Sambar Wheels & Rims: Just replaced original rims and wheels with 14" Mazda Miata Aluminum Rims and 14" Dunlap 165x65 all weather tires. Total diameter is less than 23", appears anything over 23" may require a lift kit. Needed to add 1" spacers for room between wheel and springs/shocks. Combo worked great and looks even better. Easy fix. No rubbing when tight turning or going over bumps. Very smooth ride and feels more stable. Running though the gears is also more smooth. New tires and wider stance greatly improved handling. Purchased used rims on Ebay for abount $65 each. Like new. Plain new rims (wider) cost about the same. Suggest bending rear fender lower cornors out ward about 1", front and back. Easily done with hands! Gives more wheel room on rear tires. Questions? Will follow up with photos and more information. Bosco
Picture of my Sambar with new [used] Mazda Miata Rims and Dunlop SP 165 x 65 R14 Winter Response Tires. One inch spacers needed for clearance between wheel and spring/shocks. Works great. No lift kit. These dunlop tires have the shortest total diameter tire I could find. Less than 23". Rides real smooth. Automatic lift of several inches with bigger tires. If choosing more agressive tires I would suggest 13" rims as there are many more tire choices. Note: Did have to retighten lug bolts after a few miles ... aluminum rims and spacers seem to "wear in" and need to be checked periodically.
One additional note ... there are 8 bags of 80lb concrete in the rear of the bed or about 640 lbs while driving over rough farm terrain. No problems! Tires came from Tire Rack , less than $363 for a set of four, free shipping, on Ebay & internet Rims came from Ebay, good used set $250, including shipping Spacers 4 lug 100 mm, Best Used Farm Tractor, $130, fast shipping, on internet On to electrical issues, wish me luck!
Tires and rims for Sale, 3 original rims and tires removed from Sambar. $25 for each plus shipping. All three for $65. Make for great spares. Brigestone R600, steel belted radials. 145 R 12 LT. Bolt pattern on rims 100 X 4. Came off above truck posting. Tread better than 50%. Rims painted camo with some rust on backside/inside. Can contact me at meadowtreefarm@comcast.net.
More useful information: Air filter, NAPA 6159, needs slight alteration to cornors. Napa is square & Sambar is round, slight alternation with scissors will make a perfect fit. Carfeful not to remove too much gasket material. $11,99. Spark Plub Wire Set, NAPA 700743 only $26.49 Bosco Rosco
Hey Bosco, I have a 2004 Subaru Sambar. I'm looking at adding Miata Wheels as well, do you know anywhere else to get a set of spacers? Also do you have a hitch on yours? Looking for a hitch for mine but not having much luck.
How wide are the Miata wheels? Do you need the spacers because of the wider tires or because of the wheels or both?
