Kei Truck Off-Road Tires, What Size To Buy?

[@krissfemmpaws1029]

Mike I like the looks of your machine with the lift kit and smaller tires. Many people are all about the look of the rig and forget about the function of the machine. With these little displacement motors these little trucks have, gearing is everything. Tall tires toss the stock gearing out the window, then the owner's grumble about how poorly the truck performs on and off road because of it.

[@Mikefestiva]

I 100% agree with you, these trucks work really well stock. It’s kind of amazing what a little 660cc engine can do in these trucks. I really enjoying owning a Kei truck. Thanks for checking out my new video and commenting 🙂👍

[@krissfemmpaws1029]

@@Mikefestiva you are welcome, I've had 4x4 rigs for 42 years now and all of them have been stock other than tires that were near stock size. My current rig I've had 30 odd years and it's stock as it came from the Toyota factory, it has over a million miles on it and it's paid for. I've been looking at one of the Kei trucks to use around the island so I can work on my 79 Toyota and do some much needed fixing.

[@Sheridantank]

So little tuning and whatever to get more power before doing tire upgrade? If it had a bit more power and better tire, it will do better off road. Might even want brakes and suspension upgrades. Can't want to get a Kei truck and do some of these things.

[@clooperman3745]

@Eliot Ness Yes, not a problem.

[@garlandhood9729]

@@Mikefestiva I have a 1995 Mitsubishi that Fouls the front plug easy planing to look foranother motor or rebuilding this one what do you think thanks

[@funnerthanbefore4947]

Function over fashion is my style!!

[@pondmonserfox]

I actually think the new wheels and tires look better than the old ones. Better proportioned than the old ones for that truck.

[@tihspidtherekciltilc5469]

My first car was a 79 Corolla I bought from my dad who recommended putting the mounted on extra wheels snow tires on whenever I went camping for a fifth gear/get in deeper trouble thing. Got it stuck on the beach a few times but I dug out, aired down more and shoveled sand into the trunk and got out every time with no help. Appreciate you helping everyone yet again.

[@051biohaz]

Nice real world test of the little rig, love how you call call all your vehicles “machines”…thanks for the great content dude..:)

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks for checking out my new video! 🙂👍

[@HimejiEndless]

Function over fashion, thats all i needed to hear!

[@itsa67]

Hey Mike - another great video. I have a 93 Carry and your videos are the most helpful on the internet. I have also stayed with the 23in tires and this video made me feel like that was a good decision! Look forward to seeing more of your projects with this one!

[@ironbison2]

I know this is an older video but I agree with you. I put bigger tires on my Jeep JK and regretted it immediately. Thanks

[@_autoverse]

Looks good on the Metro wheels, certainly suits the character of the truck.

[@barrylinkiewich9688]

Oh man, it looks SOOOOO much better with the new, smaller tires. They're so much better suited to the size and look of the truck that I'm actually shocked at how much I prefer them.

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks for checking out my video Barry 👍 My Suzuki works much better with these tires now. I do like the look of the smaller tires also 🙂👍

[@tomtruesdale6901]

Lot of great info there Mike. Something people also forget is those mini trucks don't have monster V-8s under the hood and larger tires take more power to get rolling and there is additional strain on the suspension and brake systems.

[@Mikefestiva]

Definitely 👍 there’s not a lot of extra power to spare. The little 660cc engine does surprisingly good if the vehicle is kept fairly stock. I think they produce about 48 HP. I have been really enjoying my little truck, but I also didn’t mind traveling out of state on my old DR 200 motorcycle years ago. I would always say it’s not always the destination that makes a trip, it’s also the journey of getting there. 🙂👍 Take care Tom

[@tomtruesdale6901]

@@Mikefestiva I am looking at getting one of those mini trucks for use on my farm and your videos have been a great help. I love traveling on my motorcycle. Back in 2017 I rode around the USA on what is known as a 4 corners ride. 7 weeks 5 days 13,632 miles. This is one BEAUTIFUL country

[@Ants_Pants]

Love the CNC table and the plasma cutter, very nice to have around. That mirror was diry as hell lol :D i love how you did a little cleaning on it just so you could barely see whats going on @ the side mirror.

[@tomblain2529]

Did not have time to read all the comments, but keep in mind that your pillow changed, as the first video you had a passenger with you. Still made quite a bit of difference with your ratios. Great choice.

[@BicycleFunk]

I just noticed that in your video you live super close to me. I'm getting ready to buy a Carry like yours this year and have appreciated your input here on the channel.

[@TheHomePros6221]

I love the new tires they look sooo good!!!

[@kiraware_kazoku]

私もキャリーを所有してましたがホイールのマッチングには苦労しました！ 日本でもこのサイズのホイール選びは難しいです！

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks for checking out my video! I’m really happy with my new tires, the truck does really well now on road and off road in the mud. What year Carry do you own?

[@kiraware_kazoku]

@@Mikefestiva splendid! I couldn't customize the wheels! Carry is gone now!

[@bradharris8307]

I really appreciate the video this week more than normal. Been stuck at home. So It really was nice to watch something educational and entertaining.

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks for checking out my new video Brad 👍 hopefully all is going good, take care 🙂

[@scottwaldruff448]

Really look forward to your videos. Can't wait to see what you build next. Also, love the music you use in the background, share who you use if you can. Always making something cool!

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks Scott 🙂👍

[@Liberty4Ever]

23" mud tires are definitely the sweet spot for on road and off road use. I wish there was a 23" mud and snow tire that fit the stock 12" rims. I'll probably just go with the 21" (145R12) Yokohama Super Digger II tires. I wonder if my local tire shop can get them in the US. Shipping five tires from Japan is expensive. I almost entirely drive on road but want my Hijet to be off road capable, mostly to crawl up out of my back yard with a load of tree limbs. Thanks for taking the time to show the details and explain what works and why.

[@cymans1164]

Hey Mike I just noticed your lower control arm angle on the kei truck may be the lower control arm ball joint at it's maximum drop due to your suspension lift you might want to put a 1/2 inch spacer on the front subframe to correct the lower control arm angle and wheel camber.

[@DoubleMFarmHomestead]

Nice video Mike. I found the same problem with the bigger tires. They really rob power from the mini truck. I am now running Sun F 22x12x7 on the stock rims on my '94 Suzuki Carry. They are great off road and not to bad on highway. I can reach 55 with no problem but they do make a lot of noise on highway. I am about 80% off road with my mini so I can put up with the highway noise.

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks for checking out my new video! I wanted to post this video to help the mini truck community, and share what I have learned, hopefully others find this info helpful 🙂👍 Thanks for mentioning your tire combo, that can be helpful to others 👍

[@dandahermitseals5582]

I'm up in the NE corner of Washington State a rock throw from BC n Idaho corners. WAAAAY off grid and up a gnarly trail above the snowline n we been basically snowed in for bout 2 months . Dandahermit.

[@Bdub1952]

Great video, and this little rig makes my Vitara look like a top fueler.

[@Mikefestiva]

Haha 😂

[@KowboyUSA]

Unless a vehicle's suspension system, gearing and body are being modified to accept them, it's usually best to stick with the size tires the vehicle was designed for.

[@DougsMessyGarage]

Or at least stay really close.

[@jram7047]

typically vehicles aren't designed for a specific tire size only. The issues found here are from an underpowered engine . Within reason most vehicles can upgrade tires with no issues, it just so happens that in this case the variable range is far smaller.

[@eyeballengineering7007]

Pffft. On stock gearing and suspension perhaps. "Always" is a huge blanket statement. There are many factors, but there are plenty of people capable of designing their own vehicle, let alone gearing some axles, or supercharging an engine.

[@Chr.U.Cas1622]

Dear Kowboy U. 👍👌👏 Exactly! I'm glad that the last owners didn't put on a wide body kit too. It would've been functional but made the micro pickup truck look like a frog. Best regards luck and health.

[@deepbludude4697]

F2 function over fashion been saying that for years, I used to have a 68 WM300 Dodge with 5:38 gears I had super swampers on it 33" or so, it would only do 45mph but nothing stopped it, I had a set of tractor tires for it as well but it was damn scary to drive it over 45 but it could do 55 or so with the huge ass tall tractor tires. Im looking for one of the KEI rigs! Back in the Ozarks now glad to see ya for my super time viewing!

[@Mikefestiva]

It’s good to hear from you! How’s life going these days? Any fun projects you’ve been working on?

[@richardpanhuijsen]

Its hard to get 13 inch offraod tires in the Netherlands. i have 12" wheels now. but i can buy 13"rims soon for my Hijet

[@jakewilsonwoodworks8152]

Another great video, I dig how you go into the nitty-gritty. That is where all the interesting things happen!

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks Jake! I really appreciate it man 🙂👍 Can we be expecting any new YT videos from you soon?!

[@jakewilsonwoodworks8152]

@@Mikefestiva You know I'd love too, but I've had to focus the spare time on the business. Never say never!

[@MrNosajwhitey]

Wondering if it's possible that the clutch is slipping in 4th gear and that may be why it is revving out and not creating more speed 🤔 just thinking that the bigger mud terrain tires may have put to much strain on it

[@jamesjohnson8661]

I just had a set of the forceums delivered yesterday based on this video. I'm picking up a set of rx7 wheels for them tomorrow since i have a Hijet. Wish me luck

[@jamesjohnson8661]

Update, they're awesome. The truck hits 60 in 5th and on a recent camping trip, I only had to use 4wd on a stream crossing when a back tire was off the ground. Thanks so much for the recommendation.

[@joell439]

Fantastic improvement. I actually love the new look better…. and not flinging mud all over is a major plus. 👍👍😎👍👍

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks Joel 👍 I like it more too 🙂 Hope you had a great weekend my friend!

[@fharrisstowe]

Are you comfortable with how much thread the spacers leave available for the lug nuts?

[@micklaporta4503]

yea the studs seem pretty short now

[@joshchamberlain9413]

the kanati mongrels are a typical atv utv tire, I have them on my rzr currently. stock rzr 900 comes with a 14" rim.. wonder what options would work from the powersports world

[@TheHomePros6221]

That thing is so stinkin cool I gotta get me one one day!! Awesome video mike!!

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks for checking out my new video 👍 How have you been feeling these days?

[@TheHomePros6221]

Some days are better than others some days it really sucks but I’m trying a new medicine so I really hope it helps I know it won’t fix it but it may help. Be safe God bless

[@acuraintegrar5]

Great vid Mike! I have to say i loved the look of the other tires but i get it. Im a functional guy too, and years back when i had a lifted TJ , tge first set of tires i had were 33x12.50, but when they wore out i ended up with 33x10.50 and the thing was insane off road!! Also seeing that tire machine brought me back to my tire mounting days in high school lol. Cant wait to see the next one! 🍻

[@ChrisWilliams-pu8pj]

Great video. LIke your mellow approach to things!

[@freegandavehartman8908]

We need to get back out there to visit! Miss you all!

[@Mikefestiva]

That would be great Dave! Would love to see you guys!!

[@captnjaygreybeard6394]

I ordered MAXXIS brand tires for 12" rims, my for my 87 Firefly (aka Chevy Sprint).

[@theTrueOverlord]

Mike, quick question, In your opinion what is the best inexpensive tig machine for welding aluminum. I have a hobby farm in Chehalis and I am looking for a multi purpose machine. Steve

[@MattLitkeRacing]

Hoosier makes a gravel rally tire for 13” wheels. Those might be interesting

[@DingDongDrift]

114.3 is probably the most common bolt pattern for most Japanese vehicles. Toyota, Nissan, Mazda, and a few others all use that pattern. Looks like the kei truck needs a turbo in its future lol.

[@dorsk84]

Mighty car mods did one... for overland. As usual they had fun with it.

[@TheAtkinsM]

Please make a video about how you get your plasma parts so clean cutting. I have the same table with a hypertherm 45xp and can’t get the cuts like you’re. I have tried feeds and still can’t get cuts like yours on 1/4 material. Maybe your doing something different. I would greatly appreciate it.

[@Mikefestiva]

I will check my cut speeds, but I think my settings are 80 to 90 PSI 45 amps on my Titanium plasma 45 and a I think the cut speed was 40 or 45 inches per minute, you can cut faster but I prefer a little slower to get the cleaner cuts. 🙂👍 ps that’s for 1/4”

[@bearddevil]

Mike, do you have any concerns about thread engagement on the lugs using the spacers? I assume the wheels are centering using the taper on the lugnuts, which is why you aren't worried about the hub-centric alignment.

[@kevinsedo6869]

The hub pilot to rim is to center the wheel and to support the weight of the vehicle ,not those 4 dinky little studs , what he's done is created a safety issue ,those studs are there to hold the wheel to the hub NOT carry the weight

[@seandoran6809]

Great video Mike love seeing the suzuki carry. More practical now that you have the right wheels on it, still looks great 👍

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks Sean

[@kennethbarnette6086]

Thanks for a great video. I have a 93 Suzuki Carry and a 92 Honda Acty AWD. The Honda will hit 67 mph stock. The Suzuki, 55 mph. The Honda set up is just more efficient like a front wheel drive car. The engine is sideways in the rear. The Suzuki is far more fun off road and the low in the transfer case has saved me in deep muck.

[@southernmudder2]

Truck looks awesome, could we maybe see a video doing some engine upgrades to see if you can get to 60mph

[@benjaminmccubbins8882]

That’s the tire changer I learned on. Great machine!

[@kervinco8563]

Nice Mike... Do you have a video about your front bumper and winch installation. 😁

[@randyhornhunter7449]

Could you show how your winch bumper is mounted? Have seen that bumper mounted removing the stock bumper cover but yours looks like cover in intact with brackets through cutouts in the cover.

[@Dylanz1994]

Have you pursued any upgrades or modifications for you engine or trans to increase top speed at all? i've seen supercharged sambars and was just curious if the carry's had anything in that area as well since i'd like to get one to daily but it would need to do around 60-65 mph.

[@tacticalrabbit308]

Great video , changing tire size changes the speed you are actually doing , take and have the speedometer checked for actual speed that you are going , you can do this with a stop watch and a measured mile .

[@Mikefestiva]

I just run a GPS on my phone to know my speed because the stock speedometer is in Kilometers. You definitely are right about tire size and how it effects the speedometer 🙂👍

[@DougsMessyGarage]

@Mike festiva Kilometers 🌍🌎🌏, LOL.

[@Mikefestiva]

@@DougsMessyGarage Well it’s hard to drive with kilometers when 332 million others around me are still using MPH so I’m probably going to roll with it.👍 I take it you use kilometers, try driving with MPH for a few days and see what it’s like? Who knows you may just like it 😂 Take care Doug 👍

[@DougsMessyGarage]

@@Mikefestiva I understand completely Mike, I just couldn't resist teasing a bit. When you are doing an apples to apples comparison, in you circumstances, using miles makes perfect sense.👍

[@carlstanoyevic3070]

Great video Mike,looking at purchasing one.

[@AD-yy3it]

I love the sound of it on the road, it's like one bank of a porsche flat 6 🤣

[@handyhippie6548]

i've got those forceum m/08s on my f150 4x4, and i really like them. they're not too noisy on pavement, give me good off road traction, and look pretty cool. plus they were the cheapest 235 15"s i could find. $305 for four of them with shipping.

[@maxjohnson1758]

Funny. In the last video he mentioned he always wanted one of these miniature trucks, though he didn't know exactly why. I feel the exact same way!

[@melchiorcaumo1678]

Hey mate. The boys at MCM channel made a turbo/intercooler mod on their K truck. Maybe it's a cool project for the future. Keep up the good work.

[@Gunge-vq2ik]

great truck love the new tire/rim combo!!!

[@Chr.U.Cas1622]

Dear Mike festiva. 👍👌👏 That was definitely a wise decision! Congrats. The exterior of the micro truck will be a lot cleaner now because the way too wide tires threw so much dirt. By the way: Please kindly allow me to suggest that you put on front mud flaps too. So the chassis will not always become so dirty. Thanks a lot for making teaching explaining recording editing uploading and sharing. Best regards, luck and health in particular.

[@Mikefestiva]

Yes some front mud flaps will definitely help out 👍 I have been working on a big project for my mini truck, I think you will definitely like this addition. I should have some videos of it up pretty soon.

[@paultrimble9390]

Mike looks like I got the same tire on my samurai in 235/75/15 but called thunder trac. Lol. Got lot side bite I like um. And it cut my power down. But I’m mostly off-roading.

[@calholli]

Another thing you could have done is mount your tire to something that it can spin on... and then you can grind on that center hole of the rim, while you're spinning the tire by hand--- this gives it the same effect as being on a "lathe and will keep your center hole very straight, even, and centered--- and you can grind it larger, to fit around the hubs you have.... I also do this on brake discs when they get that big curled lip on them, towards the outer edge.. Just spin your disc by hand (or have someone spin it for you)-- while you grind off that lip around your brake disc--- and it will turn out very straight and flat and give it the same effect as having your discs turned. It's not a super precise measurement---- but think it about how crude a brake caliper is--- it's literally just squeezing it with very uneven pads anyway. It works very well, and would work well on our rims too-- and help you get your wheels more under those fenders.. (It's only 1/4" difference now anyway-- your spacers are fine).

[@Mikefestiva]

Not a bad idea 👍 I my truck something like that, 1/4”’was more then it needed, so I bet grinding that center out a bit will work! Thanks 😊

[@bryduhbikeguy]

I too prefer form And function over looks.I'm glad to see that truck can do 50mph rather easily.I've kept myself looking for 5-spd versions just so I could do some highways when needed.You chose some very meaty tires and I think they're going to sell to more than a few car drivers for winter use.Thanks for all the information.

[@phatmeow7764]

i like how the video reminds us all regardless of what the purpose of our machines always consider form vs function yo! Sometimes it is unwise to sacrifice so much function cos of "cool looks"

[@hockeyfreak043]

Like the wheel spacers..pretty kool..

[@erwinmalimban2197]

Im planning on changing my tires to a 185/70r14 or 24/7R14. Overall diameter is only 3% bigger but width is 11% wider than those Forceums. Will it affect the gearing or is it mostly dependent on the height of the tires and not so much the width? Also, I have a newer R06 kei engine.

[@nerfherder4284]

Holy crap! I'm running 10"ers on my '87 Carry! Some 13" wheels would be great as a second set.

[@Mikefestiva]

Definitely worth keeping an eye out at the junkyard for a 1995 or newer GEO metro are Suzuki swift. 😊👍

[@HOBODAVE]

great video mike!!!!! function indeed!!!! thank you for these pure authentic videos :) every video is inspiring to DIY :)

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks Dave 👍 I really appreciate it my friend 🙂

[@technogatsby3935]

Mike, is there a 2 inch lift kit on your Carry to make the tires work on here?

[@krisley5178]

Interesting comparison. Good stuff there.

[@1rustytree]

Good info Mike ! I have that Daihatsu Hijet I was thinking of getting bigger wheels and tires now I may just get a little better tire for offroad . It never leaves my place and always off road. 12" wheels I believe.

[@toddstanley7804]

I put 25 x8 on artic cat quad rims on my dads mitsu mighty max, deffinenttly better off road, but required clearancing and powered it out.

[@patricknewsome1710]

im a fan of that bumper, is that custom bumper or what is it intended for?

[@aleckelsey402]

Wow,iam learning so much from you. I thank you so much for these awesome videos 🙏

[@peterduke6037]

Hey Mike, thanks for sharing the video. Nice shop setup you have there! BTW, which tire setup was the least noisy on road?

[@john.t.l]

Do your Forceums have a lot of road noise? I feel like mine get loud, especially when turning on pavement.

[@ultra4suzukisamurai679]

Looks so much better now! Nice job!

[@BlueAirsoftTV]

Love the look of those tires, having issues finding rims any other recommendation for rims that fit? I have a 1992 carry IIRC they should have the same pattern.

[@davesworkshop2714]

Just subscribed and looking forward to watching your videos! Found you through Ants Pants shout out! I was delighted to be included in a list with the big guys 🙂👍

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks for watching Dave!!

[@andrewsmith9980]

very interested in your which setup. can you provide details on it

[@ct2309]

Hello where did you get the front bumper and what winch are you running in there?

[@shedtested27]

Great video Mike. Very helpful. Think the new look is better. More integrated...refined.

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks 👍 I think so too!

[@anthonyhunt701]

Love the mph readout❤️

[@Anthonyhancock71]

I want those wheel spacer adapters. Any idea where to get em. I want to run 4x100. Thanks.

[@andrewsmith9980]

I have the same truck with dump bed. You have to give it more RPMs between the shifts. They will get to 120 kms. Over 60 mph..

[@christophermorin9036]

Would you also maybe recommend getting longer studs if you are going to run those geo wheels? The spacers took up a LOT of thread and I didn't like how little stud was left to mount the wheel.

[@eidolusgad]

Seeing that was making me clinch a little.

[@WhiskeyGulf71]

I think, don’t hold me to this, but i think that you will see a problem fairly soon with those spacers, the wheel is not supported by the hub any more, only by the studs. Otherwise why is that hub lip there ? Happy to be wrong.

[@Mikefestiva]

The rims I took off didn’t center on the hubs either.

[@jvazquez53]

Those little trucks are sold here in Puerto Rico at prohibitive prices. Up to $15K. Change those tires was a very good desicion.

[@renatotorrejos5641]

I'd love to do that balloon tire as well,, but i thought about the speed that might get sluggish, Right now, i am using 155/12 car tire, i can only hit more than 60km/h,, but i use to stay on 50km/h on highway drive, Probably get offroad tyre if i move to farm, hopefully 😁

[@thomasnoteboom1531]

Mike, can you tell me where the bed rack came from, love the content keep it up

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks for checking out my videos 👍 I built the rack, I have a video you would probably like watching on my channel of building the rack 👍

[@anthonypayne7929]

Hey Mike love the videos bought a vulcan protig 205 agree watching your video and wanted to let you know the metal Haig you where talking about that comes with the welder I just found them for sale at the Eastwood Company for $18.99. Keep up the great videos. Ant

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks Anthony

[@Smackvttv]

You should get a set of bias sxs tires for off-road fun

[@kanojoe1968]

Any thoughts on final gear ratio for these K trucks , I'm located in the Philippines and these sell these locally but I worry about 5k rpm

[@YardworkWithJohn]

Wouldn't you get the same speed/power effects if you kept the bigger tires (assuming you really wanted to keep the big ones) and lower the differential gearing so the final drive ratio would be the same?

[@Mikefestiva]

In a perfect world that is a costly ( more then I think it’s worth doing) but possible solution. The real issue is you will not find anything available in the USA for re gearing the diffs, maybe in Japan 10 or 15 years ago that could have been a possibility?

[@marcusbostrom7298]

I think it looks good with the new more functional tires! I really like that truck, especially with that "roofrack". I have looked tor something similar for my self, but its hard to find here where i live. Thank you for your video!

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks for checking out my video Marcus! I don’t know if you saw my rack build video? If not you probably would like that video too 🙂👍

[@alsouthern7190]

Enjoyed the info and always explained well.

[@BAMFWOODS]

Sweet. You gotta do what’s best for your situation. I am sure you will build a vehicle those other tires can go on. Pretty craft how those factors effect speed.

[@54mgtf22]

Love your work 👍

[@_rdque8274]

Great video!! Lots of useful info

[@thehcorps]

Awesome content with the size of the wheels and some modification details, Thank you! 🙏🤙🇵🇭

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks for checking out my videos! I definitely wanted to get this info out there to help others out 👍

[@MickyBellRoberts]

Thank you, I am busy looking at buying a truck from Japan. I have just subscribed to you.

[@androdiehl6596]

What muffler you running? Been watching your build for awhile now keep up the videos man there awesome lol.

[@JRGood-mm9yu]

Did you change the gear in the tranny? I had a truck with the wrong gear in the tranny and I was doing 45 mph when the speed limit was 55 mph. Didn't realize it until I went to radials a couple years later.

[@Mikefestiva]

I can’t do much about changing gearing, these trucks are hard to find those kinds of parts for especially different gears then stock. It probably would be easier to swap over to Samurai axles and change the gears out, at that point I probably would try and install lockers front and back?

[@JRGood-mm9yu]

@@Mikefestiva I'm am refuring to the plastic gear that controls the speedometer. It is on the side of the tranny and can be changed in a couple minutes. Sorry I let that out in my in my first comment.

[@Mikefestiva]

@@JRGood-mm9yu that makes sense 🙂👍