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Old 01-07-2009, 04:12 PM   #1
andyanderso
 
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Increased ground clearance?

I want to have more ground clearance on my Yaris. I have the 175/65 R14 wheels and tires on it right now.

My first thought is to get bigger tires - anyone know how big you can go and not hit anything?
second thought - a lift kit?? any ideas?
third thought - hydralics? yeah baby, yeah!

has anyone successfully done any of these things?

thanks for the advice.
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Old 01-07-2009, 04:14 PM   #2
KCALB SIRAY
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Raising the center of gravity on such a short wheelbase is not something I would suggest, and ultimately that is what you are doing by raising the ground clearance. Why are you looking to raise the ground clearance.
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Old 01-07-2009, 04:27 PM   #3
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Are you trying to make it look like a "monster truck"? (j/k)
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Old 01-07-2009, 10:46 PM   #4
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It would be fun to have it look like a monster truck...hmmm some teeth painted on the side and big ole knobby tires...

anyway to respond to KCALB SIRAY -- I agree about the raised center of gravity. I only really want the clearance during the winter for driving through deep snow. I have to work early in the morning and the road isn't always plowed. So a temporary solution like bigger tires is probably what I am going to do.

Thanks kimona about the tire size...I figured I would definately be safe with 185/65/14 so it is good to know that I could go 195's. Do you know how much extra clearance this would give me?

I know everyone wants a lower car but somebody has to be that guy who wants something different right?

Thanks for all the help.

Last edited by andyanderso; 01-07-2009 at 11:05 PM.
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Old 01-08-2009, 12:27 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by andyanderso View Post
I know everyone wants a lower car but somebody has to be that guy who wants something different right?
True. You're that guy.
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Old 01-09-2009, 07:58 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by andyanderso View Post
I know everyone wants a lower car but somebody has to be that guy who wants something different right?
Here's what you're looking for with increased ground clearance:
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Old 03-07-2009, 02:18 AM   #7
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Here's what you're looking for with increased ground clearance:
Me likey the trim on that Yaris!
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Old 03-06-2009, 06:35 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by andyanderso View Post
I only really want the clearance during the winter for driving through deep snow.
My interest in raising would be to prevent underbody damage from rocks and uneven terrain. The trend to tiny wheels and minimal ground clearance in economy cars is definitely a bad thing for the car. The car makers seem to forget that many/most of the world's roads are unpaved, that speed bumps (speed mountains) are getting taller and more aggressive with all the trucks on the road, and there can be debris in the road at any time. A small wheelbase helps steer around the rocks and holes and over humps, but eventually you'll "thunk" stuff and scrape up your underbody badly. Even an inch can make a big difference.
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Old 01-07-2009, 04:48 PM   #9
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With everyone trying to lower their car, you are probably the black sheep on this forum.
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Old 01-07-2009, 04:59 PM   #10
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Gut the interior. I haven't changed out the OEM suspension yet, and my car is riding like an inch higher with all of the weight I've taken out of the car.
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Old 01-09-2009, 11:16 PM   #11
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Gut the interior. I haven't changed out the OEM suspension yet, and my car is riding like an inch higher with all of the weight I've taken out of the car.
omg!! i saw it!! i was like.. u goin to rally? hehe.. but u told me u havnt change anything yet... lol like ur monitor system tho!!
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Old 01-07-2009, 05:01 PM   #12
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You can run 195/65/14's on your stock steel wheels without any worries.
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Old 01-07-2009, 08:48 PM   #13
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I believe there are rubber inserts that go in between the coils of the spring that'll raise the ride height a bit. It'll also increase the spring rate. However, I'm not sure how it'll handle during cross winds.
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Old 01-08-2009, 12:02 AM   #14
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175/65/14 = 23 inches diameter
185/65/14 = 23.5 inches
195/65/14 = 24 inches

Your car will be lifted by 1/2 the increase in diameter...

You could get a second set of wheels and mount 195/65/14 snow tires on them. This way you have the extra clearance only during the winter.
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Old 01-08-2009, 06:45 AM   #15
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If you're going with snows on your OEM 14" steel wheels, then I'd recommend a 70 series tyre. You could go with 175/70/14 @ 23.7" or 185/70/14 @ 24.3".
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Old 01-09-2009, 12:05 PM   #16
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My move was to narrower, deeper-section tires for snow, ie, 175s instead of 185s, and 70 rather than 65 section. If you can get 75s, better yet. The larger the diameter, the longer the contact patch. The narrower the tire, the more it cuts through, rather than ride up onto, the snow.

I don't drive my Yaris in the snow, I take the Volvo; much better. I just put a set of Tiger Paws on it, and they are MUCH better than the wide Yokohamas tht were on there, much better.
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Old 01-09-2009, 12:29 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by andyanderso View Post
I want to have more ground clearance on my Yaris. I have the 175/65 R14 wheels and tires on it right now.

My first thought is to get bigger tires - anyone know how big you can go and not hit anything?
second thought - a lift kit?? any ideas?
third thought - hydralics? yeah baby, yeah!

has anyone successfully done any of these things?

thanks for the advice.
I'm thinking like-wise.
I'm TRD lowered and with the steelies and 175/65/14 winter tires (bought used) installed my sedan is very low. These winter tires stand about an inch lower than the stock summer set. My front lip spoilers is plowing when I'm in deep snow ruts.
I've researched a bit and found that 195/75/14 snows will stand at the exact height as the OEM rubber (185/60/15 stock on alloys) so next fall I may update my winter boots.
At least with the 195's I'll have the same ground clearance, instead of too-low for snow.
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Old 01-09-2009, 01:15 PM   #18
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OEM 185/60/15 = 23.7", while 195/75/14 = 25.5"

For snows, you'd probably be best with 175/70/14 = 23.7", or 185/70/14 = 24.3"
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