Okay, can you stand another tire question. What are the implications of equalizing the tire sizing front to rear on my 500i 4x4? The OEMs are 25x8x12 front and 25x11x12 rear. Mounted diameter difference is about 1/2 inch front to rear. In checking the ring gear and pinion, the difference in size does not appear to be compensated for within the drive train that I can see.

It seems to me having the same size has some gearing and wear benefits and I'm thinking 25x10x12s all the way around. Will they fit? Will I need spacers on the front? How big? What are the pluses and minuses? Will steering effort be so high with the larger tires it isn't worth it? Don't think I want 26s, but what do you think? There is a lot of experience out there and I value your comments.

New subject. On both my machines I removed the floorboards, ground off the welded on "pegs" (I really like the flat floorboard for comfort), and had them sprayed with about a 1/4 inch of Rino-Lining for additional comfort and non-slip. Love 'em and they work great.

Jim

 

Yes 10 wides will fit up front fine. Yes the front and rear differential ratios are the same, you could adjust your tire pressures to get the same diameters.

I don't see that you'd get any noticable wear benift by switching. The steering probably will be harder with the wider tire, depends on the tire tread you pick. I think my mudlites steer almost easier than the stock tires because of the tread pattern.