Wheel Parts Wholesalers in Gardena.
Brent Christensen
'89 GL Syncro Westy "Klaus"
Santa Barbara, CA
-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM]On Behalf
Of John Wessels
Sent: Sunday, March 12, 2000 11:03 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: 30" BFG Tire clearance
Hello Volks,
I finally had a chance to run my Syncro up on a ramp to check for tire
clearance with my 30X9.50 BFG MT's on 15"X 6.5" rims. As mentioned before
the
front little rubber fender extensions have to be removed. Beyond that I had
to cut back the rear edge of the front fender arches a little. From the
bottom I went 3/4" back and scribed a line up to the existing arc about 6"
up
or the middle hole that mounted the rubber extension. Then I cut a very thin
pie slice from the bottom up on each side.
On the ramp I tested each side of the front wheels. Both sides clear at full
compression and at full lock to the left and to the right. The concerns of
the battery box is a non issue. At full compression and at full right lock
there is still 2" of clearance between the tire and the corner of the
battery
box. I am using ET30 back spacing wheels but the way it looks the back
spacing won't affect this clearance issue either. The closest clearance
issue
is the rear side of the front inner fender wells. They way the body
stampings
are welded together, at full compression and slight turns to the left or
right their is about a 1/2" of clearance with my tires. I would say that you
might be able to squeeze a 31X10.50 tire but a little more clearance will be
required. I think a 32" or a 33" tire will move you into the world of major
cutting and rewelding.
I also backed up the ramps to check the rear tire clearance and there is no
problem what so ever.
Now I am ready to install the lift springs for more ground clearance.
John Wessels
European Motorsport
Livermore, CA
http://www.euromog.com