Need tire advice for XUV.

[1badXUV]

I have a new Gator XUV 620i with the stock black rims and Carlisle 489 tires. I would like to put more of an aggressive tire, such as a 589 or Mudlite, on it. I do not want to replace the rims and don't want to go up in size larger than the stock 25" tires that are on it for fear of loosing some power. The stock sizes are front: 25x10-12 and the rear: 25x11-12. I have ordered the 2" front lift kit for it to level it out but want to put some new treads on as well. What has everyone done with the stock rims still on and if you have upgraded to 26" tires did you notice much loss of power and what tire did you choose?

Thanks.

 

[TOMMYHPX4X4]

26"/27"589's you won't be disapointed

 

[1badXUV]

Tommy,
What size are you running on your HPX and what width tire did you choose for front and rear. I am leaning toward the Mudlite because that is the closest that I can get to stock. The front would be 25x10-12 and the rear would be 25x12-12. If I went with the 589s and stepped up to the 26" as you recommend, the front would be a 26x9-12 and the rear would be a 26x12-12. Or would you run 26x12-12 on the front and back. Would there be any problem doing that. What I am finding is that most ATV tires are either 8" or 9" wide for the front and 10" or 12" wide for the rears and I don't want the Gator to look funny with too small of a tire on the front but I don't want to put one on that is too big either. Thanks for your input.

 

[TOMMYHPX4X4]

i think i got 9" in the front and 12" in the back.i got the 27"

 

[Engine_Tech]

I'd be really careful running different sized tires, as that can goof with the on-demand True 4wd system. That system engages when the rear wheels turn 15% faster than the from (from spinning), but if your tire sizes get too crazy you could end up having that all the time. If you go up evenly front and rear, you'd probably be OK.

 

[1badXUV]

Thanks for all the advice. I just ordered a set of new ITP Mudlite XLs on ebay for $293 shipped. I went with 26x10-12 for the front and 26x12-12 for the rears. The Mudlites are about 5 lbs lighter per tire than the same size 589 M/S and Mudlite XTR. I did not want to rob any power from the Gator so I felt this was the best route for me to take. I can't wait to get them mounted and the 2" front lift installed. I'll have to post some pics after all is said and done.

 

[TOMMYHPX4X4]

yes show us some potos of that thing .

 

[Donegal TDI]

Could someone explain how the 2" front lift kit works, what items are fitted, how is it installed, and what's the part/kit number?
Also, can this be used with HD front shocks?
Thanks.

 

[TOMMYHPX4X4]

i think i used some inch and a 1/4 pipe nipples and cut them down to size and put a flat washer at the bottom to use as a stop . total price was about $5.50

 

[Donegal TDI]

Is this at the bottom of the suspension strut Tommy, where it sticks into the yoke that supports the wheel?

 

[TOMMYHPX4X4]

yes you have to take the strut out the strut housing and drop the flat washer down into it then the nipple and then another flat washer and then put the strut back in and your good to go.i'll tell you a secret though i took mine out and just adjusted mine up a bit and retightened the bolts on the strut houseing and it never dropped back down and thats without anything in it at all??? go figure.lol so in other words you probably realy don't need it just loosen the bolts raise the front ned and retighten the bolts back up and see what happens. i bet it doesn't move.mine hasn't moved yet and i haul some heavy stuff in my hpx.

 

[Donegal_TDI]

Thanks Tommy.
I have the fully glazed cab fitted, a heavy front winch and my own ample self on board. I'm ordering the HD front shocks today and will throw in a bit of lift for good measure.
Pictures will come in the near future.
I misquoted the time it would take me to get all the work done on my new XUV,
difficult finding the time, especially for the electrics, but well worth it in the end.

 

[TOMMYHPX4X4]

cool post us some pics of that thing when it's done. i got the deluxe cab when i got mine but i never got the windshield or doors installed .

 

[Donegal_TDI]

Rather than wait until I'm finished,
I suppose I could post a few pics of the work in progress,
if that's ok.
I'm currently fitting the gauges in the dash,
voltmeter, ammeter, clock & temp,
and rewiring the alternator
so that the charge shows up on the ammeter.
A cool tip is that if you have to remove safety labels,
this tends to leave nasty glue on the plastic,
use gasoline on a rag,
soak it in,
leave for 10 mins,
and it comes right off.

Remaining items,
wire front winch,
wire front spotlights and side lights,
fit front struts,
change out tyres for Bearclaws,
fit radio & speakers,
fit cab cooling fan,
fit heater
finish rustproofing.
Everything else is done,
and all JD kits fitted, except the heater.

Give me a few days.

 

[TOMMYHPX4X4]

did you disconnect the other stock charging system or did you leave it running too.do you have one battery or two. i would just pop the fuse out on the stock charging system if you only have one battery that way if you notice the alternator going out you can just pop in the fuse if your out in the field and your good to go.i kept both my systems running at one time one to one battery and one to the other battery.