Off road you aren't going to be concerned as much with the detrimental gearing changes that the larger diameter tires will cause with your stock 2.1. With that said. I used to use 215/75R15s on the GoldBrick without too much problem, but the larger diameter definitely had an impact on the highway. If you have the ability to swap, I'd say go with the 195/75R14s for most camping/driving needs, and only switch to the 215/75R15s on those rare 4wd trips.
On Mar 18, 2010, at 7:58 PM, James V wrote: > A slightly different tire question, I think: > > I'm in the market for some all-terrain tires for my Syncro Westy with > stock 2.1L. I have some off-road experience, but none in my new > Syncro. I'm eager to explore back country and moderate 'wheeling > trails, but also know the majority of miles will be paved. I already > have both 14" and 15" wheel sets that I can use. I don't want to "plus > size," as I want to retain sidewall height for off-road. > > Should I: > > a) Go with 14" wheels and the newly available 195/75R14 BFG T/A KO > tires? (I've found few if any other suitable 14" AT options) The > primary benefit of this being the size is close to stock, so it would > have little effect on gearing. > > or > > b) Go with 15" wheels and 215/75 or 225/70 15" tires? The increased > size has its benefits off-road, but it would increase the gearing > about 5-8%. I'd have a few additional tire options in addition to the > BFGs (including some lighter, slightly less aggressive, yet very > capable treads). > > All input welcome, but I'm specifically interested in > comments/experience from Syncro owners about the cost/benefit of > gearing vs tire size off road. > > Thanks! > > James V > 86 Syncro Westy, etc |
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