Just purchased a 02 TJ AWD and I'm told I cant fit 17" wheels to it. Can anyone confirm this and explain the reasons why?

to my knowledge you can. i don't see any reason why not, i'm pretty sure series II TJ VR-X's and ralliarts came stock with 17s.

At all the training I have been to they have told us no you can't fit 17inch. Something to do with the sterring knuckles and suspension set up that is slightly different on the AWD

You can't fit 17's on an AWD, well not in the TJ series atleast.

I believe that this is also why the release of the AWD version of the VR-X in the TL series was delayed as they were to come standard with 17's

As far as I know, the only TL AWD VR-X's around at the moment are the competition ones, and they are running 15" rims :bowrofl:

I dont recall, apart from the MotorShow appearence, seeing any AWD VR-X's on Mitsu's webstie, or any dealers.

I wonder how wheel diameter is relevant? I can only presume that the setup of the AWD system requires a different offset wheel to the TJ2, and that Mitsu weren't able to strike up an OEM wheel from ROH in time for official release of the car. If you fit an aftermarket wheel with the same offset as original I don't see any relevance of the increased diameter.

I wonder how wheel diameter is relevant? I can only presume that the setup of the AWD system requires a different offset wheel to the TJ2, and that Mitsu weren't able to strike up an OEM wheel from ROH in time for official release of the car. If you fit an aftermarket wheel with the same offset as original I don't see any relevance of the increased diameter.
yeah i agree... unless the offset is different there can't be a problem! i'd go to a tire specialist and see what fits... i've definately seen TJ AWD's with 17's!!! so something must work!!

Just purchased a 02 TJ AWD and I'm told I cant fit 17" wheels to it. Can anyone confirm this and explain the reasons why?

Probably wouldn't be legal anyway. The difference in tyre diameter would probably outside what is stipulated in your transport authorities standards.

Local dealer tells me steering knuckle set up wont allow bigger rims.

I think its not to do with the rim being 17" or even 20" but more to do with the rim width being 7.5" etc., for a 17" rim???

Yeah i agree as if your putting on a 17" rims, you'd be dropping the profile of your tyre to retain the same overall diameter, correct? I'd say its because the smallest 17" you can get would be 7" wide, where as the standard AWD rim would be 6.5" wide???

17" x 6.5" rims are out there.I think some PUGS have them.

Really? Well i reckon they'd go on! Chuck on some 225/50 rubber and i can't see why it wouldnt fit?!!?!

ok.... different interpretation of the problem from a friend.

apparently... the 'rear steering knuckle conflict'... is NOT specifically a problem with a 17" rim (and its lower profile tyre) not actually fitting into the space available (steering knuckles or otherwise).

apparently its more of a prob that a lower profile tyre (which transfers more road shock to suspension components) results in more shock being transferred to suspension components... which in turn has resulted in cracking/failures of the rear steering knuckle suspension components (in some prolonged endurance testing).

SO.... apparently you can fit 17" etc.. .(if they have suitable offsets and physicalllly fit in the space provided....)...

BUT... you may have some bits of your AWD goodness fail/break/crack on u down the track.

(but then again... if u just gonna pimp it, thrash it, and sell it... who cares right :P)

WSD+AWD = pimp goodness.

PS: this may explain the VRXawd and rally magnas running 16"/15" full profile tyres with lots of rubber.

Slyfox got a TL VR AWD with 18" wheels.

yeah the TL AWD is a bit different again ive heard.

WSDsmurf

Quote: As far as I know, the only TL AWD VR-X's around at the moment are the competition ones, and they are running 15" rims
Quote: PS: this may explain the VRXawd and rally magnas running 16"/15" full profile tyres with lots of rubber.

15" wheels on an AWD???? where did they put the caliper. Aren't 16"s the minimum dia because of the bigger discs and caliper position? I wanted to go to this set up but have only got 15"s and those brakes fill the 16 up nicely.
Anyone with an AWD like to try some ones 15" spare :D , cause if I've been fed BS wont be happy :rant:.

the tl vrx awd's used in the rallies had some work done on the susp and wheels and brakes i think... their 15's weren't factory standard.