(Home) Wheels

Hi Everyone,
Do the wheels of any other vehicle fit the 4WD Townie?
It is a 1991 TD?
Cheers
Kevin

- (#14706) Kevin , 30 Dec 04 12:47

Hub should match some Daihatsu and all Suzuki. The rim size and offset are a different matter tho.

You might scroll down the page a couple of messages to where one of the NZ/AUS contingent talked about Suzuki rim fitment...

- (#14706) david miller, 30 Dec 04 13:04

Thanks for the reply David.
When you say offset,what do you mean?
Will these rims fit straight on or will I need spacers?
This site is a God send.
Cheers
Kevin

- (#14706) Kevin, 30 Dec 04 18:24

Offset is where the mounting face falls wrt the centreline of the wheel. In effect, whether you'll need spacers.
To answer you question, no idea. You might ask Ron Kuiper...

- (#14706) david miller, 31 Dec 04 03:16

Do you especially want to change to a different type of wheel? If not I have some wheels from a 4WD TD 1990 available.

- (#14706) Derrick, 31 Dec 04 12:45

By my reckoning, if the rim slips on, and no interference with wheel nut, and if you measure distance of tyre from a point on the mudguard, or, if tyreless rims compare distance from point inside axle somewhere. This is done rims bolted on, car safely jacked, you will have tons of headroom to compare. Comparing tyreless rim to tyred rim is more difficult but may involve measuring tyred rim from underneath. Close enough is probably ok. Personally I would be happy with this. If safty is compromised maybe another would comment.....Some rims off light vehicles may be weaker? 4WD should be strong. Years ago I remember a mini breaker (we call them 'wreckers' in nz) friend who had a track mini, fitted HUGE spacers to increase stability on a tight track I think. An extreme case, looked ridiculous, like a squashed bug, more load on cv's and suspension, I think, (again), but otherwise, safe.

- (#14706) Frank, 31 Dec 04 15:17

If you get the offset wrong. you may cause problems, on all wheels, the offset could affect the loading on the wheel bearings, due to added stress. especially if you have to use spacers to 'adapt' the offset. This spacer problem can also lead to wheel bolts/studs snapping.

Additionally, wrong offset could lead to snagging on bodywork, or chassis components on steering of vehicle.

By far the most dangerous effect of incorrect offset however, is on the steering effect on the vehicle itself, currently the vehicle is setup to have a particular axis on which the front wheels turn, the incorrect offset, or indeed the use of spacers can change this axis, leading to skipping of the front wheels in corners!

HTH Rob.

- (#14706) Rob Drinkwater , 1 Jan 05 16:47

I jacked up my towni a couple of weeks ag and fitted a Suzuki rip to it , It bolted straight on , unfortunatly I didnt have a tyre on thr rim so I didnt let it down to the ground to se if it would foul the suspension the townie is a cr30G-pezx 02/1992 the suzuki was a Vitara 1992. when I dig out a 15" tyre and fit it to the rim I will Know more
- (#14706) Ron Kuiper, 2 Jan 05 00:28

forgot to mention that the suzuki rim is 15 inch my townie is 14 inch so the change in diameter will change speedo reading unless a low profile tyre is fitted also i believe the suzuki vitara may also be called a a santana or a samurai in other countries.
regards to all
happy new year.
ron



- (#14706) Ron Kuiper, 2 Jan 05 01:06

If you check my message further up you will find a link to a story with photos of my Ace running Suzi rims.

The Suzi wheels bolt straight up.

I run 205/70x15 Bridgestone Duellers and they fit - but I have removed the front mudflaps and bashed in the little tab that hangs in the front of the wheel.

You could fit bigger tyres but would need to wind the front suspension up which brings it's own trouble, and you would still not go much bigger.

As to the best option for changing to 15" rims - I am not sure if the name is the same but the Kia Sportage wheels have the same bolt pattern and off-set - a better solution but just too hard to find over here.

Lada Niva wheels are the same pattern and off-set too, but the standard ones are 16" and I just don't think you would get them under the front guards.

As to Rob's comments on the offset problems - of course I can't comment on wear directly as I have only had them fitted for a few months, but I have been told "It shouldn't be a problem" - my plan is to fit my normal rims and tyres for the road and change for trips - precisely because of the wear issue - but I can't afford to buy new tyres yet.

The handling of the van has become a little "sharper" but it has not caused me any problems whatsoever. In my opinion to run up against handling problems caused by this change alone you would have to be driving unsafely anyway. (Not denying Rob's concerns, but stating that by experience there is not that much difference in this case.)


No spacers are required, and in fact the offest difference is not great. It does make the van look meaner though!

In short, Note Rob's concerns, but the effect is not great.
For preference go the Kia Sportage wheels and sidestep the whole issue, but the Suzi wheels will fit.

Last note - the sliding door just rubs the rear tyre as it opens - so going wider on the Suzi rims would be a no-no!

Dave.

- (#14706) DaveW, 15 Jan 05 04:53