32s! (255/70R18)

2036 Views 18 Replies 4 Participants Last post by Ex Rebel Owner, 11 mo ago

VirginiaDoug

Discussion Starter · 11 mo ago (Edited)

So, I figured I’d share the next chapter. Picked up a set of Jeep Wrangler 18s and 255/70R18s (32x10”) last week. Bought a new 2022 Pacifica AWD Touring L S today. Delivery Friday. I have a Journey’s Off Road kit in the garage. They’ll fit. I know JOR suggests a 31” max tire but that’s for people who aren’t willing to trim and melt their new van

EDIT:
WHY? Camping! My old Pacifica did not fare well on unimproved roads or in remotely damp Virginia clay. AWD should take me most anywhere I’d go knowing I didn’t have 4LO at my disposal.

The AWD drivetrain has a 3.73 final drive which can run up to a 33” tire before the effective ratio is taller than a FWD variant. Most of my Pacifica time is spent on longer trips where a taller net ratio would be welcome for fuel economy as well.

So fun. Should be unique. Stay tuned

(pictured next to my ‘19 Touring L S)

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VirginiaDoug

Discussion Starter · #2 · 11 mo ago (Edited)

Oh, and in the interest of not demolishing the new paint (as the tires will be pretty flush or even poke) I’m plastidipping everything but the roof, emblems and trim a matte gunmetal. Paint is the gloss grey metallic, so no real color change.

color for reference:

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pure_insanity

· #3 · 11 mo ago

Thats definitely going to be a tight fit. I have 255/65/18 and i have a little bit of rub on my front bumper, as well as my front wheel liners.

Your tires are exactly 1" bigger in diameter than mine so I found something that was 1/2" to simulate the difference.

Here's some pics of my setup:

Ruler Office ruler Grey Tape measure Wood

Rear wheel:

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I couldnt get this in all the way so the liner would need to get cut. Im not sure whats behind it though.

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Front:

Tire Wheel Car Automotive parking light Vehicle

You can see that I have some rubbing on the bumper and liner. Both would definitely need cut away. Again im not sure what behind the liner.

Tire Wheel Automotive tire Tread Synthetic rubber

Heres the front suspension clearance:

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VirginiaDoug

Discussion Starter · #4 · 11 mo ago

That’s super helpful! Thank you! I have pics of your van saved on my phone to show people the lift btw, so thank you for starting that thread.

I will melt liners before I cut them, but I expect some surgery. My spacers are thicker and, with AWD, I suspect my clearances will be tighter at rest. Unless I’m mistaken, the widest portion of your tires is above the narrow bottom of the fenders, where they sort of swoop back inwards? I’m relieved to see the strut may clear up front though, without punching them all the way outside the spring perch.

Thanks again.

pure_insanity

· #5 · 11 mo ago

No prob!

You have 0.8” more height than i do with the AWD. What do you mean by the bottom of the fenders?

VirginiaDoug

Discussion Starter · #6 · 11 mo ago

Not the fenders, I misspoke. The bumper cover. And on closer inspection, it’s an optical illusion. I had in mind the rear of the bumper at the bottom wheel arch area. It looked like it curved back inwards. It does not. So, an extra 0.8” may in fact help.

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pure_insanity

· #7 · 11 mo ago

Oh i see. Just don’t forget about suspension travel, and turning while going up or down.

I have to be pretty careful sometimes when maneuvering around.

snobrdrdan

· #8 · 11 mo ago

VirginiaDoug said:
I will melt liners before I cut them

The "liners" are like a felt-ish/carpeted style liner....not plastic

VirginiaDoug

Discussion Starter · #9 · 11 mo ago

pure_insanity said:
Oh i see. Just don’t forget about suspension travel, and turning while going up or down.

I have to be pretty careful sometimes when maneuvering around.

Yes, travel should remain unchanged in front but compression + turning will certainly rub different locations.

snobrdrdan said:
The "liners" are like a felt-ish/carpeted style liner....not plastic

Correct. However, they’re synthetic, soften up with heat, and will take a new shape with some manipulation. The object is not to literally melt them but smoosh them a bit where it helps avoid removing material.

pure_insanity

· #10 · 11 mo ago (Edited)

Ill give you credit for your bravery, haha.

It may be worth the extra few bucks to buy a second-hand liner and test out your softening theory. Also if you do get in there with a heat gun, be mindful of the fuel filler neck that runs inside the drivers side wheel well.

But if you decide to go down in size i would highly recommend the Falken tires I have. I’m more than happy with them.

VirginiaDoug

Discussion Starter · #11 · 11 mo ago (Edited)

Wheel Car Tire Land vehicle Vehicle

They’re not centered front or rear here. Just an aspirational photo. Haha. The rear should be fine with a little nudge on the liner bulge, though things may need to move behind there (fuel filter or whatever). The front is admittedly tight. It’s only 33-1/2” (at its narrowest) but if I don’t need spacers, they should fit with a little trimming.

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VirginiaDoug

Discussion Starter · #12 · 11 mo ago (Edited)

Oh! I should’ve gotten ahead of it, but it seems we already have a heckler! Hey, if this doesn’t make sense to you - if this is “not for you” - just move tf on. No snide comments, no trolling, no “Bro, it’s a minivan.” or laugh emoji reactions. The universe is broader than your opinions.

pure_insanity

· #13 · 11 mo ago

Who’s heckling?

VirginiaDoug

Discussion Starter · #14 · 11 mo ago

pure_insanity said:
Who’s heckling?

Sorry. You’ve been tremendously helpful. I’ve noticed on several (maybe every?) other thread where lifts or oversized tires are discussed, someone invariably pipes up to remind everyone their Pacifica is not a Wrangler. It bugs me. I would interpret laughing-emoji-reactions similarly. There are a few of those from the same user here so far.

VirginiaDoug

Discussion Starter · #15 · 11 mo ago

Regarding purpose: I’m sure most of us (Pacifica owners) were sold in part by the stow-and-go. I have had three yards of bagged mulch in mine with room to spare, have hauled countless engines (two at a time even!), transmissions, an entire AWD Audi drivetrain and rear subframe/suspension, plywood, lumber,,, all the (big) things. To my mind, unless you tow or frequently haul loose dirt, you’d probably be better served by this “minivan” than a pickup or suv… excepting 4/AWD, which Chrysler addressed with the 2021 models and which prompted me to trade out my “forever” van for a new Pacifica.

My son and I can now throw a futon mattress in back with our gear and set off, never having to break camp (<cough>RTT</cough>) or worry about rain ruining a good night’s sleep. Or, we can tent it while the ladies stay warm and dry in the van.

For the uninitiated, this is what Pacificas do when they’re not hauling families:

Car Vehicle Automotive lighting Motor vehicle Hood

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Plant Tree Sky Automotive tire Motor vehicle

So much room for activities!!! (or just a twin mattress, two people, and their supplies)

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VirginiaDoug

Discussion Starter · #16 · 11 mo ago

Test fit is a go! Slight trimming to the bottom of the bumper cover and they should clear. Pictured with the 32s jacked to the ride height I’d expect if Journey’s lift comes right in at 2.75” over stock. Another win: the Wrangler 18s clear the caliper and strut!

Tire Wheel Automotive tire Motor vehicle Synthetic rubber

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Ex Rebel Owner

· #17 · 11 mo ago

VirginiaDoug said:
Oh, and in the interest of not demolishing the new paint (as the tires will be pretty flush or even poke) I’m plastidipping everything but the roof, emblems and trim a matte gunmetal. Paint is the gloss grey metallic, so no real color change.

color for reference:

View attachment 50455
View attachment 50454

Better to wrap the plastidip does not hold up very well

VirginiaDoug

Discussion Starter · #18 · 11 mo ago

Ex Rebel Owner said:
Better to wrap the plastidip does not hold up very well

A wrap would work marginally better but a good thick dip is pretty rugged. We’ll see. I planned to dip it today actually, but was advised to let the paint/clear cure a while longer, so I’m waiting. Wouldn’t hurt to be a little cooler out too. Heat index is in the 100s here all week!

Ex Rebel Owner

· #19 · 11 mo ago

VirginiaDoug said:
A wrap would work marginally better but a good thick dip is pretty rugged. We’ll see. I planned to dip it today actually, but was advised to let the paint/clear cure a while longer, so I’m waiting. Wouldn’t hurt to be a little cooler out too. Heat index is in the 100s here all week!

A couple years ago my son dipped the chrome parts on his 200. They lasted only about 2 years and they looked kinda oxidized and faded that is the only reason why I mentioned it. I certainly hope it works out well for you. Put some before and afters on here somewhere!

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