I am about to get new tires for my 01 X SE, and wonder -- how big can the tires go -- without any trimming?

Steinism posted this query in this forum, but it was a ways down the thread (and I couldn't say it better --

"255/65R16 is the size that comes with the 2001 se x. i upgraded to the 255/70R16 which are 30's with no trimming required...i've heard that 265/70R16 which are equivalent to 31's fit with no or even a slight bit of trimming. "

What is the real scoop? Can a 265/70/16 fit the 01 SE without trimming? I'd like to keep the mud flaps and not alter the vehicle.

I'm looking at BFG AT's (considering GY Wranglers)

Thanks!

01 Solar Yellow GPS, Brush Guards, AT tires (a)T minus 1 week ...

[This message has been edited by shortbus pikachu (edited January 08, 2001).]

Well, I've heard of people managing to get 31x10.50's in (which are the same size as 265/70R16) w/ no trimming at all and keeping the stock mudflaps, but honestly I just don't believe it. I think at full compression they'll still rub. I have 275/70R16's (BFG AT's) and I had to trim quite a bit (and my ARB rubs ) You could almost definitely run the Canadian mudflaps, though...

I don't really understand the "no modifying the vehicle" rule--it seems like if you're going to offroad your X (as evidenced by tire choice) you will be risking far greater modifications every time you go out (read: body damage.) But it's your call...in case you're concerned the trimming really isn't a big deal AT ALL.

p.s. What's up w/ the name...are you Pika's evil (or maybe good?) twin or something?

Thanks for the input! Rub at "full compression" is the key, obviously. I'm going to check things out at the Big O Tire dealer tomorrow.

Good point on the risk. I may go with the slight trimming -- how did you make your alterations?

I am Pikachu's short bus riding twin I tried both names, both taken, so hey, what a great (long-a**) combo!!

[This message has been edited by shortbus pikachu (edited January 08, 2001).]

You can get by with trimming as little as this.



Garden shears work, as do a Dremel, coping saw, sharp knife...

I don't really understand the "no modifying the vehicle" rule--it seems like if you're going to offroad your X (as evidenced by tire choice) you will be risking far greater modifications every time you go out (read: body damage.) But it's your call...in case you're concerned the trimming really isn't a big deal AT ALL.

it's not a bit deal. i guess some people just want to keep their mud flaps. i know i do. i live in nyc and i want to protect my vehicle from anything that might get kicked up when i'm driving in the city and at the same time have protection when i go off roading.

where does that "no modifying the vehicle" rule come from? why should people care what others do to their x. it's all about individuality. don't get me wrong i get many influences from other owners on this forum and i apply them to what suits me. i hope that wasn't too philosophical.



------------------
2001 silver SE

As Ian said, pretty much anything sharp and small enough to get back there will do the job, I used the saw on my Leatherman. This link shows you how much I trimmed, which leaves me about a 1/4" free at full compression w/ the wheels turned (according to my friend, I couldn't see.)
http://www.beatdriven.com/xterra/tire_trim.jpg

It looks like with the amount Ian trimmed you could still keep the stock mudflaps attached (you might lose one of their mounting bolts but they'd stay on there fine w/ the remaining ones.)

------------------
gothamist -- MAXC member
http://www.beatdriven.com/xterra.html

[This message has been edited by gothamist (edited January 09, 2001).]

And with the amount Gothamist removed, much less mud and dirt is trapped on the edge of the mud flap.

Much better off this way.

Here's what I trimmed in the rear of the front fender well for 32's ... the front of the front fenderwell needed to be trimmed too but I didn't get pics of it cause I moved on to the ARB soon after ...

[img]http://content.communities.msn.com/isapi...&ID_Message=296[/img]

[img]http://content.communities.msn.com/isapi...&ID_Message=297[/img]

I've got a 2001 E and I ditched the General Grabbers at the dealership -- 1" torsion lift, a little trimming. If you're thinking about BF Goodrich M/Ts, you owe it to your wallet to take a look at the Futura Enforcer M/Ts (for 16" wheel). At $89 a piece you can't go wrong.
http://www.pepboys.com/tires/peptires/truck/futuraenforcer/

[img]http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1244072&a=9190433&p=36516653[/img]

[img]http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1244072&a=9190433&p=36516659[/img]

are those 265/70R16 ? if they are you needed to do that much trimming? they look good.

------------------
2001 silver SE

One thing to look out for when trying to save money on tires like that is the sidewall construction--are those two ply or three ply?

They are LT265/75R16's. Two-ply sidewall, but they come with an unlimited warranty for $2 ea. Also, I've heard that the stiffness of a 3-ply can actually lead to more sidewall damage in the rocks when aired down. I'll take 'em for half the price of the BF Goodrich any day.

Thanks for all of the advice and photos. This list is as kick-a as the X itself.

I decided to go with the 265/70/16 BFG A/T KO's. The trimming does appears minor withe these babies. Also, I've heard the 3-ply as a whole is safer off road and they also contribute to a smoother on road ride.

The tires are currently on back order. I'll post a shot of my new off-road wings once they're on...

Thanks again!

cool. would like to see them posted when you get em'. i want to upgrade to those exact tires and size. are you gonna go with the canadian mud flaps and if you do maybe you won't have to do any trimming. good luck man and enjoy.

------------------
2001 silver SE
auto 4x4

from the former shortbus pikachu...

Hey all, I decided "Shortbus Pikachu" was too damn long a handle. Just a little update... still waiting for the BFG's here in Denver. Big O tells me that the shortage is due to the FStone recall... they are supposed to be in this week. I will post pics once on...

------------------

I put 245-75-16 and had to trim this much [img]http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1435837&a=11103053&p=38723756[/img]

------------------
John O'Polka
SWXC Member #28
2001 SE 4x4
Goldrush
http://www.geocities.com/opolka_2000/

http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumList?u=1435837

Thanks for the pic, John!

Whoa, is that just a groove trimmed out of there? Have you seen your tires with articulation?

Dang, I'm really curious now to see the fit on mine. Tho is has more circumference, your 245/75/16 is actually 1/2" narrower than the standard 255/65/16 tire (this site is great: http://www.dakota-truck.net/TIRECALC/tirecalc.html


Dan.

------------------

I trimmed that with my cordless dremel tool. 1/4 inch.
The specs for the Pirelli scorpion according to discount tire are as follows

245/75-16
30.99 diameter
9.7 width

stock general grabbers
255/65-16
29.1 diameter
10.0 width

I really think the pirelli's are a little wider though. maybe my eyes playing with me though. If any one has any different specs on the 245 pirelli's please post link so I can see rather than taking discounts word.

------------------
John O'Polka
SWXC Member #28
2001 SE 4x4
Goldrush
http://www.geocities.com/opolka_2000/

http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumList?u=1435837

[This message has been edited by O'Polka (edited January 23, 2001).]

O'Polka

from those spec you gave it does not seem as though you would need to trim anything.

------------------

You barely need to trim any. I've had mine on for a week and still haven't done the trimming (hey, it's freezing cold here) I will trim them because they do rub a tiny bit once in a while, but it looks like John took off just about exactly as much as necessary. Which is good because I don't need to lose the mudflaps.

------------------
Eric Konarske
'01 Solar Yellow XE 3 Pk. 4x4

Woo hoo! The BFG TA/KO's are on -- one month, a new handle and 115 posts later.

The 265/70/16's require removal of the lower mudflap and trimming of about half of the lip. I did retain two screwholes on the flap -- some support if I add an extension later.

[img]http://images.ofoto.com/photos50/1/20/22/93/10/0/10932220103_0_ALB.jpg?v=1[/img]


I cut using steel cutters (up to 12 mm thick), plenty strong enough. The result looks fugly, I know. I have filed the rough edges since the pic was taken -- just using the small metal file on my leatherman. Next up, get rid of that step rail and get into some sliders!

The spare fit tight, but OK with no deflation. I have the Nissan hitch.

------------------
Dan.
2001 Solar Yellow
SE 4 x 4.

don do you have shots of the whole vehicle with the new tires. would like to see it.



------------------
2001 silver SE
4x4
JWT
HKS
WAAG
Surco
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1471505&a=11294707&p=39628578

My Xterra came stock with 265 70 15s and I have since changed to 31 1050 15s. Everyone is asking if the 265s will fit. Do you guys have different stock tires than me? I put the new tires on with no trimming....although I cranked my torsion bars up one inch.

------------------

http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1479294&a=11140594&p=38897161&Sequence=0&res=high

Greg Moultrie
00 Aztec Red XE 3-pak
4x4 Auto

You forgot to look at the third number...which is a 16. 2001 SE Xterras come with 16" wheels, and 255/65R16 tires from the factory. Most manufacturers don't make flotation sized tires in a 16" rim size, at least not at the sizes we're looking at. Therefore you have to buy metric sized tires, i.e. 265/70R16, which is almost exactly the same size as a 31x10.50x15.

------------------
gothamist -- MAXC member
http://www.beatdriven.com/xterra.html

alrighty....

I didnt realize that Nissan went to a different wheel size. Makes sense now.

thanx

------------------

http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1479294&a=11140594&p=38897161&Sequence=0&res=high

Greg Moultrie
00 Aztec Red XE 3-pak
4x4 Auto