Phil G replied:

I believe you can get BFG ATKO in a 265/70R17. Saw them on a Prado at the recent 4wdshow in Adelaide. More tyres will become available in the future - after all its the biggest selling 4wd at present.

People have been fitting 16 inch steel rims to the 120 series. The 16x7 steel rims from the previous Prado appear to be the best fit - allegedly they fit with a couple of mm clearance off the front calipers. Other 16 inch steel rims require a couple of mm ground off the front calipers. I think this is the best option for your intended trips, as 16 inch replacement tyres are obviously commonly available in the bush.

You can also get the steel rims from the RV model 120 series, but they are only 6 inch wide and almost no other tyres available at present.

You may find the 120 series email group helpful as well.
http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/120scool/

The suspension is very similar to the 90 series, and most people just change to heavier springs ($300 + fitting) on the 90series. Toyota shocks are excellent, and certainly on the 90 series appear to be much more reliable than most aftermarket shocks.

Cheers
Phil

Tristjo (Brisbane) replied:

Kim,

If you intend on doing serious trips, you will need serious tyres. No one makes any serious tyres to suit 17" rims.

My advice is to fit a set of 16" rims to the vehicle. 16" tyres are readily available in the bush, where as 17"s don't exist. As far as tyres go, for serious cross country driving, puncture resistance and offroad traction are parramount. Check out both the Simex Extreme Trekker Centipede's, and Jungle Trekker 2's. Also have a look at the bias ply Mickey Thompson Baja Claws.

But with these sort tyre's fitted, the on road ride and handling charactaristics will be vastly altered ( read- PRETTY AVERAGE).

Hope this helps.

Tristjo.

KIM replied:

Thanks for that Phil & Tristjo,
I've found out that Coopers and Mickey Thompson have 265/70/R17s which should be ok. Phil, the BFG's you refer to at the show also appeared at the Melbourne show. I was informed they were imports, however I'll check this out again. The steel rims are another matter as their not available at this stage which, is a real pain. I don't particularly want to go to 16" rims as the Prado's ground clearance is nothing to write home about. Hence the question on suspension and lift.
Thanks once again
Kim

Steve replied:

Would love to know why one would buy such a vehicle to do a job that the same company (Toyota) makes a specific unit for which to do just what you have outlined... Does the late model Prado come in diesel ?
steve

KIM replied:

Thanks Bonz.
What your saying is the same as the advice I have received, so I won't be going down that path.
It's interesting, I have been driving 4wd's in the bush for close on 45 years (started early) but this time never gave a thought to ask about the size of the rims when I bought the Prado. Guess it just shows we all have hiccups in life!
Kim