New Wheels & Tires
One of the first exterior mods I wanted to make to my truck was a set of custom wheels and larger tires. These two items were to give Gold Rush a bolder, more custom look. But appearance is only one reason I wanted to add larger tires and wheels.
The vision I had from the beginning was to build Gold Rush for a specific purpose. That purpose was off-roading, overlanding, camping, and to bring others along on my adventure. So, the truck was to "be" the part and "look" the part of a capable off-roading vehicle.
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Since the truck came painted gold I chose the name Gold Rush and decided it's color scheme would be gold and black with a splash of red. As I progress, I will remove, as much as I can, all appearances of shiny metal such as chrome, aluminum, etc. That is the reason I selected solid black wheels.
Larger tires however add more than just a custom appearance. The larger diameter raises the distance between the ground and the vehicle's differentials by 1/2 the increased tire height. For example: I went from a 30" high tire to a 35" high tire. So my differential ground clearance was raised 2 1/2 inches. Also, the larger diameter offers a greater advantage rolling over obstacles, such as rocks, logs, and ditches. And a wider width offers more contact with the ground for better traction, especially when aired down.
I mostly went with the recommendation of the expert at my local off-road equipment / repair shop. He recommended a 17" rim because they are more common and lower cost. He then recommended Falken Wildpeak AT3 for cost and the variety of driving I would be doing as an overlander. I chose a 35x12.5" tire as it seemed a good comprise: larger than stock, but not too large. A tire larger than 35" would cause serious fender clearance issues, and possibility the need to change my differentials gear ratios.
Think about the reason you are modifying your vehicle and chose a wheel and tire combination that will best serve your plans for using it.
The vision I had from the beginning was to build Gold Rush for a specific purpose. That purpose was off-roading, overlanding, camping, and to bring others along on my adventure. So, the truck was to "be" the part and "look" the part of a capable off-roading vehicle.
Continue Reading
Since the truck came painted gold I chose the name Gold Rush and decided it's color scheme would be gold and black with a splash of red. As I progress, I will remove, as much as I can, all appearances of shiny metal such as chrome, aluminum, etc. That is the reason I selected solid black wheels.
Larger tires however add more than just a custom appearance. The larger diameter raises the distance between the ground and the vehicle's differentials by 1/2 the increased tire height. For example: I went from a 30" high tire to a 35" high tire. So my differential ground clearance was raised 2 1/2 inches. Also, the larger diameter offers a greater advantage rolling over obstacles, such as rocks, logs, and ditches. And a wider width offers more contact with the ground for better traction, especially when aired down.
I mostly went with the recommendation of the expert at my local off-road equipment / repair shop. He recommended a 17" rim because they are more common and lower cost. He then recommended Falken Wildpeak AT3 for cost and the variety of driving I would be doing as an overlander. I chose a 35x12.5" tire as it seemed a good comprise: larger than stock, but not too large. A tire larger than 35" would cause serious fender clearance issues, and possibility the need to change my differentials gear ratios.
Think about the reason you are modifying your vehicle and chose a wheel and tire combination that will best serve your plans for using it.