Hi all,

I'm currently running 235/55/R19 on 19 inch Shadow Wheels and am looking at various options when it comes to replacing tyres. I'd like to up the size to 255/55/R19, for the main reason that I'd like to put some General Grabber ATs on, but the only advice I've had around upping the size indicated that it would not be a good idea on stock wheels as is.

A couple of questions - firstly has anyone had any success running 255/55/R19 on a FL2 without modification?
If I did need to add spacers, would anyone have any idea as to how big a spacer would be required, and if so, what effect that would be likely to have on handling, speedo etc.

Final question - is it worth considering, or am I better off sticking with original size, or possibly looking to change wheel size to give more choice over tyre selection...

Thanks in advance for any advice given!

Hello Jimmyb,
I think your only option is to reduce the wheel size to increase tyre size, the overall diameter is the fixed dimension for the vehicle - 17" wheels have bigger tyres, 19" wheels have smaller tyres, but both have the same overall diameter. The speedo would certainly be affected as would, I guess, suspension movements, clearances, and possibly the various traction electronics.
It would certainly be worth checking with a tyre specialist on this, but good luck anyway.

Thanks Egipp, I thought that might be the case, but am torn between having the look of the 19 inch shadows and the practicality of having tyres that will be more use when doing the very occasional bit of off-road work...(not to mention cost savings of not having to replace 19 inch tyres.)
Decisions decisions!

Jimmyb79 wrote:

Thanks Egipp, I thought that might be the case, but am torn between having the look of the 19 inch shadows and the practicality of having tyres that will be more use when doing the very occasional bit of off-road work...(not to mention cost savings of not having to replace 19 inch tyres.)
Decisions decisions!

Hi Dave,

I'm still stalling for time on it as i can't decide! I've had the car just over 7 months and to be honest I've managed to avoid any serious off road usage so I may just stick with them as they are....they do look nice!

This may help http://www.freel2.com/forum/post117471.html#117471

There is 4,8 cm difference in diameter with no rubing on factory 17" wheels... 

Jimmyb79 wrote:

Hi Dave,

I'm still stalling for time on it as i can't decide! I've had the car just over 7 months and to be honest I've managed to avoid any serious off road usage so I may just stick with them as they are....they do look nice!

That link is quite interesting - however....
I took mine to Roberts Country Vehicles for a service very recently (really impressed with them by the way )
Spoke to a chap there who said as soon as you change the size to a wider tyre, you risk damaging the drivetrain and potentially other parts of the vehicle. I'm no expert, but that sounded too expensive for my wallet, so have left that idea. Still debating the wheel change though. I imagine that being as lazy as I am, I'll end up with a straight up replacement on the tyres that I've got on the same wheels!

ATB
JB