Rock Crawler Build - E53 3.0L

[BavarianE39]

Anyone know the largest size tire I can fit onto an X without modification to the suspension? On possibly either a 17 or 16 inch wheel?

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[beamertruck]

The 255/70/R18s fit pretty well but youll rub a little. I am running the 255/60/R18 nitto terras and ive had no issues and got an extra inch of height.

[BavarianE39]

For a winter setup I've been looking at something like 235/75/16, since I have a set of dedicated wheels, wanted to know if the tires will fit, thank you.

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[X5nHI]

Originally Posted by brptrailrider

265/70/17 should fit the fenders but will require mods (cutting and grinding plastic crap) to make the spare tire fit in the stock location. There are other guys that have run this diameter (different size) on the forum. I run 265/65/17 with no issues. If I had it to do over, I would get 275 or 285/65/17 only a little taller and wider. This may require cutting up the spare tire area for a full size spare or get a swing away on the rear bumper that will hold the spare. It measures right but not sure if it will fit with the cutting because it is very close. Any taller and you have no chance of fitting it in the spare tire tray. You will have to go on the roof, cargo area or rear bumper. Roof is a bad idea. Ski racks reduce my highway mpg from 19 to 16.

Originally Posted by beamertruck

The 255/70/R18s fit pretty well but youll rub a little. I am running the 255/60/R18 nitto terras and ive had no issues and got an extra inch of height.

Thanks for the info on tire fitments brptrailrider and beamertruck. I'd love to take my racks off when not needed but the vehicle didn't come with the key - is on order by the dealer though. I'm almost tempted to drill a hole now but only a couple more weeks waiting first. Have not made a move on tires or wheels yet.

[beamertruck]

No problem, im gettin the SURCO safari rack to hold the spare tire. Gonna some atx artillery rims with yhe toyos and get the body spacers from FMU. Oh and gonna get rid of the airbags! Woop woop

[brptrailrider]

Note that FMU said their spacers will only work with rear airbags in an email to me about a year ago.

[brptrailrider]

Originally Posted by BavarianE39

For a winter setup I've been looking at something like 235/75/16, since I have a set of dedicated wheels, wanted to know if the tires will fit, thank you.

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Will 16" wheels clear the front brake calipers?

[beamertruck]

The spacers should worrk witth or without, as long a youve done a proper conversion. 16in wheels wont clear the calipers, I had a customer with a 2005 who wanted a set for winter they were too small, we had to install a set of spacers in order for them to fit (he didnt want 17s)

[brptrailrider]

What do you mean by proper conversion? How did wheels spacers make 16" wheels fit? were the calipers hitting the "spokes?"

[jsears]

Sarek, awesome build! I always thought the e53 would be an awesome platform to start building a capable off-roading machine.

While you may not be doing the Rubicon Trail (even stock wranglers have issues with it) you could probably tackle a lot of trails out there! I will be following this pretty close. I want to "beef" up the X5 in some ways, it won't be the rock crawling rig as thats the job of my Jeep. And yes they are easy to build up. But I something that is going to tackle some gnarly dirt roads.