New - Jimny wheel and tire query - Conclusion

Hi BigJimny-ers!

Just subscribed to this site and forum, as I have recently bought a 2012 Jimny 1.3L and need
some advice on fitting larger tires and diff lockers.

I have already lifted the body by fitting an 80mm suspension kit by Tough Dog and so I would
like to replace wheel hubs and tires. Of course I already really searched on the Internet for info,
but there are no clear answers to my problem.

I would like to know how much I can widen the wheel base, without having the tires extend out
of the arches. I have a choice between a 7x15in ET-13mm (outset) and a 7x15in ET 0mm
(no offset) wheels. Available tires are 215x80x15 or 235x75x15 (possibly Pirelli Scorpion).

I wonder which combination will give me the best widening of the wheel base without extending
out of the arches or increasing wheel diameter to harmful size.

Well, after some testing at a wheel-and-tyre shop I ended up installing rims of 15x7xET0 and
and tyres of 225x70x15 A/T of Maxxis make, only ones I could find at that size. The combo fits
just level with the wheel arches so its all MOT legal, I hope anyhow.

Only problem, there seems to be some slight random swerving at motorway speeds, don;t
know why, as I have a very good steering damper.

My thanks for the replies I received - exceellent Jimny site and forum

Not to sure about the offset side of things regarding the wheels but the. 235 tyre's are getting to the diameter of needing a rocklobster transfer box.

Everyone will be eager to know how the Chinese air locker gets on

jonesyba420 wrote: Not to sure about the offset side of things regarding the wheels but the. 235 tyre's are getting to the diameter of needing a rocklobster transfer box.

So you are saying that I might break things in 4L? How about on the road in 2L?

Everyone will be eager to know how the Chinese air locker gets on

I hope this doesn't mean they are expected to break soon!
I tried the one I have (in the rear) and it got me out of a spot I was stuck in (big pot holes
on a steep incline) but this is hardly a meaningful test. Soon as I replace the factory
tires I expect to try it out extensively off road, fingers crossed.

neok wrote:
I would like to know how much I can widen the wheel base, without having the tires extend out
of the arches. I have a choice between a 7x15in ET-13mm (outset) and a 7x15in ET 0mm
(no offset) wheels. Available tires are 215x80x15 or 235x75x15 (possibly Pirelli Scorpion)..

Well FWIW I'd probably give the 235s a miss but that's just me.

Thank you helijohn, this seems to be a consensus. So what remains is the 215x80x15 Pirelli Scorpion, I have used them on the Vitara I had for 8 years, before the Jimny. I only needed 2 sets, they lasted for about 85000 Km (50000+ miles) mixed driving, not bad.

As for choosing a wheel rim, it looks like the only way is to try one, remove a wheel and slip in the rim to make sure its within MOT.