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Technical => Wheel & Tire Forum => Topic started by: Buggytime on June 30, 2011, 08:16:37 AM

Title: Wide tires up front?
Post by: Buggytime on June 30, 2011, 08:16:37 AM

I have a street buggy, and I am wondering if I put wide tires up front, if that would be too much strain on the steering system?  My concern is at the bottom of the steering shaft, there is that waffled section right before it bolts to the steering box, which seems like it might be a weak link.
Any thoughts or suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Title: Re: Wide tires up front?
Post by: James Buchan on June 30, 2011, 12:08:56 PM

Im assumng you are talking about a 195 or 205 type street tire or? These sizes are no issue at all and I am sure larger are fine as well

The waffle section is a crumple zone for impact - dont worry about it for strength.

Title: Re: Wide tires up front?
Post by: 66DB on June 30, 2011, 01:31:15 PM

I've seen guys running up to a 245 on the front, although they tend to wear through parts a lot quicker (steering boxes mostly). The waffle section is plenty strong if it's not rusty or cracked, if you think about it a beetle weighs a lot more on the front end than a buggy and it holds up fine. I personally have run a 205 and now a 185, the 185 is a lot easier to steer (less effort) and they almost tuck under the fenders.

Title: Re: Wide tires up front?
Post by: Bruce on June 30, 2011, 06:20:02 PM

Quote from: 66DB on June 30, 2011, 01:31:15 PM

I've seen guys running up to a 245 on the front, although they tend to wear through parts a lot quicker (steering boxes mostly).

I'm currently using a 215 tire on a 7" wheel up front.  I see no difference in wear.  Been running a big tire up front for the last 150k miles.  all on top of the original 100k miles the PO put on the car.  My steering box, tie rods, and BJs are all the originals (with 250k miles on them)

Title: Re: Wide tires up front?
Post by: fukenbroken on June 30, 2011, 06:35:58 PM

Quote from: Bruce on June 30, 2011, 06:20:02 PM

Quote from: 66DB on June 30, 2011, 01:31:15 PM

I've seen guys running up to a 245 on the front, although they tend to wear through parts a lot quicker (steering boxes mostly).

I'm currently using a 215 tire on a 7" wheel up front.  I see no difference in wear.  Been running a big tire up front for the last 150k miles.  all on top of the original 100k miles the PO put on the car.  My steering box, tie rods, and BJs are all the originals (with 250k miles on them)

City driving. LMAO!!!! Maybe in chilliwack as the VW Hot spot with hwys to get everywhere 250k with original parts I call BULLS**T!!!!

Title: Re: Wide tires up front?
Post by: Bruce on June 30, 2011, 09:38:28 PM

Quote from: fukenbroken on June 30, 2011, 06:35:58 PM

City driving. LMAO!!!! ...............I call BULLS**T!!!!

Ever driven in Mexico?  Know what topes are?