tankertoad

I've decided on some Michelin Cross Terrains for my wife's '99 and someone I met thought the RX is undertired and suggested going to 235's. Then, I saw one today with some 235 Goodyears on it and it looked fine. But I'm a little concerned that on a 6.5" rim, 235 is stretching it a little. Even if I did go 235, what noticable difference would it be from the 225's? I mean, I'm not exactly autocrossing in this thing. Any suggestions? Thanks.

LexRX

I think 235's will do just fine. Your sidewall will stick out a little more from the wheel. If you go with 235's you may try 235-65 (depending on the availability of that size) to keep the same aspect ratio, but if you go with 235-70 you will have a taller tire than oem - this should matter too much with your speedometer since it reads slightly faster than you are actually traveling - bigger tires will even that out a little (in other words, going with a bigger size tire you have a little room to play with concerning the speedo).

Michelin Cross Terrians sound good - I really like michelin tires and have heard good things about the cross terrain - the LTX/MS is also good and used as OEM on the Highlander. (I believe the highlander actually uses 235's)

If you want, try this website out to see tires sizes that will give you the same aspect ratio: http://www.damocles.com/~kronvold/tiresize.html

Swift Racing

The best thing to do would be to get 17x8" wheels and go with 245/60R17

LexRX

Wouldn't a 7.5 inch wheel suit the RX better? I figure 8 inches would be too wide to fit under the RX without spacers. I would like to get some 17's though...maybe 18.

malhokc

I took in to NTB to see if Michelin LTX/MS 255/65/16 would fit on the original 16" rim. Guess what, it did! The RX looked great; a little higher, wider, and more muscular. However, because I have the front brush guard, the tires did rub against the metal of these gurards on sharp corners. I had to go back to the originals. For those of you who don't have these metal guards, I think it should work fine. No need for the spacers. There is approx 1/2" (front) and 1/4" (back) clearance from the struts. If you decide to get them replaced, don't forget to replace the spare also if you have an AWD. Being an all time four wheel drive,the diameter for all tires must be the same. There is approx 0.7" difference between the two. Also regarding the spare, even though it will fit in the back of the trunk, the cover will not close properly. You may need a velcro, or some other means. It shouldn't rattle, since it is carpeted. It was 2hrs well spent.

LexRX

I'll bet that did look good. You didn't happen to take any pictures before you replaced the 255's? I have a FWD, but would also like my spare to be the same as the other wheels - maybe a 245 series tire. I may change to a wider wheel to so I am a long way from doing anything.

malhokc

LexRx,

Sorry no pictures. Had do remove the tires before I left the shop due to safety reasons (tires hitting the front WAAG grill).

LexRX

Ah crap. Oh well. I'll bet the WAAG grille looks good, I wouldn't put those size tires on my RX either in case I wanted to add one. Maybe 235 or 245 series tires would work.

malhokc

I am very happy with the WAAG grill. It surely makes the RX look more muscular. Also what's nice are the side bars. I'm not too crazy about the rear bumper guard. Also installed is the 3M plastic to cover the rear bumper, front bumper and hood to protect from rocks and people parking so close. I've had a few people giving it second look on these accessories. I just installed fog lamps onto the front grill. It is the same color as the ones you see in the other Lexuses (ES 300, etc)- bright yellow. I also bought these extra white (or blue?) bulbs for the rear back up light. They really look nice!!!!. Regarding the front, I had bought these blue HID bulbs..they do look very nice, however, I would caution anyone from buying these. Because it uses higher 80 or 100W, it has burned one my bulb connectors. Luckily, the dealership will replace under warranty. I have removed these blue bulbs from the headlights,foglights, and high beam.

Francis

Hello malhokc,

Would you post some pic of your RX with WAAG, 3M plastic,blue HID bulbs,bright yellow foglight.
Thank you

Francis 99' RX

LexRX

YES, please stop torturing me. Pictures pleeeease

malhokc

OK,

I'll be taking some pictures over the weekend of the brushguard, side tube, fog lamps,and the telephone installation. Look for it next week.

LexRX

Thanks malhokc