Proper 255/80 17 suspension/ body modifications

[AlumniCU]

Looking for thoughts on lift, bump stops and other considerations to accommodate the 33s, including possible body lift.

I’ve added 255/80 17 Falken WildPeaks on my stock 2015 Trail with KDSS. The tires are on the Trail wheels. There is a little rub on the front of the wheel well liner at full lock, so I’m moving liner forward. Otherwise fine on highway, but this is mostly used on trails in the Rockies, so there’s more work to do.

Next step is a lift (likely OME with springs in rear to accommodate heavy load of gear) to gain more ground clearance/approach and departure angles, and likely longer bump stops, if that will help keep tires from hitting top of wheel wells at full compression. My normal off roading is slow on moderate trails in the Rockies.

For an E rated tire, ride is good on highway, and steering wheel wobble is gone. There is no noticeable issue with gearing.

Appreciate comments on proper options to accommodate the larger tires as I get set to purchase.

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[91foxbody]

You could test your articulation to see what rub looks like before hitting the trails, but my understanding has always been that 255/80/17's require essentially no modifications to fit with stock trail wheels and no spacers. The fender liner mod is an easy fix, but you shouldn't need a BMC/extra caster...in fact I've seen several people run these totally stock and love them.

 

[Jetboy]

No mods beyond fender liner and maybe mud flaps necessary. I currently run 34" tires (285/75/17) on stock trail wheels. I have all my OEM suspension installed right now - both front and rear fox suspension I have is out for rebuild/replacement so I tossed the OEM stuff back in. They still clear without any problems, although I do have a BMC done and it is needed for 34" tires.

But - the main point is that I don't have any rub on the top of the fender areas even at full compression. If your tires clear the mud flaps and front bumper/fender liner, you should be good to go on the trails too. You might flex the rubber bushings enough to get a very light rubbing, but it shouldn't be much. The only times I ever get any rub on mine is in reverse pulling out of the driveway when it rubs slightly on the front bumper/fender liner.

Good luck!

 

[AlumniCU]

Thanks for those two responses. Is the consensus that skinny 33s won’t hit the upper wheel well or fenders/quarter panel on stock Trail wheels. Seems that way. Need to go find a big rock


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[Jetboy]

Thanks for those two responses. Is the consensus that skinny 33s won’t hit the upper wheel well or fenders/quarter panel on stock Trail wheels. Seems that way. Need to go find a big rock


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Id say yes - within reason. Every vehicle is a little different. Especially with respect to alignment and how far forward the wheels are located in the caster range. If you hit a 2 foot ledge at 70mph in the desert, you might find some contact there. Not rip the fender off contact, but rub the fender liner maybe

Most fit issues are when the tire is at full steering lock and spacers or offset wheels make it worse.

 

[AlumniCU]

Thanks for the earlier comments. I’m now lifted with 3” OME lift with OME UCAs, which helped with caster. I did move front fender liners forward and trimmed inside of bumper to match (looks like it came that way from factory). The alignment specs are good, and I think the 255/80 17 Wildpeaks ride well at 40 psi for an E load. The steering wheel wobble is also gone. All in all, love the setup.

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[N2TRKYS]

Thanks for the earlier comments. I’m now lifted with 3” OME lift with OME UCAs, which helped with caster. I did move front fender liners forward and trimmed inside of bumper to match (looks like it came that way from factory). The alignment specs are good, and I think the 255/80 17 Wildpeaks ride well at 40 psi for an E load. The steering wheel wobble is also gone. All in all, love the setup.

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I like that stance. Looks sharp. How is your mileage with this setup versus the factory setup?