Is 16 inches better than 17?

Submitted: Tuesday, Oct 25, 2005 at 13:35

ThreadID: 27544 Views:2518 Replies:5 FollowUps:6

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Coyote

I have an 05 GU 4.2TD and it comes with 17" alloys standard. I am going to lift it 2". But my dilema is, I have a lovely set of 16" alloys on my old GU which I'd like to keep. Now the experts tell me that the offset is compatible so the only consideration is which is better 16" or 17"? (the 17" can go straight onto my old GU too. So not cost in a simple swap is terribly appealing)
I'm seeking advice.. To my way of thinking.. with 16" rims, I can fit more rubber/air under the wheel arches, hence better ride. OK if I was going to go 4 or 6" lift, I could fit more rubber onto a 17" rim, but I'm not prepared to go to the expense and loss of stability by going to 4 or 6". Is my theory correct? more rubber/air between the rim and the road is a better ride???
Combined with Tough dog adjustable foam core 41mm shockies, I should be sitting pretty sweet.. or not?

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Reply By: Member - MrBitchi (QLD) - Tuesday, Oct 25, 2005 at 14:28

Tuesday, Oct 25, 2005 at 14:28

16's are going to give you more tyre choices and cheaper prices, and currently more readily available in the bush.
As long as the overall diameter is the same it won't effect gearing. With 16's you could run a higher profile but don't think it would actually make much difference to ride comfort, softer springs/shocks have more of an impact on that.

Cheers.....

AnswerID: 136241

Reply By: Voxson (Adelaide) - Tuesday, Oct 25, 2005 at 14:53

Tuesday, Oct 25, 2005 at 14:53

You also have a lovely set of 17's on your new GU which are perfect for the vehicle...
If you have a second spare you are never going to really need to find a new tyre in the outback and 17's will be common in the near future....
Dont worry about inventing the wheel as it is already been done for you...Just drive and enjoy...
Throw on a set of Cooper Sure Trac's and you will be fine.....
75mm heavy duty lift is just perfect if you dont want to muck around with caster corrections, etc etc etc...

AnswerID: 136244

Follow Up By: Coyote - Tuesday, Oct 25, 2005 at 15:23

Tuesday, Oct 25, 2005 at 15:23

Hey Voxson, you've given me advice that conflicts with that from another reliable source.. that is.. any lift above 50mm will need castor correction, and in particular ,the GU will need it for any lift.

with 75mm Lift have you had to extend brake lines, and al the extra suspension stuff??? I was only going as far as 50mm lift based on advioce that anything above that in exsessivley expensive and reauired major work.. you obviously have the same rig as me so I'm keen for your comments.. Cheers..

BTW.. I've erred on the side of caution and gone to Rancho 9000SX adjustable instead of tough dog 45mm shocks

FollowupID: 390094

Follow Up By: Voxson (Adelaide) - Tuesday, Oct 25, 2005 at 16:06

Tuesday, Oct 25, 2005 at 16:06

Well if you want my advice which is "ALL" from experience.... Here it is...

Rancho 9 way setting shock absorbers get stinking hot over corrugations and woopty doos which cause them to lose their shock dampening abilities severly....
XGS from TJM are doing a great job in mine, but i wouldnt say no to tough dog either... Anything with big body is normally pretty good...

My springs are from TJM also,,,,
(770RH12E & 770FH12E)....

They gave me 70mm of true lift after settling down (8000kms)... with winch, dual batts, steel bar.....
I have had the front hubs locked and sat on 110kmh on the road and no vibration and the steering isnt nervous in the slightest.....A caster kit was not needed on mine..
These springs are HEAVY DUTY and hold weight really well...Ride is a little firm but no probs to get used to...
There is no detremental affect on the brake lines...

FollowupID: 390102

Follow Up By: Truckster (Vic) - Tuesday, Oct 25, 2005 at 20:53

Tuesday, Oct 25, 2005 at 20:53

Erred on the side of caution and went WITH ranchos??? Gawd. Thats like trying to win Tuff Truck in a brand new F30 Ferrari..

Every car is different. I didnt need caster for my 3inch TJM XGS lift, but others have needed it.

Basically its a lottery. Fit it up, then see how it drives.

FollowupID: 390150

Follow Up By: P.G. (Tas) - Tuesday, Oct 25, 2005 at 21:08

Tuesday, Oct 25, 2005 at 21:08

G'day Voxson, I have just fitted raised King Springs (HD's to the front and EHD's on the rear) and extended Koni's to my GU III and it has given me about 52mm lift.

I noticed that when the front wheel was raised off the ground on the left, the diff breather tube was being stretched enough to start pulling it off the joine near the wheelr and when the front right hand wheel was lifted off the ground the brake hose, where it is bolted to the diff was getting a fair old stretch too.

I may have to extend these at a later date if I decide I'm going into some real rough stuff. At the moment I am only planning on outback touring, so it shouldn't present a problem.

On the rear I had to fit sway bar extentions to stop the bar hitting on the diff under full articulation.

Might be something for you to check.

Regards,

Peter

FollowupID: 390152

Reply By: Lone Wolf - Tuesday, Oct 25, 2005 at 18:25

Tuesday, Oct 25, 2005 at 18:25

... it's not the size that matters...

AnswerID: 136281

Follow Up By: Gerhardp1 - Tuesday, Oct 25, 2005 at 20:04

Tuesday, Oct 25, 2005 at 20:04

I've found that too - no-one's ever asked for the 17 after experiencing the 16.....

FollowupID: 390136

Reply By: Truckster (Vic) - Tuesday, Oct 25, 2005 at 21:57

Tuesday, Oct 25, 2005 at 21:57

FWIW, I would go 16s..
Try getting a genuine replacement 17in rim, or a second spare 17inch rim + tire..
if you stuff a 16 it would be cheaper to replace.

AnswerID: 136351

Follow Up By: muzzgit (WA) - Thursday, Oct 27, 2005 at 00:53

Thursday, Oct 27, 2005 at 00:53

I have to agree with truckster here.
Go out bush and try getting 17" tyres.

"yes mate that will be $900 and they'll be here in 5 or 6 days thankyou"

FollowupID: 390312

Reply By: Voxson (Adelaide) - Thursday, Oct 27, 2005 at 07:46

Thursday, Oct 27, 2005 at 07:46

Whoever it was that emailed me the other day regarding some questions,,,,, please do so again because my system crashed and had to re-install windows and lost everything...

AnswerID: 136568