DorisTheFunkasaurus wrote:Thank you very much! Fortunately, I haven't bought anything just yet and I have no doubt that I'm misunderstanding offset vs. bolt circle diameter. I'm trying to teach myself about these things via lots of web research and relying on nice people like you to show me the way. Thanks for the clarification. That's one of my biggest fears- that I order wheels and tires, get my van up on the lift and find out that I messed up and ordered wrong. What a fiasco.
The wheels I had picked out were Pacer 162M polished aluminum, 15 X 7 (5 bolt circle available, hoping the diameter is correct, need to check for sure)
Falken High Country 215/75/15 (my lift kit said I can go as big as 29"- these should be 28.3 X 8.9)
Found a site that tells me the two are compatible with each other, now I need to make sure they're compatible with the van itself. Unless someone tells me Falken makes crappy tires...which I'd sure like to know now. I won't be taking it off road, it's primarily for looks. That may damage what little street cred I have, but hey- I'll take some flak for it over driving something lame with no character.
I did the 2" lift and fit 235/70/16 advertised at 28.8". They may have fit without trimming the corners of the front bumper but it would have been close. Had issues with those tires and went to "E" rated 225/75/16 at 29.4" advertised. I have 3.73 gears and the gearing is more of an issue than clearance with these tires. I can really feel the difference in performance from the stockers once you get out on the road with them. It almost feels like I'm pulling a trailer. The only place it actually feels better is going up a grade at 70-80mph (hwy speed limits out here are 75/80) and now it down shifts out of OD and seems to pull hills better than it did with stock tires. I guess the stock wheels were turning too much rpm and it refused to down shift until it slowed to about 65. The 225/75/16 tires cleared with no problem or rubbing anywhere.
Between the weight of the "E" tires and diameter, I'm thinking 4.10 gears would be a good addition. Also did pretty careful mileage calculation on a 350 mile trip last weekend of mostly 75mph highway driving and got 15.9mpg. Down slightly from previous trips but better than I was expecting. This is on very flat land with a 20-30mph head wind for half the trip. Good luck with the van. I'm sure getting some use out of mine!
An AWD with 3.42's and 29 - 31" tall tires is gutless! I highly recommend 4.10's. Mine are going in sometime in April or May.