[VirginiaDoug]

• 2022 AWD Touring L, S-appearance
• JOR 2.75” spacer lift
• 245/60R20 Michelin Defender LTX M/S

Oem 20” wheels (as they’re glorious) on 245/60R20 which measure dead-on 32” inflated with full tread - though the calculated diameter is 31.6”. I arrived at this size via calculation but found out later that these are the oem size on newer 4Runner limited trucks, and are readily available.

There was some slight rubbing initially but some dremel on little 1/2” sections of bumper cover, plus a heat gun and pressure on the fender liner worked it out entirely. I am running 1.5” wheel spacers on the rear but am considering removing them. The 245 width tires likely just clear the rear shock covers. I’ll report back what I find.

Anyway, I hope you all enjoy! Clearance, baby!!

Figured I’d start a new thread and reference the old one as that was a bit of an experiment - and I hadn’t gotten around to installing the lift. Link For Reference.

 

[VirginiaDoug]

Tech stuff and driving impressions:

This has been the plan since I got the van. The AWD model is not just AWD, but came with 3.73 axle ratios (all FWD have a 3.25 final drive). With the larger tires, the net gearing is still slightly lower than the FWD model which helps some with the added weight and drivetrain resistance of the AWD system.

All that is to say, it turns the 32s superbly. I much prefer the driving characteristics WITH the larger tires. If you’ve driven an AWD model, something about the 3.73s seems to forever keep the transmission one or two gears lower than I’d like. It almost never used its top gear before. Now, with the speedometer slightly tricked, or the net gearing being slightly more “sluggish” it cruises much nicer. Highway fuel economy is improving and even city seems to be going up (though I need more time to evaluate before I can say for sure).

It still accelerates just fine. The Pentastar didn’t need all that gear before. It just kinda revved itself without doing much more moving of the vehicle. Acceleration and overall driving feels like I’m driving my old, stock 3.25 FWD Pacifica. The change in shifting dynamics and general cruising rpm is very much welcome.

As for the ride quality, any spacer lift is going to increase preload and subsequently harshen the ride. It’s not as smooth as before, but then it doesn’t quite feel like a truck either. The tires are great. The increase in ride height was immediately apparent - you do have to step up quite a bit more to get in and out, but visibility is much more truck-like. I like it

The suspension install went well. Took three hours with one long break between the front and rear. I probably wasted 45 minutes too, trying to align my jack to lift the rear control arm into place without pushing the knuckle up and out of alignment. Wheel alignment was WAAAAY off after completion. I maxed front and rear negative camber before taking it in and just had the rear/front toe adjusted. They gave me grief at first because I had adaptive cruise but ultimately went through with it.

Vanity pics:

Next to a lifted Sequoia on 33s (admittedly lower than the Sequoia, but only just!!!):

Next to a 4Runner Limited with the same size tires. Considerably more real clearance. The lowest points may measure similarly high off the ground, but there’s way more crap under the 4Runner:

 

[pure_insanity]

Nice! What thickness spacers do yo have up front? Why did you run 1.5” in the back?

I opted for 1” all around and it seems to be a good fit.

 

[VirginiaDoug]

Nice! What thickness spacers do yo have up front? Why did you run 1.5” in the back?

I opted for 1” all around and it seems to be a good fit.

I don’t think the rear is necessary with the 245s, so I got what was available and inexpensive in case there was a clearance issue when mounting the tires. I’ll probably remove them. It looks good though!

 

[pure_insanity]

This is what i have for wheel spacers:

1" (25mm) 5x5 Hubcentric Wheel Spacers for Jeep Grand Cherokee Wrangle

This Wheel Spacer Kit Comes with Everything Needed for a Full Installation! Specifications Vehicle Bolt Pattern: 5x5 Wheel Bolt Pattern: 5x5 Hub Bore: 71.5mm Thread Pitch: 1/2"x20 Thickness: Each Adapter Measures 1" inch Thick Vehicle Fitments THESE SPACERS WILL BOLT UP TO THE FOLLOWING V

www.titanwheelaccessories.com

fitment was exact and the quality is good.

 

[AtlanticaPacifica]

Wow! Any idea what the ground clearance is now? Will this prematurely wear the half shaft/axles?

 

[VirginiaDoug]

Wow! Any idea what the ground clearance is now? Will this prematurely wear the half shaft/axles?

Ground clearance is bonkers. Measures ~10-1/4” up front at the crossmember and 11-1/2” to the rear exhaust pipe and rocker covers (the otherwise lowest points). Which means the clearance approximates a new wrangler rubicon - a deceiving stat (of course) because the wrangler’s axle is the lowest point and everything else is way higher.

Taking a more reasonable example, a Toyota TRD 4Runner has <10” of clearance to the crossmembers. Check out the pictures above. I am parked next to a 4Runner (Limited, not a TRD, but the Limited actually runs a larger tire).

Re: axles, I imagine the half shafts will wear more quickly, yes. How much faster? I can’t say. There isn’t any notable binding or vibration when taking off and turning so it’s not imminent.