Anyone running 35 inch tires and manual steering

[bajaphile]

I tried searching for this, but, I wanted to get some opinions on this.

I have a chance to get some cheap TSL's that are 35x12.50. I'm more worried about the width than anything else. I do plan on wheeling this rig when I get some of the basics figured out.

Am I just asking for trouble? I plan on fixing things as things break, but, will the ball and claw style axle shafts be prone ot breakage with these tires?

I'm thinking I should just go with some 10.50's. Any input?

 

[Volcano cruiser]

Same Idea

I actually am interested in the answer to the same question. I was looking at a set of Toyo Open Country in exactly the same dimensions, 35 x 12.50 x 15 or 35 x 10.50 x 15. The only difference is that I am doing a 4" lift. Any responses would be helpful as I need to purchase these by Thursday afternoon (PO tires and worn bald and threadbare and it is rainy season here now). Thanks.

 

[badass]

I had manual steering for 6 months with my 35 x 12.5 mtrs, on the road was doable, off road, don't ask.

 

[incogrhino]

unless your a big body builder type, I think you'd hate it.I know I wouldn't want to do it.I guess it would to teach ya to take the "right" line when wheeling.

 

[e rock]

I had manual steering for 6 months with my 35 x 12.5 mtrs, on the road was doable, off road, don't ask.

X2, except I'm running 36x13.50 Iroks (which are more like 3 inches wider than those TSLs you're considering). I'm only doing it for now because I'm gathering parts and finding spare time to do the PS. No wheeling with this setup...


If you end up breaking a ball and claw axle, let me know. I've got some parts still kicking around the garage.

 

[vk7ybi]

I run 35x10.5 with manual steering, it works good enough for me.. I will be upgrading to 60 steering eventually.. Cross axle and ruts cause problems sometimes, but I can deal with that.. The PO fitted a sport type steering wheel, this doesnt help at all..

The front axle has an ARB, when engaged it wants to pull straight, but I can steer it off centre easily. The birfs are upgraded to 60/Mini, I havent broken one yet..

I say put the 35s on, when you break the ball and claw just upgrade to later model birfs..

 

[inkpot]

Howdy! I ran 35 x 12.5 BFG A/T's on my Piggy with manual steering for 6-7 years. With good alignment, it was OK, on the street and highway, but wheeling it was a lot of work. I felt like The Incredible Hulk at the end of a run. I nearly wore out my seatbelt trying to keep my butt in the seat. That's the only good thing about the Biggy Size steering wheel that Toyota decided to put in the darn things!! John

 

[krzyabncanuck]

Been running 35x15.50 Swampers on my rig now since they came out with the wide ones and have though about doing some power steering but have never got around to it. If you put a locker in the front then you will definately want to upgrade your axle.

 

[andrewfarmer]

I ran 35x10.5 wasnt too bad.
Now run 37x12.5, beadlocks, 5psi. and power steering
It is drivable when the p/s fails, but very hard work!

 

[mano002]

I did it for a while too, the PS is hands down the best MOD I ever made. I usd to have someone drive home after wheeling cuz my arms were just too tired to drive!

 

[bajaphile]

Thanks for all the replies!

Well, I am at least another 6-12 months from feeling ready to wheel this thing, so I guess the 35's will be ok for driving it around town in the meantime. Maybe I'll make enough money this year to afford a power stering conversion. That would be nice, but, probably not for a little while.

So 34x10.50 or 35x10.50 would be a lot nicer since the width, right? I like the thinner look on the FJ40's so maybe I'll hold off and wait to find some.

 

[Bret]

I ran 35X12.5 Baja Claws for a couple years with a ARB in the front. With the locker engaged it took a bit of ooomph to turn on dry ground. It worked but the power steering made it much nicer. Be sure to keep your thumbs out of the middle of the steering wheel though, if the tires grab it can spin the steering wheel pretty hard and if your thumb is in the center it can smart!

 

[e rock]

So 34x10.50 or 35x10.50 would be a lot nicer since the width, right?

Yes, and another "no duh" thing that I forgot to add is that keeping the tire pressure high helps a lot with the steering effort, but makes the ride harsher. It may take some experimenting to determine where the happy medium is for you.