Want more comfort than my 20’s are giving me at present

[monsieurblack]

Hi all

Just after some advice please.

Currently have 20” Momo Revenge alloys on my T32, 275/40 tyres that’s been lowered by ~40mm I believe (all this was as I bought it) I genuinely love the look but I’m currently considering changing to a lite swamper look, just an itch I need to scratch I think!

with that said, I believe I’d need 18” wheels (to fit over the larger brakes I read?) to go with some thicker walled tyres. I’m hoping I can get away without messing with the suspension and can find a new setup that works with what I’ve got.

As I’m already (clearly!) out of my depth with all this and not sure on the specifics like if I have spacers or not, exactly how much it’s been lowered etc etc I’m struggling to know where best to start if that makes sense?

Nervous to go ahead and order anything only to discovery the new setup doesn’t work because of something I was unaware of.

What would you guys recommend? Imagine I’m best to go to one of the expert garages (like TransporterHQ, Vanstyle etc) and have them look over the van in person. What do you think?

all of this would be reliant on me being able to sell the current 20” setup too. I actually like the wheels a lot and have seen pics of the 18” versions with AT tyres on so could be tempted to just downsize? but anyway, like I said, just not quite sure where to start.

thanks in advance

 

[Gavinda]

I'd start with some pictures of your van as is.

 

[Pete C]

And whereabouts are you - could be someone nearby that a forum member could recommend.

Pete

 

[Gavinda]

FIT VW T6 WOLFRACE SAHARA 18" 5X120 MATTE BLACK LOAD RATED WHEEL & AT3 OFF ROAD | eBay

WOLFRACE EXPLORER SAHARA MATTE BLACK 18" ALLOY WHEEL & 235/55/18 GENERAL GRABBER AT3 Tyres - VW T5 T6. WOLFRACE EXPLORER SAHARA MATTE BLACK 18" ALLOY WHEELS & 235/55/18 GENERAL GRABBER AT3 TYRES- VW T5 T6.

www.ebay.co.uk

Something like this sounds like what you're after, the wheel/tyre package is slightly smaller in diameter to what you have now so there shouldn't be any issue with clearances or rubbing if you don't suffer from this now.

 

[monsieurblack]

Thanks for the quick replies, much appreciated

Pete, I’m in Leicestershire if that helps for recommendations and here’s a picture of the van (it’s from a year ago when we picked it up) ABT front end is going and likely be up for sale soon, hence thinking of giving some more off-road wheel/tyre setup a go.

 

[JOG]

Or, you could a save yourself a world of confusion and have a chat with @CRS Performance

Tell him what you have and what’s you’d like to achieve. He will tell you your options (regardless of whether you buy from him or not!) regarding suspension and wheel choices!

 

[CRS Performance]

Thanks for the quick replies, much appreciated

Pete, I’m in Leicestershire if that helps for recommendations and here’s a picture of the van (it’s from a year ago when we picked it up) ABT front end is going and likely be up for sale soon, hence thinking of giving some more off-road wheel/tyre setup a go.

View attachment 138678

It certainly doesn’t cost anything to talk to someone who understands these things . I chat to many people with issues like yours every day. feel free to call us , you will get solid advice and comprehensive quotes from a company with a bigger range of solutions than most

 

[Beejay]

Only need 17" to clear the big front brakes,
If you go 18" there is better range of tyre options in 235/55/18 plus load rating for T32
Practical option is 17" rim with 235/60/17 Michelin Agilis CrossClimate for a chunky look

 

[Paynewright]

The T32 steel wheels are about the best looking steel wheel out there - I picked up a set for £100 and had them powdercoated (another £100 for all 4) for a set of winter tyres. There used to be a company on Gumtree in Sandwell that sold brand new take off 17s for £150 a set.

If you’re not sure about the change this will be the cheapest route to try them out. Also, steels are a lot more robust / cheaply replaced if damaged following off road excursions.

Re suspension I’m -40mm. Tyres with taller side walls will normally make the suspension a little softer.

Here is my van mid wash - I’m near Lutterworth BTW.

Ian



PS - the latest Land Rover Defender 18” steel wheels look quite nice and will fit however, I’m not sure / not read if they have an official load rating. I have read they are very well made.

 

[monsieurblack]

wow. This forum is awesome eh? Genuinely appreciate all your replies guys, very helpful.

Super useful to see your setup Ian, having a definitive "this is X with a -40mm drop" etc is exactly the type of thing I needed. Just to help re-assure me that when I do commit that it's actually possible.

Busy today but going to take a read through properly later on and keep the thread going with updates and most likely further Qs'!

Thanks again all and catch you later

 

[T6ARF]

Another big recommendation for @CRS Performance here. If you’re not sure about your current suspension setup, then it might be worth a trip over to Cannock (not far from Leicestershire) to see Steve.

If you’re on lowering springs with the 20” wheels and standard shocks, my guess is the ride is quite harsh? I’m saying this from personal experience. Do yourself a favour and get the suspension sorted first…. you’ll end up spending more money and wasting time swapping things around if you don’t. You’ve got a great looking van with very nice wheels…. get the ride sorted and it will transform your driving experience.

 

[JOG]

Another big recommendation for @CRS Performance here. If you’re not sure about your current suspension setup, then it might be worth a trip over to Cannock (not far from Leicestershire) to see Steve.

If you’re on lowering springs with the 20” wheels and standard shocks, my guess is the ride is quite harsh? I’m saying this from personal experience. Do yourself a favour and get the suspension sorted first…. you’ll end up spending more money and wasting time swapping things around if you don’t. You’ve got a great looking van with very nice wheels…. get the ride sorted and it will transform your driving experience.

Top advice! Sort the suspension before shelling out big bucks on wheels, tyres etc as trial and error!

 

[Paynewright]

Here is a proper side on view (I was saving to post it on Sunday )

Would be good if someone could post pictures of these wheels with all terrain tyres on. Maybe just search swamper wheels!

 

[monsieurblack]

Thanks again all. Really helpful to hear the recommendations.

Still considering options as nothing technically ‘wrong’ with the van currently so bit of a leap for me to spend when what I’m planning is considered ‘unnecessary’ but I guess that’s what this forums about eh? inspiring us for a never ending spend on our vans ha ha!

but definitely thinking it’s something I’m going to go ahead with. Love my van how it is, but now I’ve had ‘that van’ and can get myself a new van by doing some mods/changes and see what I like.

got to decide exactly what changes I’m making; specific wheels, tires etc etc so sure you‘ll see me add some more questions/updates here in this thread, along with some new For Sale threads too as I look to help fund the changes through selling my existing bits!