Well we have just been given a set of 285/75x16 Goodyear Wrangler MTR’s to fit to our second vehicle, a 93 Nissan GQ Patrol TI. These aren’t the brand new tyre that is due out some time in June, but the older one which we use successfully on our Prado.

Our new GQ has a 50mm lift and we weren’t sure if it was enough to get the bigger tyres under the guards.

After fitting and balancing, the wheels were put on, a quick trip around the block and no rubbing. This is great, no expensive suspension modifications required. We even got the car ramps out and placed them diagonally front to rear to really twist things and found just one spot, a front mud flap that rubbed so very slightly.

It was an easy fix as the metal bracket holding it on the inside just needed a slight twist and all was well. In the rear, the passenger side tyre when shoved up into the wheel well had less than a finger gap to the TI flair, but hey, there was a gap so all seems OK for our first trip out.

So if you’re wondering about 33″ tyres, the certainly 285/75x16 will fit with a 50mm lift. I doubt you will get 33x12.5x15 tyres working so well, that extra 25mm width will cause all sorts of rubbing.

See you out there!

Tip:

Engine Bay Protection<br> Placing a tarp across the front of the 4x4 minimizes water entering the engine bay by creating a bow wave, provided forward momentum is maintained. The result is less water for the radiator fan to spray over the ignition system, less chance of water entering the air intake and less likely for the fan to propel its way up to and through the radiator. Diesel 4x4 's are usually better for water crossings as you do not have the ignition system to worry about. Water in the ignition system usually results in a stalled engine and not actual engine damage, though this is of little comfort when you find yourself stuck in the middle of a crossing. Depending on the water depth, its advisable to climb out of your window rather than open the door and flood your carpets. To minimize stalling from a wet ignition, it's a good idea to spray all the ignition system with water repellent beforehand.