[garsh]

I tried Discount Tires and although they were bound by corporate policy to require XL load rated tires for mounting on Tesla Model 3 applications...

You could always just take the wheels in unmounted if you feel confident that you don't need an XL load rating. Or tell them it's for some other car.

 

[MountainPass]

@orekart this is so cool. We would love to see a photo of your Model 3 parked on rough terrain like a Jeep commercial.

Without doing any research, I proclaim you to be the first in the world to do this!

 

[orekart]

Seven inches of clearance and a six foot ladder in the cargo area. #ywait

 

[orekart]

also...

You're doin' it wrong.

(photo credit @orekart)

 

[dagal]

Hi, I am planning out my version of a "Allroad" Model 3 with Mad Max looks, among the mods I have looked into getting the Mountain Pass lift kit, 1.75" and combine it with the new Avon AX7 tires, they come in 235/55R18 XL, and a proper load rating (104) (https://www.avontyres.com/en-gb/tyre-details/45304/avon-ax7/?cartype=car|suv&speed=K) anyone think these tires will fit with the steering knuckle? Maybe with a narrow 8'' rim?

 

[High Desert Model 3]

I have the MPP lift and just now passed 10,000 miles of driving on it. Still getting an average of 256 kWh per mile. Aeros seem to make more of a difference than the lift. Anyway, regarding dagal's question - I don't see how you could fit any larger tires than stock without doing something like a wheel offset on the front. The back tires are fine, and there is nothing in the way of a larger tire up there. But you will likely need to do some spacers to bump the wheels out wider in the front to clear that steering knuckle. Of course, when you do that, you will get less range because the aerodynamics will be off, and further you'll get mud and dirt sprayed all over the side of the car without some specially modified mud flaps. Each modification comes with a tradeoff.

I have found that using stock wheels and the MPP lift giving 7 inches of clearance to be an almost zero trade off situation, because the handling and economy are the same, but you get more clearance. It is a win-win. Putting larger tires on is something I've thought would be cool too, but too much modification and a sharper trade off.

 

[dagal]

Has anyone a measure of the steering knuckle-tire distance? Thanks High Desert Model 3, I’ve come to realize that almost nothing will fit and be safe, I just need all terrain tires and they are hard to find. I can do a 7,5mm offset change + a 225 tire on a 7,5 inch rim, which should distance the tire about 15 mm form the steering knuckle, but crude measurements I’ve done leaves me thinking that will not help, but I will try to fit a 235/50r18 tire. I got mountains to cross here, range is not an issue, we got super chargers on every corner over here in Norway.

 

[SkyPower]

@dagal Hi to Norway,
I'm just guessing from the pics above, if I take a look at the diameter of the screw at the "steering knuckle" it would be - calculated/theoretically - quite close to zero, as your tire is 1,3 cm closer than the 17" from above (regarding to reifenrechner.at). As I just ordered a Model 3 and the 1,75"-lift-kit, I could measure that exacly in a couple of weeks then.
Best regards from Germany,
Stefan

 

[TBarretH]

Really glad I found this thread, thanks for all the info. For those that have installed the lift kits, I'm curious what other cars you've driven in the past and how you would compare your lifted model 3's performance in "Soft Roading" conditions.

Back story, I don't own a car now, but just moved to Seattle where I want to get one for doing hiking, climbing, camping and skiing. Previously I owned a Subaru Outback for about 10 years and loved the car. I'm considering getting a new outback, but love the environmental friendliness of Teslas, and other EVs. So I'm wondering if a lifted Model 3 AWD would get me to 90%+ of the locations I would take my outback to (I know range is another consideration, but right now more just thinking about road quality). So not looking for "off roading" just driving on poorly maintained forest service roads, through washed out desert dirt roads, etc.

Any thoughts from those who have the kits? Where have you taken your model 3?

 

[orekart]

... So I'm wondering if a lifted Model 3 AWD would get me to 90%+ of the locations I would take my outback to (I know range is another consideration, but right now more just thinking about road quality). So not looking for "off roading" just driving on poorly maintained forest service roads, through washed out desert dirt roads, etc.

Any thoughts from those who have the kits? Where have you taken your model 3?

...not on the Rubicon Trail!

Model Y or Truck might offer some improvements in that regard.

What you can do today is a lightweight motorcycle trailer and an EV moto like the Zero FX or DSR. I had a DSR it is ideal for what you describe and the efficiency is awesome. Chuck some solar PV in the tow vehicle and leave town.

 

[TBarretH]

lol, not looking for Rubicon Trail level performance, just the ability to get to campgrounds and trail heads that might be up a dirt road that doesn't get graded that often. Unfortunately the AWD model 3 is already pushing the top end of my budget, so getting a EV dirt bike to tow around with it isn't really an option.

 

[dagal]

Hi @SkyPower, I have not found any homologation documentation from Mountainpass lift kit, so i´m going to get something German made with TÜV approval, but it will probably just lift about 2.5 cm + whatever lift i get from slightly bigger tires, still makes a big difference when the roads get covered in snow or driving on gravel roads. Think this will be ready by the beginning of November! My insurance will not cover anything if I drive with a lift kit that has not been approved by TÜV, so it is not really an option.

 

[Alpenglow]

Hi folks, thanks for what seems to be the most complete reports on this lift kit.

I have the parts from MPP and have a local installer lined up. Do @orekart or any others have any new revelations, regerts, or lessons to pass on?

 

[orekart]

Hi folks, thanks for what seems to be the most complete reports on this lift kit.

I have the parts from MPP and have a local installer lined up. Do @orekart or any others have any new revelations, regerts, or lessons to pass on?

I have pictures and notes to share (and somehow got totally distracted). Direct message me get in touch and we can put together a checklist for you to "labratory rat" if it's any good or needs corrections.

 

[c2c]

Hi folks, thanks for what seems to be the most complete reports on this lift kit.

I have the parts from MPP and have a local installer lined up. Do @orekart or any others have any new revelations, regerts, or lessons to pass on?

Regrets? Only that the box truck 7 lengths ahead tossed a rock at my windshield. 18 inch crack.
About the lift? Nope. no regrets. I think about the lift every time I ingess and egress. 14000 miles with the lift in place.

 

[jpw1116]

View attachment 26877
View attachment 26878 View attachment 26879 View attachment 26880

Seven inches of clearance and a six foot ladder in the cargo area. #ywait

@orekart, this pic is exactly as you described. Here is your Buffalo/Larkinville National Drive Electric Week appearance: https://photos.app.goo.gl/jjJfeBg2RWSERTjh6

 

[c2c]

Shameless plug alert: We do have our Fast Wheels F226 Shadow in 18x7.5 +35 that would work, and if you want to make it optimal we have 5 mm spacers to go with.

The F226 doesn't have a winter approved finish. Can I assume that the winter finish protects against harsh chemicals as are found in the far north like New York, New Jersey or Chicago?
Thus , in temperate parts like Seattle, where mostly sand is applied, the corrosion risk is limited? they do use deicer, so i need to check the formula.
At this time of year, I'm thinking snow tires. What does fast wheels have?

 

[Mad Hungarian]

The F226 doesn't have a winter approved finish. Can I assume that the winter finish protects against harsh chemicals as are found in the far north like New York, New Jersey or Chicago?
Thus , in temperate parts like Seattle, where mostly sand is applied, the corrosion risk is limited? they do use deicer, so i need to check the formula.
At this time of year, I'm thinking snow tires. What does fast wheels have?

Yes, the biggest threat to machined finishes is salt and other similarly corrosive materials used for de-icing. Sand isn't really an issue.
As for winter tires, best to check with the retailer you are ordering from as not all of our dealers carry all of our tire lines, and most actually have a much broader selection.

 

[orekart]

A set of aero wheels (in perhaps non-OEM sizes) for long distance would be nice. Does FastWheels EV01 in 17-in clear the rear calipers and brake line banjo bolt on stock Model 3?

*edit* gosh I should be clearer, I'm asking about 17x7; also other sizes up to stock width 7,7.5,8,8.5.

*p.p.s* data on efficiency of MPP lift kit, rally 17x7 wheels, oversize Geolander all-terrain tires; In a word, pretty gross.

280Wh/mi "Since last charge"

View attachment 29310
273Wh/mi "215/60R17" 11,885mi

View attachment 29307
280Wh/mi "Lifetime" 38,000mi

 

[Alpenglow]

I have pictures and notes to share (and somehow got totally distracted). Direct message me get in touch and we can put together a checklist for you to "labratory rat" if it's any good or needs corrections.

Thanks for this offer, unfortunately it apparently takes several posts to be allowed DMs. I'm getting the kit installed by a mostly-Subaru shop that was very into the idea.

My only question is what the "optional socket" is in the installation instructions. Mine is a dual motor model, so I'm assuming something to do with the driveshaft clearance mentioned at the end?