rim offset, tyre dimensions HJ61

Hi Figtree,

I have the same truck, bought mine over a year ago now, and also had different tyres/rims on the road wheels and the spare. Must be a little trick they play on us. Actually I suspect the spare is probably the original.

You are fortunate your road tyres are serviceable. I thought mine were but when I took them to get balanced, closer inspection revealed age cracking so I had to replace them.

My solution was to revert to 31x10.5 all round as the expense of five 32x11.5 was too much for my wallet. However I also could not get the truck into the garage with new 32 or 33 inch tyres on. Yours may measure the same now, but comparing new to new, they will be different. Also look for some web sites that compare rolling distance per rotation to show the difference.

I suggest it would be a shame to get rid of your alloys, in fact don't, you'll regret it later. the weight difference is huge.

If the steel rim fits the hub, then it will be okay. If you are worried about different rolling diameter, put it on the front if have a flat as you are likely to have a rear LSD and should not put different tyres on the back. This is a hassle if you get a flat on the rear. If you have one odd ball, unless you have reasons of cost or others like I had, then why worry and simply replace the odd ball to match the others. Sell the current spare tyre off it's rim.

Why not buy two new 32x11.5 and put them on the back. Put one on the spare rim, and keep the other as a bare spare for your trip to the Kimberley. Buy a R&R Beadbreaker so you can fit this tyre to any rim if you need to, and it will save the weight of a 6th rim, and also save the Olympian strength needed to put a full wheel on the roof rack.

I understand 31x10.5 is the standard tyre size for the HJ61 Sahara. The original Japanese owners always put the fancy wider wheels on to trick them up. Mine has 8.5 road rims (6 inch spare) which is about the maximum width for a 31x10.5 to hang on to. If you have not already done so, make sure your spare fits your front hubs and turns both ways without knocking. It should be fine, and really is the best way to get things clearer in your head and not too overwhelmed with technicalities.

All the best, and enjoy your truck.

Tim