[xBTom]

I'm looking for help choosing the tallest tire I can fit on my xB. It's a 2013 10 Series, totally stock. I just bought my xB on Saturday, and then we had our first snow storm of the season on Sunday, and the 'Bs belly was rubbing across the snow a bit.
So for just for the winter months I would like to increase the ground clearance by running taller tires. I tried searching the net but couldn't find much info about making an xB taller and that's why I'm asking all of you.

The tire size I am thinking is 215/60R16 on the stock wheels. The 215s are about 1.25" taller netting me a gain of about 5/8" in ground clearance. That would put me at the same height as my last car that went through the snow fine.

So has anybody on here installed this size tire on their xB? Any tire rub issues or other problems I need to know about?

Thanks!

xBTom

 

[Paul1114]

I personally wouldn't do that, but...

On paper, 205/65/16 should fit. I wouldn't go any larger.

 

[xBTom]

So Paul, you're saying 205/65/16 with a height of 26.5" will fit? That's good to know. I was thinking 215/60/16 which is slightly shorter than you suggested (26.1" vs. 26.5").

Can anyone provide pics of these tires sizes on their xB, along with any suspension mods or wheel differences that may affect how they fit the vehicle?

 

[Greg S]

You've got plenty of clearance in the wheel wells for a taller tire. Like Paul said I personally wouldn't do it because the taller diameter will through off everything related to the tire rotation, but it's your choice.

 

[xBTom]

Thanks. How much clearance is needed between the top of the tire and the bottom of the strut plate directly above it?

I imagine lowered xBs have to keep a certain amount of clearance between the tire and strut plate, correct?

 

[Greg S]

I want to say the limit would be 27" overall diameter.

It's a lousy shot, but here is mine when I was test fitting some 18's for width clearance and you can see that from the wheel to the lower perch is 4.5-5" so I would think anything under 27" overall would be ok. Obviously you aren't getting chains on them if you need to.

 

[xBTom]

That's a great pic Greg--thanks!

After using various online tire calculators, the taller tires I want will have the tire .2" closer to the suspension on the inside and .2" closer to the fenders on the outside. Based on my measurements that should be no problem.

The tire will be .625" taller (5/8") and also have 5/8" clearance between the top of the tire and the bottom of the lower spring perch on the front. Again I don't think this will be a problem.

Now what I'm wondering is what (if any) probs could I have with ABS/VSC/traction control systems? I understand it may take longer to stop with the taller and slightly heavier tires, but will it turn on any dash lights or render these systems inoperable?

Searching online, I've read that factory ECU's can tolerate anywhere from a 3% to 15% variance in tire diameter. But I can't find anything specific about the xB. Are there any knowledgeable persons or Toyota/Scion techs hanging out on these boards that can provide more insight on this?

 

[Greg S]

In day to day driving I honestly don't think you have any problems with any of those functions. Both the stability and traction control are more related to differences between wheels as if you were sliding or slipping on wheel over another. The abs is where I have a concern but only because it will kick in a little bit earlier. Again not an issue in day to day driving. Just remember that your speedometer is going to be off and you are going faster than it says you are.

 

[xBTom]

Thanks Greg. Although, I'm not sure what you mean when you say the ABS will kick in earlier. Could you be more specific? Like, will the ABS will be easier to trigger in a panic situation?

 

[Greg S]

Thanks Greg. Although, I'm not sure what you mean when you say the ABS will kick in earlier. Could you be more specific? Like, will the ABS will be easier to trigger in a panic situation?

Yes. Since the tires are taller the rotation for a given speed will be slower at the center of the tire and will cause the ABS to engage earlier than it normally would. It's not an issue 99% of the time it only means that in that 1% it will kick in a hair earlier than it normally would. In a panic stop I don't think it'll make a difference because the brakes will be slammed on full force anyway. More of an issue in performance diving, which I assume you won't be doing in the snow.

 

[xBTom]

Quick update--on 11/23/14 I took the plunge and bought the larger tires I wanted in size 215/60/16. The tires fit fine with no rubbing and fill up the wheel wells nicely. In fact, two locals that saw my 'B first with the original tires and then later with the larger tires both commented (separately) how much better it looked after I lowered it. Since I did not lower it (it actually sits .7" higher) I was flattered.

Since then, I've only been able to put 110 miles on it but I have not experienced any problems whatsoever. No tire rubbing anywhere in any driving situation and no ABS, trac control, or any other electronic-related issues to report. Even some spirited performance driving failed to induce any problems (thank goodness, lol).

I'll post some pics as soon as I can. Unfortunately, it's dark when I leave for work and is dark again when I return home. I'll have to wait for a weekend to get some daylight pics. Such is the life in December in Northeast Ohio during the Winter. Thank you to everyone who took the time to respond!

 

[hikingmike]

That's cool, good to hear. Yes, please post pics when you get a chance. I do understand the current seemingly perpetual darkness

 

[box monkey]

I know this is a little late. Sorry about the delay. Haven't been on the forums in a while. Here are some pics of mine with 205/65/16's on stock steel.







....And a more recent one to show where I am on it. Sorry bout the dirty state.

 

[sootie007]

Cool thanks for posting ....This just confirms my 205 65 16 order ! I like the way the gaps are closed up with the taller tire at 26.5 inches vs stock 24.9 inches . PS here is a chart I made during my research to show the various ballpark sizes- rim combos for others to use....... J


SCION XB Tire Size Comparison

Specification Sidewall Radius Diameter Circumference Revs/Mile Difference
205/55-16 4.4in 12.4in 24.9in 78.2in 811 0.0%
205/60-16 4.8in 12.8in 25.7in 80.7in 785 3.2%
225/45-18 4.0in 13.0in 26.0in 81.6in 777 -2.0%
235/45-18 4.2in 13.2in 26.3in 82.7in 766 -0.6%
205/65-16 5.2in 13.2in 26.5in 83.2in 761 6.5%

 

[Beto]

Question on ride quality and handling? I believe handling suffers, but I'm more interested in a smoother ride and versatility. Thanks for your response.