Why swap 20" wheels for 18" wheels?

[SerottaP]

In my experience off road vehicle owners opt for larger wheels and tires for
improved ground clearance. Yet I see a number of posts on the Marketplace for
folks wanting to trade 20" for 18". Can someone explain why? Thanks.

 

[BunLengthHotDog]

Larger tires yes, larger wheels not so much. The preferred rim / wheel size for higher than moderate difficulty off-roading is typically 17 inches, though 18 inches works fine. More sidewall = more versatility for airing down, side grip etc.

Ground clearance via bigger wheel size is usually an ill-gotten gain. Go with lifts and biggers tires vs bigger wheels.

 

[t3lcfe]

In my experience off road vehicle owners opt for larger wheels and tires for
improved ground clearance. Yet I see a number of posts on the Marketplace for
folks wanting to trade 20" for 18". Can someone explain why? Thanks.

For off-road, we need:
1/ bigger tire (diameter) to gain more clearance
2/ smaller wheel (16”-17” dia preferred, 18” dia is okay. Also more offset to protect the wheels) to gain more side wall / rubber for deflation and against rock cut on sides

 

[SerottaP]

Thanks for the replies. I've only opted for larger tires on my prior
4WD vehicle ('86 Toyota pickup) because I couldn't see spending
$$ on new, larger wheels.

So, if 18" wheels are more desirable than 20" wheels for off road,
why did Toyota put 20" wheels on its more expensive LCLC line?

 

[t3lcfe]

Thanks for the replies. I've only opted for larger tires on my prior
4WD vehicle ('86 Toyota pickup) because I couldn't see spending
$$ on new, larger wheels.

So, if 18" wheels are more desirable than 20" wheels for off road,
why did Toyota put 20" wheels on its more expensive LCLC line?

17”-18”—> LC (LAND cruiser)
20” or larger —> MC (MALL cruiser)

 

[NJ2VT]

17”-18”—> LC (LAND cruiser)
20” or larger —> MC (MALL cruiser)

This is a silly comment, I have 20s on my 18 4Runner and have had the SUV in places that most will never take theirs. Can 17s and 18s have an advantage sure, but a 20in wheel with 60/65 aspect ratio can be the sweet spot that allows for airing down on the beach, off road, and get alittle better handling. I also have 20s on the LC with 60 sidewalls. They perform fantastic on the beach, snow, off road, handle well, etc. Trust me we have all seen so many stupid jacked up off road Jeeps and Land Cruisers with off road tires that only see the Mall.

 

[PACruiser]

Some people like the look of the big wheels/fancy rims and the affect they have on the vehicle profile from the side.

Also, they theoretically allow more room for bigger braking hardware and cooling (rotors, calipers, more pistons). That is why the trend started with performance street cars and has influenced other luxury car tastes.

 

[BunLengthHotDog]

This is a silly comment, I have 20s on my 18 4Runner and have had the SUV in places that most will never take theirs. Can 17s and 18s have an advantage sure, but a 20in wheel with 60/65 aspect ratio can be the sweet spot that allows for airing down on the beach, off road, and get alittle better handling. I also have 20s on the LC with 60 sidewalls. They perform fantastic on the beach, snow, off road, handle well, etc. Trust me we have all seen so many stupid jacked up off road Jeeps and Land Cruisers with off road tires that only see the Mall.

I think the “MC” stuff was said in jest. It’s not that 20s can’t do any off-roading well, it’s just that 17s or 18s offer a little more sidewall for the things you mentioned above. This is definitely a “to each their own” kinda deal. Rock the 20’s and go wherever the LC can take you.

 

[gxsandiego]

I learn a lot everyday on this forum. Thank you SerottaP for asking the question

 

[D-mac]

In my experience off road vehicle owners opt for larger wheels and tires for
improved ground clearance. Yet I see a number of posts on the Marketplace for
folks wanting to trade 20" for 18". Can someone explain why? Thanks.

I don't think it was mentioned but another benefit of smaller wheels (and narrower tires) is to shave off some unsprung weight to help performance/mpg on and off road.

 

[t3lcfe]

This is a silly comment, I have 20s on my 18 4Runner and have had the SUV in places that most will never take theirs. Can 17s and 18s have an advantage sure, but a 20in wheel with 60/65 aspect ratio can be the sweet spot that allows for airing down on the beach, off road, and get alittle better handling. I also have 20s on the LC with 60 sidewalls. They perform fantastic on the beach, snow, off road, handle well, etc. Trust me we have all seen so many stupid jacked up off road Jeeps and Land Cruisers with off road tires that only see the Mall.

Man…just a bit joke and got crazy offensive called silly
You can take 20” or larger wheels to go wherever you want as choices! I am very open minded to hear all different opinions/suggestions.
Peace to all and happy LC

 

[NoMe cruiser]

It does really appear that the bigger the tires the less people will take it off road. See many posts on here people with 285/75xxx and of course “no rub”. It won’t rub in the Dairy Queen parking lot no. And lifts only help to fit bigger tires on the pavement.

 

[DoMoCruiser24]

Meanwhile somewhere in Arizona, theres a 1992 Honda Civic on 15s with 4 teenagers in it that made it all the way to the end of the 8/10 trail and they never even heard of onX…

 

[t3lcfe]

Meanwhile somewhere in Arizona, theres a 1992 Honda Civic on 15s with 4 teenagers in it that made it all the way to the end of the 8/10 trail and they never even heard of onX…

I saw that vehicle abandoned on side of the trail hahaha
Happy LC, guys
Be my guests/ friends and learn new/ benefit things together.

 

[LCdad]

A few more points - The factory 20’s are a bit heavy.

Second, by getting any aftermarket wheel, you’ll be able to get a bit more offset to move the tire out a bit for a better “stance.”

Also, if you go up to certain tire sizes, you may want a wider wheel too for the tire.

 

[Dangler]

Additionally, larger wheels with a lower sidewall make for improved road handling/cornering due to a firmer ride and less sidewall. However, ride comfort is better with a smaller wheel/higher volume tire. More tire/less rim can also reduce road noise in the cab.

 

[MSINAL]

I'd say that lower profile tires (larger rims) are more prone to wheel damage and tire damage/puncture through potholes. My audi with 235/35/ R19s has gone through 4 wheels and tires from pothole strikes and railroad crossings.

 

[Nor Cal Cruiser]

It does really appear that the bigger the tires the less people will take it off road. See many posts on here people with 285/75xxx and of course “no rub”. It won’t rub in the Dairy Queen parking lot no. And lifts only help to fit bigger tires on the pavement.

And I can confirm my 35's do not rub on the trail while fully compressed. So it won't rub at DQ or off-road.

 

[uraniumrich]

I'd say that lower profile tires (larger rims) are more prone to wheel damage and tire damage/puncture through potholes. My audi with 235/35/ R19s has gone through 4 wheels and tires from pothole strikes and railroad crossings.

That's an ultra-low profile tire!

 

[Area 51]

The only thing gained that is really meaningful going from 20" to 18" rims is the choice of tires.
Taller side walls are meaningless if not significant past an inch.
The 20" rims will tend to handle better vs 18" with the same tires.
Going to a completely different rim for off road is another story.
Sky's the limit.
Not hearing about any Hutchinson true beadlocks here yet.