2002 Highlander Beach Buggy Tires

[DannysDecks]

I would like to put larger tires on my highlanders stock 16x8 rims. My highlander will soon become a surf fishing beach buggy on the Delaware shore. I realize I will need 5 tires to include the spare. so, how wide and how tall can I go ??

[DevinSixtySeven]

a tape measure is your friend...you'll need to measure the clearance between the tire and the wheel well with the steering wheel at about 1/2way to lock, also the clearance to the front bumper when turning the wheel, and the clearance from the sidewall of the tire to the front suspension components (i dont know what's down there on a highlander) when the truck's at rest. you can generally go up about 1/2 a size diameter without trouble, it's width that's usually trouble due to the front suspension/steering components. what size are the tires currently?

ever since i saw the body kit on the highlander, ive wanted to see someone do something like this...they can look real nice, with a little effort.

[DannysDecks]

The original tire size is 225/70R/16.
It has been recommended to stay within 3% of the diameter of the original tires to avoid the risk of brake failure.
I found this at 1010tires.com I also noticed that my strut overhangs the tire with about 2 inches clearance. Too bad noone makes a 2 inch lift kit for the Highlander.
I wonder if anyone has put oversized tires on their Highlander. I probably go with 235/70R/16 this only be 1/4 inch taller and about 1/2 inch wider than stock... I'm still researching.....

[DevinSixtySeven]

Originally Posted by DannysDecks

It has been recommended to stay within 3% of the diameter of the original tires to avoid the risk of brake failure.

not questioning the validity of the statement as it relates to the highlander, but where did the 3% come from?

-sean

[DannysDecks]

1010tires.com. suggest not to exceede 3% of the diameter. look at the tire size calculator. and its a good tool to see the different tire sizes and speedometer error with larger diameter tires.

[DevinSixtySeven]

cool...just curious, since there are a bunch of guys with tundras running 315/75/16, when the stock size is 245/70/16, even if they're generally stocked with 265/70/16.

you shouldnt notice a difference in power if you go wider, incidentally that'll help more in sand than going taller, but if you have double wishbone front suspension (dunno if you do or not), watch out for the suspension linkage rubbing on a wider tire. do you really have 16x8 rims? that will allow a fairly wide tire...i'm running a 285mm wide tire on a 16x8 rim right now, though it's also much taller than would fit an unmodified highlander.

tire charts & sales staff in general will direct you to tires that are marked as appropriate size for your vehicle, but may not think of everything. you may want to check out an offroad store with tires in stock, let them know your plans, and see if they can find you a wider tire that's about the same height as your stock rubber...

-s

[DannysDecks]

Well, I have only 6 1/2 inch wide rims. and the 235/70r/16 fit nicely without rubbing. any wider or taller and the tire will rub the strut's.

Thanks for the replys.
see ya on the beach...

[memaster]

I have my Highlander’s tire/wheel upgraded to 18x8.0 and 255/55/18. The ride quality has not suffered a bit, in my opinion. The handling and look improved dramatically with the same gas mileage before. And speaking of gas mileage, I have never get a satisfactory number of my Highlander, even I purposely drive it very gentle and still get about 15 city and 18.5 Highway.



http://www.cardomain.com/memberpage/401443 <<<< Check out my Highlander


The OEM Highlander rim is 16x6.5 (35mm offset). I bought my TSW 18x8.0 with 20mm offset (15mm difference on each side since the tire grows a total 30mm from factory) that works perfectly under the fender.