305/65/R18 on 2016 Stock Wheel with 1.25" Spacers - Can't find a clear answer...

[TheGrrrrr]

As the title suggests, I'm considering a 305/65/R18 tire (Ridge Grappler or BFG KO2) and despite hours of searching and reading, I'm not comprehending how to calculate fit nor have I found someone running a comparable setup, which is strange. I have 2016 OEM wheels on my 2013 Cruiser, the basic OME Nitrochargers (HD '03' and '23' springs) which gave me more lift than advertised, SPC UCAs and Spidertrax 1.25" spacers and 275/65/R18 Duratracs. I'd like to understand if running a 305/65/R18 on this setup will work both on/off-road, will I need the spacers and should I be adding the front shock spacer as well. I don't mind some trimming, but want to have full travel without destroying anything. Normally I try not to post questions that I feel have already been answered, but I haven't found the clear answer that I seek and I still don't understand wheels/suspension geometry well enough to calculate on my own despite reading a ton of @Markuson posts.

 

[Angelo1]

Have you considered 295/70/18?

 

[TheGrrrrr]

Have you considered 295/70/18?

I had considered 295/65/18 as I didn’t think there was any way a 295/70/18 would fit. Honestly I thought the widest tire with a 70 sidewall that would fit is a 275 on an 18. I’m not finding a lot of 33”+ tires on the OEM wheels as it seems like everyone either goes with 17” or a much lower offset 18” aftermarket.

 

[Angelo1]

I had considered 295/65/18 as I didn’t think there was any way a 295/70/18 would fit. Honestly I thought the widest tire with a 70 sidewall that would fit is a 275 on an 18. I’m not finding a lot of 33”+ tires on the OEM wheels as it seems like everyone either goes with 17” or a much lower offset 18” aftermarket.

Yeah, on a stock wheel and spacers, I would go 275/70/18. Otherwise an 18 offset would allow a 295/70 and you wouldn’t have to deal with spacers

 

[tbisaacs]

305/65/r18 on 18mm wheel. Owner claims they tuck.

 

[TeCKis300]

305s fit fine. 1" spacer may actually help things fit better as there's less swing of the tire.

Big hips need big kicks.

 

[TheGrrrrr]

305s fit fine. 1" spacer may actually help things fit better as there's less swing of the tire.

Big hips need big kicks.

View attachment 2187454

Is your comment relative to the 2016 OEM wheels?

 

[TeCKis300]

Is your comment relative to the 2016 OEM wheels?

The 2016 and up models have a 54mm offset wheels if I'm not mistaken. Spitting distance to the 60mm offset earlier models. It is plausible you can get by without spacers clearance wise with that .25" difference. But I'd still recommend spacers as you'll want to correct for scrub radius. A .75" might be better in this case, but a 1" will be easier without potential for stud clearance in the wheels.

 

[TheGrrrrr]

So for my own sanity... Using the 1.25" spacer is effectively reducing the offset to +22?

Am I using this calculator correctly to compare stock vs. target?

 

[TeCKis300]

Ayup. You got it.

+22 could potentially work as there are individuals running +25 offset wheels successfully with this tire size. Wildyoat's build for example.

I would still recommend a 1" spacer, putting net offset at a slightly more optimal ~29mm.

 

[Markuson]

As the title suggests, I'm considering a 305/65/R18 tire (Ridge Grappler or BFG KO2) and despite hours of searching and reading, I'm not comprehending how to calculate fit nor have I found someone running a comparable setup, which is strange. I have 2016 OEM wheels on my 2013 Cruiser, the basic OME Nitrochargers (HD '03' and '23' springs) which gave me more lift than advertised, SPC UCAs and Spidertrax 1.25" spacers and 275/65/R18 Duratracs. I'd like to understand if running a 305/65/R18 on this setup will work both on/off-road, will I need the spacers and should I be adding the front shock spacer as well. I don't mind some trimming, but want to have full travel without destroying anything. Normally I try not to post questions that I feel have already been answered, but I haven't found the clear answer that I seek and I still don't understand wheels/suspension geometry well enough to calculate on my own despite reading a ton of @Markuson posts.

If you get a definite “answer” it’s likely someone hasn’t asked enough details.
A zillion variables make this general Q always get fuzzy answers once width and height get large. Nature of the beast...

Wheel offset, UCAs, Alignment tricks, KDSS, trimming, aftermarket bumpers, spacers (can both solve and create problems).

One guy’s report of a size with “no rubbing” might be a more aggressive wheeler’s report of “massive contact during full articulation/tuck/turn.”

 

[JohnPW]

Can I ask a stupid question? (I guess I just did). Beyond looks, what is the advantage of really wide tires? Performance in sand? Is there a performance advantage? I get fitting taller tires for better ground clearance, but is it worth it having to cut up a truck tofit wide tires?

 

[TheGrrrrr]

Can I ask a stupid question? (I guess I just did). Beyond looks, what is the advantage of really wide tires? Performance in sand? Is there a performance advantage? I get fitting taller tires for better ground clearance, but is it worth it having to cut up a truck tofit wide tires?

It’s all about purpose and conditions. In my experience, more rubber on the ground = more traction for most purposes (cruising, climbing, crawling and descending) which generally means better performance/safety in those situations. Conditions can change this. For example, snow and mud tend to do better with a narrower tire that can dig to find traction. I don’t see a lot of snow, so my focus is dry roads, dirt and rocks where wider tires can help.

Yes, they also look better too.

 

[Sverige]

Did you end up putting on the 305s?
Pics!