Stock tires to 33s, everything you need to know

[Macland]

I figured we needed a catch all thread for this topic.

Yes*, your second generation Xterra 2006-2014 will fit 33 in. tires, otherwise known as 285 75 16r. *with a Melt Mod

If the only change you're making is increasing tire size, your X will be raised by only half of the difference in tire size.

there is also this on line converter for those that are mathematically challenged.

Converter link

This also applies to 285/70R17's for those with SE models.

Second gen SE's have 17" wheels, so while tire section width (285mm) is the same, the 33" tire aspect ratio (in this case 70%) and rim diameter (17") are different compared to the non SE models which would be 75% and 16".

For those that have no idea what I mean, when you read a tire size such as 285/70R17, it breaks down like this:

285 = section width in millimeters. Section width is the width of the tire at its widest point, from sidewall to sidewall. Not the width of the tread itself. Tread width can vary between tire models with the same section width.

70 = aspect ratio. Aspect ratio is the tire's sidewall height, from rim to tread, expressed as a percentage of the section width. In this case, 70% of 285mm = 199.5mm. Why this measurement is done this way is beyond me, but that's just the way it is.

R17 is obviously the wheel diameter of 17"

305/70/16, a fatter 33, also fits.

You'll probably have a silly bulge in the front plastic wheel well liners that you just melt back with a hair dryer or heat gun, to shrink it back out of the way for any 33" tire (Called "The Melt Mod"). 32" is a stock size, so a 33" is only a teeny bit larger (33" stick out ~ 1/2" more than a 32" tire, etc).

A 33" tire (285) will fit in the spare position with slight maneuvering.



ProComps will likely cause the need for fender trimming.





This OP will be updated with pertinent information.

 

[Macland]

I actually have my own question as well, will going up a tire size make it significantly harder for my five foot wife to get in?

X nerds unite!

 

[Xterraforce]

I think I can answer your question even though all my experience is with a first gen. If the only change you're making is increasing tire size, your X will be raised by only half of the difference in tire size.

 

[Macland]

I think I can answer your question even though all my experience is with a first gen. If the only change you're making is increasing tire size, your X will be raised by only half of the difference in tire size.

Thank you sir, that info would be non gen specific and it definitely helps me.

X nerds unite!

 

[dhyde79]

I actually have my own question as well, will going up a tire size make it significantly harder for my five foot wife to get in?

X nerds unite!

Once you get sliders on, no. Going from your stock 255/75R16's to 285/75R16 will gain you about 1.5" of ride height. If that extra inch and a half makes it so hard for her to get in....I'm getting you a sticker for your rig that says "Hobbit Carrier"

 

[Macland]

Once you get sliders on, no. Going from your stock 255/75R16's to 285/75R16 will gain you about 1.5" of ride height. If that extra inch and a half makes it so hard for her to get in....I'm getting you a sticker for your rig that says "Hobbit Carrier"

haha, it's more of an issue of her putting the baby in the car seat and while she's pregnant that she's worried about.

X nerds unite!

 

[dhyde79]

if you've got a normal snap in style infant carrier, it won't be an issue getting him *in* but, getting him out will be about 1.5" higher, which, *could* be a little uncomfortable.

your easy solution is, grab a couple towels, buffer the whole kiddo seat up about 2" and have her go load and unload him. if she doesn't notice the difference enough to complain, you're safe for the added tires (and then knock the towels out when you do the tires)

 

[dhyde79]

Yes*, your second generation Xterra 2006-2013 will fit 33 in. tires, otherwise known as 285 75 16r. *with a melt mod (link to come)

you do NOT always have to melt anything. 285/75R16 KM2's don't need the melt, as they have less than 1mm of contact, and that will "solve itself" within a day or two.

 

[Macland]

if you've got a normal snap in style infant carrier, it won't be an issue getting him *in* but, getting him out will be about 1.5" higher, which, *could* be a little uncomfortable.

your easy solution is, grab a couple towels, buffer the whole kiddo seat up about 2" and have her go load and unload him. if she doesn't notice the difference enough to complain, you're safe for the added tires (and then knock the towels out when you do the tires)

We just upgraded to the stationary style and its harder for even me to put him in. She is having you hop in next to him to strap him in. I don't think an inch is going to make a difference.

X nerds unite!

 

[J Everett]

This also applies to 285/70R17's for those with SE models.

 

[NismoFire]

This also applies to 285/70R17's for those with SE models.

For those less educated (like me), what's the difference vs SE?

 

[J Everett]

Second gen SE's have 17" wheels, so while tire section width (285mm) is the same, the 33" tire aspect ratio (in this case 70%) and rim diameter (17") are different compared to the non SE models which would be 75% and 16".

For those that have no idea what I mean, when you read a tire size such as 285/70R17, it breaks down like this:

285 = section width in millimeters. Section width is the width of the tire at its widest point, from sidewall to sidewall. Not the width of the tread itself. Tread width can vary between tire models with the same section width.

70 = aspect ratio. Aspect ratio is the tire's sidewall height, from rim to tread, expressed as a percentage of the section width. In this case, 70% of 285mm = 199.5mm. Why this measurement is done this way is beyond me, but that's just the way it is.

R17 is obviously the wheel diameter of 17"

 

[J Everett]

Also beyond me is why wheels are measured in imperial units and tires are metric. Why can't everything just be metric?

 

[NismoFire]

Second gen SE's have 17" wheels, so while tire section width (285mm) is the same, the 33" tire aspect ratio (in this case 70%) and rim diameter (17") are different compared to the non SE models which would be 75% and 16".

Ah okay. And the ORs have 16s, right?

 

[J Everett]

Yup. As do the X and S models.

 

[gamecock257]

This thread is a good idea.

I too have one question. I've heard before that even after doing the melt mod that some 285s may rub on the frame or fenders at full steering lock. This could be specific to certain tires.

So if anyone has any experience with stock suspension and 285s could you post up what tire you have, wether or not you needed the melt mod and wether or not there were any rubbing problems?

All tires are different even though they are listed as the same size. I've seen first hand a 35x12.50x17Toyo and a 35x12.50x17 KM2 and the KM2 looks like a 33 beside the Toyo

 

[dhyde79]

This thread is a good idea.

I too have one question. I've heard before that even after doing the melt mod that some 285s may rub on the frame or fenders at full steering lock. This could be specific to certain tires.

So if anyone has any experience with stock suspension and 285s could you post up what tire you have, wether or not you needed the melt mod and wether or not there were any rubbing problems?

All tires are different even though they are listed as the same size. I've seen first hand a 35x12.50x17Toyo and a 35x12.50x17 KM2 and the KM2 looks like a 33 beside the Toyo

Plenty of experience. The only thing I got to rub a LOT was a 285 BFG at/ko. We disconnected my sway bar, disconnected the coil over, jacked that corner as far up as we could and turned lock to lock with km2's, at/ko's, mtr kevlar's, and hankook at/m's. the km2's clipped minimally, hankooks not at all, and the kevlar's were a little bit worse, but not terrible. The at/ko's ate hard, it's not a matter of height, it's how square and blocky the tread is (and actual tread width).

All of those were done without melting anything at all.

 

[dhyde79]

All tires are different even though they are listed as the same size. I've seen first hand a 35x12.50x17Toyo and a 35x12.50x17 KM2 and the KM2 looks like a 33 beside the Toyo

Odd considering they have the exact same tire diameter, the only difference in measurements is that the toyo open country mt has 21/32nds tread depth vs the km2's 20/32nds...

 

[gamecock257]

Plenty of experience. The only thing I got to rub a LOT was a 285 BFG at/ko. We disconnected my sway bar, disconnected the coil over, jacked that corner as far up as we could and turned lock to lock with km2's, at/ko's, mtr kevlar's, and hankook at/m's. the km2's clipped minimally, hankooks not at all, and the kevlar's were a little bit worse, but not terrible. The at/ko's ate hard, it's not a matter of height, it's how square and blocky the tread is (and actual tread width).

All of those were done without melting anything at all.

Sounds like I'd never have any problems then. My front swaybar stays connected, at least for now anyways. If it rubs a bit under full flex and full lock offroad then I'm not gonna worry about it. KM2s are a tire I've considered getting in the future along with duratracs and cooper stts. All in 285. The duratracs appears to be somewhat blocky but with as many people that run them I'm sure I'd have heard of any problems.

Just doesn't look like a lot of room left in the tender wells even with my 265s.

Odd considering they have the exact same tire diameter, the only difference in measurements is that the toyo open country mt has 21/32nds tread depth vs the km2's 20/32nds...

Yeah it's odd. I've always heard km2s tend to run small and the toyos have been known to be close to actual listed size.

 

[dhyde79]

Sounds like I'd never have any problems then. My front swaybar stays connected, at least for now anyways. If it rubs a bit under full flex and full lock offroad then I'm not gonna worry about it. KM2s are a tire I've considered getting in the future along with duratracs and cooper stts. All in 285. The duratracs appears to be somewhat blocky but with as many people that run them I'm sure I'd have heard of any problems.

Just doesn't look like a lot of room left in the tender wells even with my 265s.

Yeah it's odd. I've always heard km2s tend to run small and the toyos have been known to be close to actual listed size.

Well, given that you're only moving up about an inch from 265's to 285's....

I went with 265 km2's and they're definitely full 32's whereas the rugged trails were very small 31's labelled as 32's

I've never rubbed the front, I can however rub the back

 

[Macland]

About to find out just how much of a squeeze getting the 33" tire in the spare position is.

Edit: they fit, but it's tight.

 

[gamecock257]

Good to know about the 33" in the spare. My stock 32" is a little tight with my MAXterra bumper, but i think if I worked with it a bit I could get a 33 in there.

 

[Slasa]

Reviving the thread to add some experience and because I am probably upgrading tires shortly.
I put 285/75R16 Duratracs on stock S wheels and had to melt mod (w/ approx 2" of lift w/ ARB . I also had slight frame rub at full lock in reverse but not forward.
Switched to ProComo 7089 wheels and the offset/backspacing pushed the tires and rims outside the wheel well. I had to trim the front fenders. I had some contact in the wheel wells and fenders but a 2"BL fixed that.

 

[BuffaloFunk]

Reviving this once again...

So, the melt mod takes care of rubbing during normal driving, but is rubbing generally a problem with 33's when flexed?

Also, what do most people see for MPG changes when going from stock to 33's?

 

[dhyde79]

Reviving this once again... So, the melt mod takes care of rubbing during normal driving, but is rubbing generally a problem with 33's when flexed? Also, what do most people see for MPG changes when going from stock to 33's?

I'm gonna go on a limb and say that will be 100% decided by the actual tires you're running. My KM2's stuff perfectly with no rub, BFG AT/KO's rub a LOT.

 

[Macland]

Rubbing while flexed would only last as long as the time you're flexed so it wouldn't be a big deal really. I don't remember mine rubbing while wheeling in April but I didn't get a full day of wheeling in either. I still get a little rub at full lock when pulling a u-turn but it's not a big deal.


The gas mileage.....I try not to think about it much because it just makes me sad. I can't contribute it to just one thing on my rig either, all of my extra steel, the lift, the tires...who knows.

 

[chipssg20]

General AT 2's fit stock 2008 off road (stock)

anyone know, will General AT 2's 285/75/16 (33's) fit stock 2008 X off road ?

 

[Roadwarrior]

Yes, I'll find the thread that answers this question and link it for you.

 

[Roadwarrior]

http://www.xterranation.org/showthread.php?t=2980

 

[TJTJ]

305/70/16, a fatter 33, also fits.

You'll probably have a silly bulge in the front plastic wheel well liners that you just melt back with a hair dryer or heat gun, to shrink it back out of the way for any 33" tire (Called "The Melt Mod"). 32" is a stock size, so a 33" is only a teeny bit larger (33" stick out ~ 1/2" more than a 32" tire, etc).

 

[Mr_Scott]

anyone know, will General AT 2's 285/75/16 (33's) fit stock 2008 X off road ?

They fit great on my 06 S and again on my '13 Pro-4X. Just do the melt mod and you'll be good to go my friend.

 

[metzican]

Only thing to note is if you are going to run aftermarket rims with a different backspacing 33" don't fit as nicely. this is where the cut off wheel comes in.

 

[Mr_Scott]

Only thing to note is if you are going to run aftermarket rims with a different backspacing 33" don't fit as nicely. this is where the cut off wheel comes in.

I can attest to this. I have the AT2's on Level 8 MK6 wheels and had to remove a 1/2" or so from the lower fender. Stock wheels you will be good to go.

 

[Rhanjie1982]

Hi, I have X terra 2011, could any advise, I want to lift up, Currently I have 2 inc lift on the suspension, My question is , I wanted to fix the tire 285/75/16, does any one has a feed back?

Thanks,
RTA

 

[metzican]

Hi, I have X terra 2011, could any advise, I want to lift up, Currently I have 2 inc lift on the suspension, My question is , I wanted to fix the tire 285/75/16, does any one has a feed back?

Thanks,
RTA

With 2" of lift, you might need to still do a melt mod. Which is very easy. If you look right behind your front wheels you will notice the plastic wheel liner sticks out a little bit. All it requires is heating up that plastic wheel liner with a heat gun and using a piece of wood or large hammer of some sort to press it in to reshape it. As long as you are running wheels with the stock backspacing I don't think you will have to trim any metal. If your running aftermarket wheels with a different backspacing or offset then stock/oem you might need to trim a little metal on the backside of your X.

 

[civicjoe]

Yep that's exactly right!


Sent from the nighthog mobile command unit.

 

[Smitty]

How about max. tire size with FULL suspension articulation?

Just finished installing Shrockworks front bumper with a Smittybilt XRC9.5 winch, all skids, rear bumper, and removed rear sway bar. Looks great except for OE size street tires (265/65R17).

Maybe I'm a little dense regarding all the previous posts. Just to be perfectly clear regarding tire fit with full suspension articulation and steering lock to lock, let's try a few questions with specific qualifiers. This is for an '08 SE (17" wheels).

What is the largest tire size that I can fit with suspension as shipped from the factory with NO rubbing and FULL suspension articulation and steering lock to lock? I am already planning on a "melt mod", but with no lift, 285/70R17? Really? It sure looks like it'll be a tight fit and with full articulation and steering will rub metal. I've been hoping that I can at least increase the tire diameter a little from stock by going with 265/70R17 or 275/70R17.

How much lift (and which kind) is required to fit 285/70R17 (or other sizes) with NO rubbing and FULL suspension articulation and steering lock to lock? I'm also considering a suspension lift to keep the frame, etc. higher from the rocks. How about lift height suggestions?

Your comments and patience are appreciated.
John

P.S. Has anyone seen the BFG AT TA KO2? As of today at Tire Rack, they have one in 275/70R17.

 

[metzican]

As long as you have stock wheels and no spacers you will be able to fit 285/70R17's with just the melt mod, some don't even need it. When I say that that means NO RUBBING AT ALL, Full articulation it tucks perfectly, No frame rubbing when turning, Lock to Lock.

For lifting: Which is not needed to fit your tires. I would look at 2" Suspension lift, 3" get's tricky if you are 4x4. Now if you want help deciding how to do that 2" suspension just let us know what you plan on doing with your vehicle. How often off-road, type of trails, ect. Also consider a 2" BL it does not look bad on our vehicle and it is cheaper.

 

[J Everett]

305/70/16, a fatter 33, also fits.

You'll probably have a silly bulge in the front plastic wheel well liners that you just melt back with a hair dryer or heat gun, to shrink it back out of the way for any 33" tire (Called "The Melt Mod"). 32" is a stock size, so a 33" is only a teeny bit larger (33" stick out ~ 1/2" more than a 32" tire, etc).

The bulge that has to be altered with the melt mod only makes contact while turning the wheel. The tire width is actually more to blame than the increase in diameter. The 305s are gonna be a lot tighter than the 285s, especially at stock ride height. I don't know of anyone htat runs 305 width tires without at least a suspension lift. And I'm pretty sure a few people had to trim sheetmetal to fit them.

 

[J Everett]

Just finished installing Shrockworks front bumper with a Smittybilt XRC9.5 winch, all skids, rear bumper, and removed rear sway bar. Looks great except for OE size street tires (265/65R17).

Maybe I'm a little dense regarding all the previous posts. Just to be perfectly clear regarding tire fit with full suspension articulation and steering lock to lock, let's try a few questions with specific qualifiers. This is for an '08 SE (17" wheels).

What is the largest tire size that I can fit with suspension as shipped from the factory with NO rubbing and FULL suspension articulation and steering lock to lock? I am already planning on a "melt mod", but with no lift, 285/70R17? Really? It sure looks like it'll be a tight fit and with full articulation and steering will rub metal. I've been hoping that I can at least increase the tire diameter a little from stock by going with 265/70R17 or 275/70R17.

How much lift (and which kind) is required to fit 285/70R17 (or other sizes) with NO rubbing and FULL suspension articulation and steering lock to lock? I'm also considering a suspension lift to keep the frame, etc. higher from the rocks. How about lift height suggestions?

Your comments and patience are appreciated.
John

P.S. Has anyone seen the BFG AT TA KO2? As of today at Tire Rack, they have one in 275/70R17.

I fit 285/70R17 tires on my 2008 with no lift at all, and no rubbing after the very easy melt mod. Full travel, full steering lock to lock. I did eventually have a 2" lift, but for about 5 months I ran those tires at stock ride height.