HOW TO FIT BIGGER TYRES TO A SUZUKI JIMNY GEN4
The GEN4 Suzuki Jimny has proven to be a popular vehicle in South Africa, not just because of its compact styling, but because it possesses many of the key attributes of a highly capable off-road vehicle..
- 4WD
- Low-range
- Traction Control – Downhill Decent Control – Solid axles front and rear
- Coil sprung suspension
- Excellent clearance angles
- Tight turning circle
- Square proportions
- Terrific visibility
JIMNY STANDARD TYRE SIZE
However, like all 4WDs, it’s not without limitations. In the Jimny’s case, that would be its standard tyre size.
With a paltry 195/80/15s fitted on the GEN4 model, the Jimny’s standard tyre size offers minimal traction and clearance for rugged terrain.
Although the vehicle boasts excellent approach, departure and ramp angles, ground clearance is a product of tyre size, not body or suspension height. This is particularly true of vehicles with solid axles where the diff housing doesn’t change with a body or suspension height increase.
JIMNY SUSPENSION UPGRADES
However, raising the suspension – or ride height – does allow for the fitment of taller tyres, and thus, greater ground clearance. Fortunately, thanks to the Jimny’s popularity, there’s no shortage of suspension upgrades to make this happen.
On that note, we spoke to the Jimny experts at Des Sol about what it takes to upsize the Jimny’s tyre options regarding suspension upgrades, body spacers and aftermarket bumpers for added clearance.
Jimny owners will also be pleased to hear that TyreLife Solutions stocks a range of off-road tyres available for the GEN4 Jimny, and the hugely popular Dirty Life rim.
WHAT MODS ARE NEEDED TO FIT 235/75/15 TO THE JIMNY GEN4?
- 50 mm suspension lift
- Aftermarket front bumper or optional trimming of the OEM bumper
Notes: The 235/75/15 tyre size will not fit on a standard Jimny and will require a 50 mm suspension lift. However, even with a suspension kit fitted the tyres will rub slightly on the inside of the wheel arch when the suspension is at maximum flex. Although peak suspension flex is rare, a body-lift kit will resolve the issue if your tyres are still rubbing. You will also experience a noticeable loss of power in 2H, 4H and 4L with 235/75/15s fitted. Transfer-case reduction gears will correct these issues with a -7% reduction in high-range gears and a - 77% reduction in low-range.
The abovementioned gears provide far more control when navigating rocks – and other tricky terrains – where careful driving and tyre placement are critical.
WHAT MODS ARE NEEDED TO FIT 31s TO THE JIMNY GEN4?
- 50 mm suspension lift
- Body Lift
- Aftermarket front bumper
- Adjustment to the castor correction bushes
Notes: Practically speaking, 31-inch tyres are the biggest tyres you can fit to a Suzuki Jimny before the costs and modifications become overly restrictive.
If you’re still experiencing tyre rub even with the body and suspension kits fitted, you can rotate your castor bushes a few degrees.
This will push the axel forward and create clearance between the tyre and the body; however, you will lose some castor angle, albeit a minimal amount.
Alternatively, you can install aftermarket radial arms, which are approximately 5 to 10 mm longer than the standard units.
Of course, the larger tyres will significantly impact the vehicle’s power, but the 31s can improve driver experience by increasing the track width and making the vehicle feel more stable. This is also true of 235/75/15s but to a lesser degree.
A transfer-case gear reduction of -17% high-range and -87% low-range is highly recommended. Alternatively, you can install 4.875 differential reduction gears.
MORE ABOUT DES SOL’s 50 MM SUSPENSION UPGRADE FOR GEN4 JIMNY
- Des Sol coils that provide a 50 mm suspension lift
- Four Gabriel HDP extended shock absorbers chosen explicitly for the 50 mm lift kit
- Extended brake lines
- Des Sol Cross Member
- Des Sol Castor Correction bushes
- Headlight levelling sensor bracket
