Hello all,
I have a 2008 Mazda CX-9 GT purchased in mid '07. So far (withe the exception of warping rotors) we have been very happy for the 30,000 miles we have on the vehicle. But the kiddos are getting to camping age and we want to take the vehicle on dirt roads. Mainly we are looking for somethign with more sidewall than the stock 20" rims will give as well as a more durrable tire that will resist rock punctures.
Some Q's for those in the know:
1. Is there a cheap 17" rim that has proper off-set and will fit over the brak calipers? Something OEM Mazda is fine - if that's available and cheap.
2. If not, what is the cheapest way to get proper sized 18" rims?
3. What tire recommendations are there that will fit the wheelwell on a 17" or 18" rim?
4. What experiences have people had driving on rocky-dirt and washboard roads with the stock suspension?
5. Am I nuts?
BTW, I have done plenty of 4-wheeling with various jeeps and am well aware of the CX-9's chassis and break-over aangle limitations. My concern is avoiding damage to tires on the very rocky (although fairly flat) dirt roads common in the American Southwest.
Thanks in Advance!
JT
I have a 2008 Mazda CX-9 GT purchased in mid '07. So far (withe the exception of warping rotors) we have been very happy for the 30,000 miles we have on the vehicle. But the kiddos are getting to camping age and we want to take the vehicle on dirt roads. Mainly we are looking for somethign with more sidewall than the stock 20" rims will give as well as a more durrable tire that will resist rock punctures.
Some Q's for those in the know:
1. Is there a cheap 17" rim that has proper off-set and will fit over the brak calipers? Something OEM Mazda is fine - if that's available and cheap.
2. If not, what is the cheapest way to get proper sized 18" rims?
3. What tire recommendations are there that will fit the wheelwell on a 17" or 18" rim?
4. What experiences have people had driving on rocky-dirt and washboard roads with the stock suspension?
5. Am I nuts?
BTW, I have done plenty of 4-wheeling with various jeeps and am well aware of the CX-9's chassis and break-over aangle limitations. My concern is avoiding damage to tires on the very rocky (although fairly flat) dirt roads common in the American Southwest.
Thanks in Advance!
JT