2005 Hilux Ground Clearance Problems
Submitted: Thursday, Nov 10, 2005 at 10:54
ThreadID:
27975
Views:
12397
Replies:
7
FollowUps:
8
This Thread has been Archived
LoneRanger
I've had a new Hilux SR 4x4 Dual Cab V6 for about 3 months now and I've been quite happy with most aspects of the vehicle. The fuel consumption has been better than expected. I've been averaging anywhere from 12.9 to 13.7, and that's been city driving. The only thing I'd like to do is get more ground clearance especially underneath the front end. Although I haven't bottomed out yet, I can see that this could be problem in the future. Withought going to any great expense on a new vehicle with
suspension lifts etc. I would think that changing the tyres to larger diameter rubber would be a cheap soloution. the Standard tryes are approx 734mm in diameter and are Bridgestone Dueler 205R16 840series. Which are only sold in Thailand. I was considering putting BFGoodrich 225/75R16 or 235/70R16 tyres on the 16x6inch rims, only to keep the overall diameter the same, and because I was told that in Queensland you can only go 16mm above the factory specs. Or you could run into problems with Insurance and Main Roads regulations. I would love to put some 265/75R16 tyres on it, but then I'd have to fit at least 16x7
wheels and probably flares and also maybe lift the front
suspension, just get the rubber underneath the guards properly. Does anybody have any solutions for me with regard to the new SR hilux.
Reply By: Stoney - Thursday, Nov 10, 2005 at 11:04
Thursday, Nov 10, 2005 at 11:04
G'Day LoneRanger,
I have the same vehicle as you, I made the decision to but on the 225/75/16 BFG AT's, I did not want to change the tyre diameter to much as I am so impressed with the way this vehicle performs.
If you would like to go a larger diameter and use your original 6inch rim you can get a 215/85/16 Cooper ST, this is a very similar diameter to a 31inch tyre.
Carl
AnswerID:
138778
Follow Up By: LoneRanger - Thursday, Nov 10, 2005 at 12:38
Thursday, Nov 10, 2005 at 12:38
Thanks for the input Carl. I'm also aware that BFGoodrich does a LT235/85/16 All Terrain which would be quite a good increase.
Have you had any problems with knocking that droopy exhaust pipe that runs off the drivers side manifold. That too me looks like the lowest point on the car and I would imagine that it could take quite a hit if you weren't being carefull.
FollowupID:
392555
Follow Up By: Stoney - Thursday, Nov 10, 2005 at 12:44
Thursday, Nov 10, 2005 at 12:44
I have only had my car on dirt
trails but I am doing a trip from
Canberra to
Moruya next weekend so I am hoping to have a bit of a play, I agree about the exhaust but I kind of think that if it ends up becoming an issue a good exhaust
shop should be about to rerun that section of exhaust.
FollowupID:
392556
Reply By: vitara - Thursday, Nov 10, 2005 at 11:21
Thursday, Nov 10, 2005 at 11:21
Was at the nissan trials (4wd events) and saw 2 of the new hiluxs both great looking vehicles spoke to the owner of one of them said fantastic only problem too low the other one there had a lift in it I would say 2 inch looked like it made a huge difference both still only had the factory tyres on them. The bloke I spoke to owned the previous model 3 litre turbo and said the ground clearance was heaps better even as standard.He is definately going to get it lifted and fit bfg muddies on the standards rims. Regards Vitara
AnswerID:
138780
Reply By: Brett_B - Thursday, Nov 10, 2005 at 12:46
Thursday, Nov 10, 2005 at 12:46
I pick my new SR next week, I kept the standard
wheels and went for the 225/75/16 BFG as
well.
Going to haul my camper over the the
Streaky Bay area of SA for 4 weeks over December, looking forward to this and getting behind the wheel of the new toy.
AnswerID:
138788
Reply By: Turbo Diesel - Thursday, Nov 10, 2005 at 14:22
Thursday, Nov 10, 2005 at 14:22
Loneranger
Just took delivery of a SR5 TD Dual Cab, i'm having the same problem with 15"
wheels and tyre combo's. Just thought i would add that the police and transport are cracking down on tyres so i have been told by RACQ and QLD Transport. They assure me that if you go higher than 15mm in rolling diamter you are breaking the law and your insurance could be rejected. In saying that all those out there who are running bigger rubber are taking their chances against the police and their insurance, i'm sure you wouldn't want your new lux to be written off with out a payout. As far as ground clearence is concerned Old man emu or TJM
suspension will help, and ARB air locker (AT THE REAR) will get you over most things (In reason) along with a simple
suspension upgrade. By the way a 265/75r16 BFG AT tyre has a rolling diameter of approx 820mm, therefore this tyre for your car is illegal. ARB southside in
brisbane offer good advise as they won't fit any tyre that they feel is illegal.
AnswerID:
138803
Follow Up By: LoneRanger - Thursday, Nov 10, 2005 at 16:01
Thursday, Nov 10, 2005 at 16:01
I'd have to agree with everything you've said. 265/75/16 would be nice though. ARB only offer a 30mm lift with their new
suspension kits, which seems hardly worth cost. I will say that aftermarket tyres are a must.
The Dueler H/T's are just hopeless when there's a bit of mud about when 4WDing. I think I'll just have to be content with keeping the tyre diameter as close to factory spec, but I'll definetely be fitting some All Terrain rubber.
Thanks again for your input
FollowupID:
392583
Reply By: Member - Norm C (QLD) - Thursday, Nov 10, 2005 at 14:40
Thursday, Nov 10, 2005 at 14:40
I've had my SR5 since March; the day they were released. I've got Cooper 265/70s on it which are just slightly bigger than standard. Main changes I've done that help clearence are:
ARB bull bar gives much better approach angle
Removed rear step and had some custom rear bars made (welded to tow bar) improve departure angle
Removed alloy side steps and fitted custom made steel steps up under the sill, improves ramp over
Fitted OME
suspension, which lifted the front 42mm and the back 75mm.
I do a lot of off roading with the 4WD club and it is now a very capable vehicle. The changes I have made make a huge difference.
I'd like to fit 31 inch tyres, but like others I'm a bit concerned about the insurance. I suspect there is a 90% chance it would not be detected (after all they are not 33 or 35 inch as on a lot of 4Bs), but still a concern. I'll worry about this in 6 to 12 months when I need to replace tyres.
AnswerID:
138810
Reply By: Wizard1 - Thursday, Nov 10, 2005 at 15:02
Thursday, Nov 10, 2005 at 15:02
"The fuel consumption has been better than expected. I've been averaging anywhere from 12.9 to 13.7"
If I were getting that sort of consumption I'd be a little concerned. I get those sort of figures towing a caravan!
Average for my 3.0 TD Prado is 10.5 - 12ish. I travel from the
Gold Coast up into the hinterland every day. I've just clocked 900 km from both tanks (1/4 left in the sub) in just over a fortnight which included towing the van to Byron Bay and back!
AnswerID:
138814
Follow Up By: Member - Norm C (QLD) - Thursday, Nov 10, 2005 at 15:07
Thursday, Nov 10, 2005 at 15:07
Wizard, it depends what he is quoting (not clear). Lt per 100KM or KM per Lt. If the first, it is very poor for his vehicle, if the latter, it is very good.
FollowupID:
392568
Follow Up By: LoneRanger - Thursday, Nov 10, 2005 at 16:13
Thursday, Nov 10, 2005 at 16:13
Norm C
I thought the fuel consumption I've being getting was great.
Toyota estimate the 4.0Lt V6 to be an average of 13.3 Ltrs/per 100klms.
As I stated, my average was 12.9 to 13.7 Ltrs/per 100klms.
It makes no difference to me anyway as my company pays for it.
Norm...it sounds like you've done a few nice mods. I agree with the factory side steps. They do hinder the ground clearance. I didn't realise that OME
suspension made that much of a difference. I was of the opinion that 30mm was the only realistic improvement I would get.
Anyhow thanks for the Feedback
regards
LoneRanger
FollowupID:
392588
Follow Up By: Member - Norm C (QLD) - Thursday, Nov 10, 2005 at 16:21
Thursday, Nov 10, 2005 at 16:21
Lone
Ranger, I just noticed your vehicle is a V6 petrol. MY comment was based on my own experience which is with the TD.
I bent my allow side steps on my first off road trip. The steel ones will never bend.
Some pics in my profile. Some others here:
http://spaces.msn.com/members/normc007/PersonalSpace.aspx
FollowupID:
392589
Follow Up By: LoneRanger - Thursday, Nov 10, 2005 at 17:27
Thursday, Nov 10, 2005 at 17:27
Norm C,
I just checked out your website. The truck looks good.
ARB must love you as a customer.
If you want to see some nice accessories goto
http://www.avenger4x4accessories.com/
Avenger make accessories for many 4WD vehicles in Thailand.
In fact all the TJM bars etc for the hilux look very much the same as what's on their website. I wouldn't be at all surprised if TJM buy in the accessories and put their trademark on it. Check out the Hilux Mk6 accessories on the site.
FollowupID:
392592
Follow Up By: Member - Norm C (QLD) - Thursday, Nov 10, 2005 at 17:46
Thursday, Nov 10, 2005 at 17:46
Some great stuff there LR, but the bank account is empty.
FollowupID:
392595
Reply By: hound - Friday, Nov 11, 2005 at 13:52
Friday, Nov 11, 2005 at 13:52
The hilux comes out in Thailand with 265/70 r16 tyres. When I checked on the requirements it uses the largest tyre size standard on any model of that vehicle to work out what's legal, so that makes 31-10.5 r15 tyres legal on a new hilux in my book.
AnswerID:
138977