195/80R15 Tyres + Front Strut / Rear Coil Spacers

Hello People,

This is my first post as I just put a downpayment on a used 2009 Gen III today. It's a JDM import RHD (I live in the South Pacific) with 128k kms (80k miles) on the clock.

Viewed over 10 different vehicles and there are so many different spec and trim levels for bot Gen II and Gen III. I was very tempted by a 80k kms (50k miles) Gen II but liked the more spacious feel and general refinement of the III.

I love the drive and features, but the ride height is not ideal for driving out of town. The vehicle has a set of standard 15" prius alloys with 195/65R15 tyres which are 25 inches in diameter and give about 5 inches of ground clearance.

My daily driver is a 2wd Hilux running on 195/80R15s that are 27.3 inches diameter are excellent for roughly paved, potholed or loose gravel roads.

I would love to fit the same tyres to my prius but have been informed that they will cause clearance issues and rubbing.

I have seen these 40mm suspension spacers. If I fit these strut/coil spacers, can the 195/80R15 tyres fit?

Or, will I also need wheel spacers to make it all go together?

REAR


FRONT

 

195R15C(195/80R15) is a very common size in the developing world - cheap and forgiving for rough surfaces.

I have no interest in wider tyres or 'stancing' my vehicle, just want a little more protection from potholes...

I understand that increased ride height affects COG and worsens body roll but I am prepared to spend a bit on extra under bracing to counteract this.

My concern was if increased diameter tyres would cause rubbing issues when turning the front wheels?

I also understand that effective gearing will be 9.2% higher due to increased tyre diameter, will this create any problems for transmission other than inaccurate Speedo?

Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.

 

Thanks for advice. Have ordered the parts and will do some before after shots when job is complete.

Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.

 

Hi All,

My vehicle is a December 2009 JDM Gen 3 Prius RHD fitted with standard 15" rims and 80k miles (128,000 kms) on odometer.

Ground clearance at purchase was approx 5" on factory coils which is just a little to low to get in my driveway... only found out after I drove it home.

I fitted my new tyres this morning - 195/80R15s which are labelled as "195R15LT". These are replacing my previous 195/65R15s.

Fitted tyre width is unchanged, but wheel+tyre overall diameter increases from 25.0" to 27.3 - there is just over 1.1" more sidewall all around.

Tyre shop guy was sceptical of fit but all was ok. Tightest place was the spats at the rear where there is only 10mm clearance but motion there is up/down only so should be no issues.

The reason I have done this is that I live in a developing country (Fiji) with awful roads. We regularly have heavy rains too so it's essential to have at least 7" of ground clearance for safe driving.

After fitting I have 30mm increased ride height which is ideal for clearing local speed bumps (made by idiots), potholes and getting into my driveway.

I have ordered alu strut spacers for the front and urethane coil spacers for the rear to give me a further 40mm lift which should bring overall clearance to ~7.5" underneath. Safe to go down most gravel tracks when required.

I understand what I have done will reduce MPG and increase wear on steering and suspension, but it will save me on underbody damage. and things like bushings, tie rods, shocks etc have shorter service lives here anyway.

I change my oil every 5000kms (3100 miles) due to dusty condiitions. Booked for a transaxle oil change with Toyota WS ATF next week and will repeat every 50,000kms (30,000 miles) after.

I am not concerned about high speed stability - Fiji national speed limit is 80km/h (50MPH) and my average speed is approx 30km/h (18.5MPH!) as most driving is town and suburban roads.

Initial impressions after fitting:

• Negative camber at rear looks a bit more pronounced, will take it for an alignment after coil spacers fitted
• Ride height more comfortable, bumps in road less harsh
• Better forward visibility than before
• Acceleration less than before, may need to use PWR mode more often
• Steering turn-in a bit more understeery
• No rubbing on full lock which was my main concern about steering
• Speedometer is now MORE accurate than before! With the standard tyres it was overestimating speed by about 8%. Tested it this morning using the speed readout safety meter on nearby highway - that reported 39 with 40 on the dashboard. Will test again with GPS soon.

Overall I am happy so far but will report back on changes to MPG, I was averaging about 19km/l before (44.7 US MPG). My last tank took me 800kms (500miles) and cost FJD$80 (USD$40). Previously had a Pathfinder with 3.3 V6 and a misfire which was getting mid-teens MPG so anything over about 35mpg will make me happy.

 

UPDATE

I have now fitted the lift kit from (Items in tema4x4 store on eBay!)

Prius no looks a bit odd with the oversized tyres and large arch gaps.

There is ~8 inches of clearance under the nose and ~9 inches below the side rails.

Comfort has improved on (dreadful) local roads.

Body roll a little worse. I may fit some hubcentric spacers to widen the track a little at some point (5mm front, 10mm rear).

Overall I am happy and like it, think the practical aspect of having better clearance for the many deep potholes, puddles and gravel tracks here in Fiji is worth it.

.