Hi, I'm looking to purchase a Carry within in the next few months and plan on doing some basic mods. I've been pouring over this and other sites for the last few weeks and I am still having trouble finding the information I am looking for, so, if someone could respond or at least point me to some definitive answers, that would be a big help! I'm looking at a getting a 4 speed with a diff lock and hi/lo. Since I will be on a 55 mph highway for short periods, I wanted to make up for the lack of 5th gear with some larger tires. I plan on setting it up with a 2" lift. My problem is: -Finding DOT approved rims -Finding 24" DOT UTV/ATV tires that aren't so aggressive that they would be ridiculous to drive on, on the pavement. -WTH is the rim offset I will need? -24" or 25"? From what I have read, 25" is going to rub too much. I live in the United States so this will be a 90-93 model most likely.
You won't find DOT rims but I got true 14" x 7", 114.3 x 4 pattern with a 4" offset truck rims off Summit Racing because I hate the ATV rim look, they are basically an off road truck racing rim, which is still stronger than an ATV rim, though not DOT,and used a 27" Buckshot Mudder truck tires, looks more like a truck than a UTV, which is what it is, a truck !
I read your old post but thought you were having rubbing problems and had a 3" lift. I'm going for a 2" lift and would like to keep rubbing to a minimum. Also 4x114.3 vs 4x115.... is it going to matter or not? I personally don't like it but if it's being done with no issues then............... I'm in? How is your truck in 4th top speed? Maybe it was someone else's post.... I've read so much I can't track it. FWIW I drove a 5 speed HiJett for a significant period on the roads in the Caribbean. I know the Suzuki won't be as fast but I need an on and off road compromise.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/bsw-47st4/overview/ ( these are the wheels ) 4 x 114.3 and 4 x 4.5 are the same bolt pattern, I have never heard of 4 x 115. I have a 3" lift with 300# springs up front no rubbing but did trim the bumper a little, and in rear the axle was swapped under the springs with 2" blocks. I don't now if they make 12" DOT, but your tire choice in 12" will be far and few between unless you want ATV tires thats why I went with 14" rims.
BIKER: What's your 20 ?? https://sanantonio.craigslist.org/snw/d/4x4-mini-truck-with-diff-lock/6687433101.html (This is my add).. This is what you really need to watch : (Rim Weight Carrying Capacity: 900 lbs. each ) As well as the tire load rating. With 2" lift , 275# springs, and heavy cutting you can go to 25" tires BUT they are going to hurt the top speed not help it. 23" would be a good compromise.
