New HE Owner - Questions

[jamgolf]

Well, the only vehicle that I really modified was that JK - I miss that Jeep. It was a mistake to trade it.

I never really did anything to the Land Rovers and I did not keep the 4Runner TRD Pro long enough to do anything to it. Although it was pretty decent from the factory.

I agree with you, going for the largest tire would be the best thing to do with LC200. Improve ground clearance, approach, departure, and break-over angles. So, I am looking at 285/70/18 (33.98") and 275/70/18 (33.4") as my top options. Based on research here, looks like both sizes "should" fit in the spare tire well which is important because I am not going to get an external wheel carrier.

I was watching a video/review about Bilstein 6112. That's a good option too. Their 8112 series looks like the bomb - although way overkill for my needs/wants/

 

[jamgolf]

I am leaning toward 285/70/R18 tires and have a couple of questions:
1. What is the offset of the bronze Heritage wheels?
2. Will I need spacers with bronze Heritage wheels, if I get 285/70/R18 tires?

 

[jamgolf]

Found this post. So, I guess they are +60mm offset?
Meaning I don't need to runs spacers?

 

[TeCKis300]

Yeah, you'll want to increase the offset for better track width and stability, clearance to the upper UCAs, and fix scrub radius geometry for the larger tires.

Easy answer - 1" spacers.

 

[jamgolf]

I think I am going to work with @sleeoffroad and get BP-51 kit and front+rear lockers with regearing done. Do it once, do it right has usually worked well for me. I intend to keep this vehicle for a long time and serve multiple purposes for my family. And Slee is local to me, I mean I can literally walk there, so I will support a local business and Slee's knowledge and reputation just makes it a no brainer.

As to the tire size, if 285/70/R18 fit under the vehicle, in the spare wheel well. Then I am going to go for this size.
Any owners running 285/70R18 able to confirm that tire will fit in the standard spare location?

 

[TeCKis300]

285/70r18 will fit underneath fine. Anything under 34" can fit.

Are you going to re-gear to a 3.9? Are you sourcing aftermarket or OEM gears? I'd recommend OEM. I believe you'll need to source a front differential housing from an early gen 200-series as the later ones are only compatible with "thick" low ratio ring gears of the 8-speed cruisers. Or perhaps just a new ring and pinion. Let me know if you're interested with any of these donor parts as I have a complete set, just having swapped mine with 4.3 components.

 

[jamgolf]

Yes, Slee will be using 3.93 Toyota OE gears. I am not sure about which pre-2016 parts are needed but these OE parts will be sourced by Slee.
It's very nice of you to offer donor parts. I am not quite sure what exactly would be needed, but if there is any difficulty in sourcing parts I know I can ping you and ask. Much appreciated!

Thanks also for the confirmation regarding 285/70r18 fitment underneath the vehicle.

So you went from 3.93 to 4.3? Any particular reason for doing that?

 

[TeCKis300]

Primarily because I tow a large travel trailer on the heavier end. It really doesn't need the gears with 33s as the motor is such a brute, but I'm also going up to 35s. The gears will particularly help engine braking.

Definitive 200-series Gearing Reference

EDIT: Expanding tables for 8-speed and 40s So I had a little time this morning to put together a chart combining transmission gearing of 6-speed vs 8-speed, diff ratios, and tire sizing into an overall gearing reference. Hoping this will be useful for those trying to understand how their...

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[Crush 4]

285/70r18 will fit underneath fine. Anything under 34" can fit.

Are you going to re-gear to a 3.9? Are you sourcing aftermarket or OEM gears? I'd recommend OEM. I believe you'll need to source a front differential housing from an early gen 200-series as the later ones are only compatible with "thick" low ratio ring gears of the 8-speed cruisers. Or perhaps just a new ring and pinion. Let me know if you're interested with any of these donor parts as I have a complete set, just having swapped mine with 4.3 components.

I fit a 35” under mine

 

[Crush 4]

I fit a 35” under mine

View attachment 2373094

 

[jamgolf]

Oh wow. I was under the impression that 34” might not even fit. Did you have to do any mod to fit 35” under in the spare tire slot?

 

[Crush 4]

Oh wow. I was under the impression that 34” might not even fit. Dis you have to do any mod to fit 35” under in the spare tire slot?

Nope but you can confirm w @ericsargent as he did the work

 

[TeCKis300]

That's great to know!

Can you tell us the specific size and model of your tire so I can lookup the spec size? I believe they are KO2s in 35x12.5r18s?

Any rubbing on the panhard bar? Did you have to store it in a deflated manner? Others had been talking about using a ratchet strap to compress it for storage underneath.

 

[Crush 4]

That's great to know!

Can you tell us the specific size and model of your tire so I can lookup the spec size? I believe they are KO2s in 35x12.5r18s?

Any rubbing on the panhard bar? Did you have to store it in a deflated manner? Others had been talking about using a ratchet strap to compress it for storage underneath.

My bad they were 34/12.5/18
Ray 10’s
I didn’t do anything special to store it

 

[jamgolf]

Looks like I am a few weeks away from the lift and lockers as Slee's shop is busy.
In the meantime can I get 285/70R18 tires for local duty (no off-roading)? Or would there just be too much rubbing without the lift?

 

[jamgolf]

Got the Slee formed sliders installed a couple of days ago.

Now waiting in line for:
1. Nitto 285/70R18 tires
2. BP-51 suspension and SPC upper control arms
3. F/R ARB lockers with regearing to 3.9

A couple of other things which I am just curious about:
4. Hidden winch mount and a winch
5. ARB drawers

I had a winch on my Jeep and never used it for self-recovery. Had to pull out my friend when he got stuck and that was not even off-road
Drawers sound like a nice to have, but I am not sure if they will get used much or if they will become a place to hide junk.

 

[04UZJ100]

Looks great. Which Nittos? Will they be mounted before you lift it?

 

[jamgolf]

Which Nittos?

Exo Grapplers

Will they be mounted before you lift it?

That's the plan, so the alignment and trimming can be done properly.

 

[tbisaacs]

My bad they were 34/12.5/18
Ray 10’s
I didn’t do anything special to store it

View attachment 2373150

TIL that this is a size! According to BFG actual diameter is 33.5” though.

 

[jamgolf]

On stock 285/60R18 tires:

On 285/70R18 34" tires:

After BP-51 lift.