? Size Wheels And Tires For Stock Zuki

[KJ2837]

I Have A Stock 88' Zuki And Im Wanting To Add Some Aftermarket Wheels And Tires But Im Not Sure What Size Wheels I Need(width)and What Size Tires I Can Go To Without Rubbing.i Think A 29" Will Work,is This Correct?i Want To Keep It Stock Because I Drive My Zuk To Work Every Day Because My F-150 Sucks Gas.you Dont See Many Zuki's In Nashville And When You Do They Are Trashed But Mine Is In A-1 Condition And I Want It Looking Good.also,i Have Been Told That Front And Rear Shackles Would Give Me A Little Lift With Out Too Much Fuss,is This The Case?

[Billjohn]

2" taller shackles will net you 1" of lift, but don't go too much taller or it will get ugly when the front decides to wander.
You can go to a 29" tire with a little clearancing. Look up under the front fenders and you will see where the metal edge points at the tire. Use a mallet to bend it back so that it doesn't cut the tire during articulation. You should also watch the clearance at the firewall. You can use the same mallet to 'massage' the firewall if you have less than .5" of clearance.

[Billjohn]

Oh, I also stick with 8" wide wheels. I have run everything (just about) from a 31" to a 35" tire from 10.5" to 12.5" wide. Go to a wider wheel and you run the risk of popping a beed. If you go to beedlocks - then ignore all of the above.

[KJ2837]

Thanks A Lot.thats What I Needed To Know.i Just Wasnt Sure On The Wheel Width.about The Shackles,is This A Somewhat Easy Job Or Do I Need To Get A Pro To Do It?i Can Do Some Things But When It Comes To Suspension's Im A Little Lost.also You Mentioned The Front End Wander:is This A Problem I'd Run Into With This Upgrade?

[Billjohn]

The shackles are normally an easy replacement, just jack up the vehicle and support the frame while you are replacing them. Sometimes they stick (old bushings) but you should be able to tap them out with a hammer and punch (or old screwdriver).

The wandering front end is a problem that is seen by folks that try to add too much lift through a shackle upgrade. If you make/buy shackles that are too long it will allow the front of the spring packs to move farther left and right (no matter how tight you try to make them). This is seen more when driving down roads that have ruts in them. Here in El Paso, it gets so hot that the asphalt roads start to form a rut where the large semi trucks drive. Your tire can get caught in the rut and follow it instead of where you turn the wheel. Kind of like trying to turn the wheel with a bungee cord.
Keep the shackle to a minimum (2" longer than stock which is 1" of lift) and you should have no problems.

[KJ2837]

Thanks,i Think I Can Handle That Job.lol.im Not A Serious Off Roader But I Do Hunt Fathfully And So I Do Get Off Road Just Nothing Crazy.im Just Want To Do A Few Things To Make My Zuk Look Better.the Paint Is Blue And Not In To Bad Of Shape And No Big Dents Or Body Damage.i Took Off The Plastic Rockers Panels And Added The Dimond Tread Panels.they Look A Lot Better And Keep The Rust Away.thanks Again For Your Help,no One Around Here Does Much With Zuk's.

[Billjohn]

Anytime.
Take a look at some of the articles at iZook.com in the 'tech' department... it should get your mind grindin'.
{grin}

[KJ2837]

Thanks Again For Your Help