Hey there, off-road enthusiasts! Are you ready to transform your Nissan Patrol into a trail-blazing beast? One of the most impactful upgrades you can make is fitting it with 35-inch tires. This seemingly simple change unlocks a whole new world of capability, allowing you to tackle tougher terrains, improve ground clearance, and turn heads wherever you go. In this article, we'll dive deep into everything you need to know about equipping your Nissan Patrol with 35-inch tires, from the benefits and considerations to the modifications and maintenance required. Get ready to elevate your off-roading game!

Why Choose 35-Inch Tires for Your Nissan Patrol?

So, why the obsession with 35-inch tires? Well, the advantages are pretty compelling, guys. First and foremost, you're going to see a significant boost in ground clearance. This means you can confidently navigate over larger obstacles like rocks, logs, and deep ruts without scraping your Patrol's underbelly. The extra height provided by the 35-inch tires lifts the entire vehicle, giving you more space to clear those challenging features on the trail. This increased clearance is essential for avoiding damage and keeping your adventure moving forward. It’s like giving your Patrol a fresh set of legs that are super long and super strong!

Beyond ground clearance, 35-inch tires dramatically improve your approach, departure, and breakover angles. These angles determine your vehicle's ability to navigate steep inclines and declines without getting hung up. With larger tires, these angles improve significantly, allowing you to tackle steeper hills and navigate through tougher sections with greater ease. Picture yourself scaling rocky inclines that once seemed impossible; with 35s, it becomes a much more manageable feat. That makes any off-roading trip a lot less stressful. But that's not all. The larger footprint of 35-inch tires provides increased traction, which translates to superior grip on various surfaces. Whether you're crawling over loose rocks, powering through mud, or traversing sandy dunes, the increased surface area of the tires will help your Patrol maintain its grip and propel you forward. This improved traction is a game-changer when it comes to tackling challenging off-road conditions and getting you through those tricky spots. The extra grip will help you feel more in control while you’re out there pushing the limits. And let's be honest, 35-inch tires just look incredibly cool. They give your Patrol an aggressive, rugged stance that screams adventure. It's a visual upgrade that instantly transforms your vehicle's appearance and signals its off-road prowess. It gives your ride that tough, ready-for-anything look, letting everyone know you're serious about your off-roading game.

Modifications and Considerations for 35-Inch Tires

Alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. Fitting 35-inch tires to your Nissan Patrol isn’t as simple as just bolting them on. There are several modifications and considerations you need to take into account to ensure everything works smoothly and safely. First and foremost, you'll almost certainly need a lift kit. A lift kit raises your vehicle's suspension, providing the necessary clearance for the larger tires. The amount of lift required will vary depending on the specific tire size and your Patrol's model, but expect to need at least a 2-inch lift, and potentially more. The lift kit consists of new springs, shocks, and often other components like control arms and sway bar links. Choosing the right lift kit is super important, so do your research and select a reputable brand with a good reputation for quality and performance. If you want to run these tires, you’ll be doing a lot of things. So be sure it is set up to handle it.

Next up, you'll need to consider your Patrol's gearing. Larger tires change your vehicle's final drive ratio, which can impact its performance. To compensate for this, you may need to re-gear your axles. Re-gearing involves replacing the gears in your front and rear differentials to restore the vehicle's original performance characteristics. This is especially important for maintaining acceleration, towing capacity, and overall drivability. If you don't re-gear, your Patrol might feel sluggish, and you could potentially put extra strain on your engine and transmission. Don’t want to mess up the powertrain. Also, if you’re looking to get the best performance from your rig, you really have to consider this step. Your brakes will also need some attention. When you increase the tire size on your Nissan Patrol, you increase the rotating mass, meaning the brakes will have to work harder to stop the vehicle. Upgrading your brakes with larger rotors, calipers, and pads can improve braking performance and safety, especially when off-roading. Stopping is crucial, especially when you are out on the trails. It's all about safety, so consider upgrading your braking system. Finally, you may need to trim your fenders or install aftermarket fender flares to prevent the tires from rubbing. This is a common issue with larger tires, and it’s a necessary step to avoid damage to your tires and fenders. Trimming your fenders involves cutting away a portion of the fender to provide more clearance. Fender flares, on the other hand, extend the fender outwards, providing more coverage. Consider all these factors when getting the 35 inch tires.

Choosing the Right 35-Inch Tires for Your Patrol

Alright, so you're ready to pick out some 35-inch tires. Awesome! But with so many options, how do you choose the right ones for your Nissan Patrol? First, consider the type of terrain you'll be tackling. There are several categories of tires, each designed for different types of off-roading. All-Terrain (AT) tires offer a good balance of on-road comfort and off-road capability. They're a great choice for daily drivers who also enjoy occasional off-road adventures. They're versatile and dependable, but they might not be the best choice for extreme terrains.

Mud-Terrain (MT) tires are designed for the most challenging off-road conditions, such as mud, rocks, and loose surfaces. They have aggressive tread patterns that provide excellent traction in these conditions. However, they can be noisy and less comfortable on the road. They are great for the serious off-roader. And finally, Hybrid Terrain (HT) are somewhere in the middle, offering a balance of on-road manners and off-road traction. They provide more aggressive tread patterns than AT tires, but are less aggressive than MT tires. HT tires are a great choice for people looking for a good compromise. You also need to think about the tire's construction. Look for tires with a high load rating and robust sidewalls, especially if you plan on doing a lot of serious off-roading. The sidewalls protect the tire from punctures and provide stability on uneven terrain. When selecting tires, also think about the tread pattern. Choose a pattern that suits the terrain you'll be driving on. Aggressive tread patterns with large voids are great for mud and rocks, while more tightly spaced tread patterns are better for sand and hard-packed surfaces. Also, make sure that the tires you choose are compatible with your wheels. Check the tire size and bolt pattern to ensure a proper fit. You also want to consider the tire's brand and reputation. Do some research and read reviews to get an idea of the tire's performance and durability. Look for brands with a solid reputation for quality and customer satisfaction. The right tires can make all the difference, so take your time and choose wisely. You will be very happy with your decision, no matter what you choose!

Maintaining Your 35-Inch Tires

Once you've got those 35-inch tires mounted on your Nissan Patrol, proper maintenance is key to maximizing their lifespan and performance. The most important thing is to regularly check and maintain the correct tire pressure. Underinflated tires can lead to poor handling, reduced fuel economy, and increased wear, while overinflated tires can reduce grip and ride comfort. Consult your vehicle's owner's manual or the tire sidewall for the recommended tire pressure. You'll likely need to adjust the pressure depending on the terrain you're driving on.

Rotating your tires regularly helps to ensure even wear and extends their lifespan. Follow the tire rotation pattern recommended by your tire manufacturer or a trusted mechanic. You should also inspect your tires regularly for signs of damage, such as cuts, punctures, or uneven wear. If you find any damage, have the tires inspected by a professional. Also, when you are out there, keep an eye on your alignment. Larger tires can affect your vehicle's alignment, so get it checked periodically. Proper alignment ensures even tire wear and optimal handling. And of course, keep those tires clean! Wash your tires and wheels regularly to remove dirt, mud, and debris. This helps to prevent corrosion and keeps your tires looking their best. Also, always check the sidewalls for any damage, and be on the lookout for any bulges. If you regularly practice these maintenance steps, you will be fine.

Final Thoughts: Unleash the Beast Within

Guys, fitting 35-inch tires to your Nissan Patrol is a game-changer. It's an investment that significantly enhances your vehicle's off-road capabilities, ground clearance, and overall appearance. While the modifications and considerations may seem like a lot, the rewards are well worth the effort. With the right tires, modifications, and maintenance, your Patrol will be ready to tackle any trail, conquer any obstacle, and provide you with countless hours of off-road fun. So, what are you waiting for? Start your journey to off-road dominance today, and watch your Nissan Patrol transform into the ultimate adventure machine. Get out there and explore!