General Offroad Mods

paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
edited March 2014 in Jeep
Let's hear about your lift kits, super swampers, and lockers!

Comments

  • mcdrivermcdriver Member Posts: 3
    I recently purchased a used 1996 Monte Carlo Z34 and I wanted to know if I could fit 20in. wheels on it, without performing any modifications to it?
    Or will I have to put a lift kit on it?
  • SylviaSylvia Member Posts: 1,636
    Have a question about lift kits? When do you need them?
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    Well this is not the kind of question where you necessarily believe what someone tells you and go out and buy four 20" wheels and tires for a lot of $$$, only to find out that it doesn't work.

    If I were in your shoes, first thing I'd do is go to a tire shop and find a mounted 20" wheel on display with tire on it, or if you can't do that, the kind of tire you would use on your 20" wheel. Then measure it front to back, top to bottom + width.

    This is ONLY a rough idea of what you have to figure out. Then go back to your car, but don't jack it up. Just see if the measurements you have can have a chance in hell of fitting.

    The problem is that even if it LOOKS like the tire and wheel will fit, it may still interfere when driving, and the body goes up and down and side to side.

    I always recommend that a buyer work out a deal with a tire shop to mount the wheels and tires on the rack and see how they fit, then if that looks okay, to drive it briefly. If not, they can sell you something else.

    You might also check in with our resident Tire Rack advisor who often visits this forum:

    Ask Conner at the Tire Rack

    He may have done one of these cars already.

    I'm sure Conner will mention this, but you should be aware of some of the downsides of 20" tires, which will be a harsh ride and longer braking distance.

    I'm not a big fan of lifting a car, as this will mess up your handling unless you further compensate for that height increase by stiffening the chassis. In essence, you've raised the center of gravity (think SUV).

    Hope this helps you, and let us know what Conner says so that others can share what you've found out!

    MrShiftright
    Co-Host
  • mcdrivermcdriver Member Posts: 3
    Thanks for the reply Mr_Shiftright. I will go to Ask Conner and let everyone know what he recommends. Gotta a lot of thinking to do, but you helped me out tremendously.

    Thanks!
    mcdriver
  • mcdrivermcdriver Member Posts: 3
    Conner recommends using 17in. wheels or 16in. wheels. Issues that could arise from using 20in. wheels include rubbing, handling, and clearance problems.
  • SylviaSylvia Member Posts: 1,636
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    I'm glad you got some useful feedback from him!
  • shetorshetor Member Posts: 2
    When you want to raise the ride height of your vehicle, suspension lift is the modification often done. Jeep, truck, suv and offroad enthusiasts are the ones who usually change leveling kits. This is for steeper ascent, descent and breakover angles, higher ground clearance, and helps accommodate larger rims and tires.
This discussion has been closed.