Defender LTX LT285/60R20 rub??

[Chrisleduc1]

I am sold on the Michelin Defender LTX.

I really do not want the KO2s.

I want LT tires - I'll likely hook up a travel trailer, etc. I want the extra sidewall strength as I want to be able to go off road with young kids in the back and have my own abilities (or lack thereof) be the only limiting

I am going to use 20" rims. Pretty much non negotiable at this point. factor. (Yes, a 17 or 18 would be better)

My only option in the LT is a 265/60 or a 285/60.

Here's the specs on the 285/60 per tire rack (Im sure you can figure out the columns):LT285/60R20
125/122R
3,640 lbs. 80 psi. 13.5/32". 54 lbs. 8-10". 8.5". 11.5". 9.1". 33.4". 622

After a fair amount of searching, I cannot find a definite answer on if these 285/60s will surely rub. I am finding diameter numbers of anywhere from 33.4" to 33.9". From everything I've seen, 33" is no problem... will another 1/2" be the last straw?

Anybody?

This is an ‘18 LX, if it matters.

 

[I6turbo]

I can't tell you for certain if they'd rub, but I can tell you it'll be close enough that you are definitely wise to check it out carefully like you are doing.

The 285/60 calculates to 33.46" height. I have 305/50/20 Defender LTX M/S (32.01" height) on factory wheels on my '08 along with 1" spacers. Because of the spacers I had to re-shape the mud flaps a little bit (with a heat gun) to prevent rubbing when turning, and still need to do just a little more work on them if I want to try to avoid all contact (it's not bad at all, but I do hear it once in a while and intend to work on the a little more when I have time). Absent the spacer the 305s wouldn't rub, but I'm not sure if another 1.45" of height (the difference between the 285/60 and the 305/20) would cause them to rub.

 

[TeCKis300]

It'll be close on several fronts. I don't think anyone can say for certain that it won't rub. I believe it likely will, but it'll be pretty minor and easily resolved. I personally have 305/55/20s that measure out to 33.2" x 12.3". This is vs your 33.4" x 11.5".

The first consideration is whether they will rub the upper a-arms at turning lock. It'll be very close and may or may not work. You may be able to look at the stock tire clearance and project that sidewall straight up to understand it it'll clear. That'll be the first decision point that'll affect your fitment. From there, if they do contact, you'll need spacers. Depending on clearance, you may get away with 3mm shim type spacers. Next size up is 1" adapter type spacers that I6turbo and I both use. While spacers get a bad rap, they can be used effectively. And they do offer some advantages of fixing scrub radius geometry when paired with larger tires. I tow a large and heavy 27' travel trailer. The increased track width also aids in stability. I think it looks good too, as it'll put your tires just flush with the body lines.

So if you were needing to add 1" spacers, you'll need to do what I6turbo and I have done with the mud flaps. Lookup my threads and you'll find some guidance as to how to fix the rubbing. Really easy stuff.

 

[pribilof]

You can also get 0.75" spacers from BORA. Wheel Adapters, Wheel Spacers, Hub Rings for your car! | Motorsport Tech

 

[TeCKis300]

^Nice! Those weren't available when I did mine as that would be the perfect offset. Definitely do those!

 

[Chrisleduc1]

^Nice! Those weren't available when I did mine as that would be the perfect offset. Definitely do those!

So in theory, adding the spacers should give me the distance from the UCAs, but should not then create another clearance issue elsewhere?

 

[TeCKis300]

^Somewhat. With minimal added offset, you won't create much of any additional clearance issues. It's when you add too much offset that you'll start creating more clearance issues than negating.

Stock wheel offset is 60mm. With .75" spacers, you'll be at ~40mm, which is just about perfect for the size tires you're fitting. The 1" spacers put my wheels at ~35mm, which along with my wider tires, makes them rub just a tad bit more than you'll see in your fitment. A minor nip and tuck solved my issues. Yours fitment will be awesome and is very easily manageable for any minor rub in my mind.

 

[Chrisleduc1]

I’ve done the spacers several times in the past for other SUVs (Armada, qx56) but could not remember the details.

So, I just went ahead and rolled the dice, and got a great answer.

When I bought this 18 lx in December, I paid $800 for a Lexus tire/rim warranty. Best deal ever.

So I decided to do a few things.

First asks them to supply the tires, and then do the balance, mount and alignment. All good.

Then I texted my contact (asst service manager) just now about the spacers, he said “We don't sell the spacers. If you can get them. We'll install them. No problem.“ To me, that is a home run. Everything will be lexus dealer installed so if I ever have any problems, they can’t blame me.

 

[Andreas P]

I’ve done the spacers several times in the past for other SUVs (Armada, qx56) but could not remember the details.

So, I just went ahead and rolled the dice, and got a great answer.

When I bought this 18 lx in December, I paid $800 for a Lexus tire/rim warranty. Best deal ever.

So I decided to do a few things.

First asks them to supply the tires, and then do the balance, mount and alignment. All good.

Then I texted my contact (asst service manager) just now about the spacers, he said “We don't sell the spacers. If you can get them. We'll install them. No problem.“ To me, that is a home run. Everything will be lexus dealer installed so if I ever have any problems, they can’t blame me.

Did your 18 LX come with the 20" wheels?
In 2016, when I purchased mine I searched but couldn't find one with 20" wheels on any dealer lot so I went and bought a used 20" set from a 2015 LX.

 

[Chrisleduc1]

Did your 18 LX come with the 20" wheels?
In 2016, when I purchased mine I searched but couldn't find one with 20" wheels on any dealer lot so I went and bought a used 20" set from a 2015 LX.

I don’t think you can actually buy one with 20s. I think they’re all being shipped with the 21s. Mine was a demo from Pebble Beach with 500 miles (400 just from transport) on it and so I was able to buy for 86K, so I don’t mind the extra money for the wheels that I want.

I picked up a set of wheels, tires and TPMS from the 15 model for 750. Right now they are being PVT treated in Onyx Black and then I’ll install the Michelins.

I won’t quite get all my money back from selling the 21s and the tires from the 20s but it’ll be close.

 

[Chrisleduc1]

PVD - far superior to powder coating.

PVD Chrome – American PVD

The onyx black is black but shiny, but somehow looks very “deep,” not sure how to describe it.

I’ll post pics when I pick them up next week.

 

[Andreas P]

I never liked the chrome PVD color but in Black they should look much better. Looking forward to seeing yours.
I don't think I want to change the original color of my 20" wheels because as I learn from my other cars is that once you start modifying it, you never stop. But I am interested in getting a set of Volk TE37 in 18", but not anytime soon as the car feels still too new so I wanna keep it as stock as possible.

 

[Chrisleduc1]

My wheels are almost done. I think they will look great, based on the color of my LX and the dark tint. I'll post more pics once they are done and installed.

 

[Andreas P]

That looks really good.
Will you wrap some of the chrome bits on the LX into similar black chrome?

 

[Chrisleduc1]

That looks really good.
Will you wrap some of the chrome bits on the LX into similar black chrome?

Probably not. I’ll have to see how it looks.

The traditional “black chrome” is still very much “chrome looking.” It’s not as bright as the normal chrome, but looks like chrome nonetheless Had I gone this route there would definitely be too much chrome.

The black onyx I went with is definitely black. I think the chrome accents will go nicely with the black wheels and grayish grille, but we’ll have to see.

 

[Andreas P]

I am tempted with the onyx PVD. It reminded me of the titanium finish on the RX F wheels but of course with more reflection.

I contacted them to see if there is any place near me.
How long did the process take?

 

[Chrisleduc1]

I am tempted with the onyx PVD. It reminded me of the titanium finish on the RX F wheels but of course with more reflection.
How long did the process take?

I originally thought I wanted more of a gunmetal finish, but the grille is basically that color, so the deep black looks much better (unless of course you are looking for a completely uniform look). I think the process is about 10 days give or take. I shipped a spare to them and so once that is done I will pick up all 5, sometime next week, and then I'll get everything installed.

 

[Chrisleduc1]

My Lexus dealer just called. Its a great shop. Being in L.A. they have sold a ton of custom wheel packages, as well as OEM wheel packages. They were already willing and prepared to use the heat gun to adjust fender wells, or splash guards etc. They are used to doing all of this for their customer.

That being said, they called today and suprisingly they did not need the spacers I supplied, as these large tires clear the UCAs just fine. What they did notice was a little bit of rubbing, where the tape can be seen on the attached pic.

View media item 68040
The suggestion is to just remove that cover, rather than cut it. (I plan to remove the running boards anyway and get a set of sliders from Slee.)

View media item 68039
Here is my question, while I wont be doing serious offloading, what are they (potentially) not replicating in the shop, that I, 1) might encounter while being off road and 2) would be a serious concern for more than just a one time rub on the trail? Asked another way, is there something (a rub) we should be testing for right now, but aren't?

Thanks !

 

[tdiantonio]

I came across this thread while researching tires for my 2013 LX. Currently all over the place with the choices. I am curious to know how you are making out with the tires in that size? Any issues, concerns, etc? I may end up going the same route as you did with the sizes. Thanks.

 

[luke27617]

Unless you do some trimming you will get some rubbing at lock. I went to 275 tire because of that. I can barely squeeze a finger at a full lock. One thing I am planning to do is add a spacer as wheel from factory are too inward.