Nissan Patrol is a legendary SUV that has proven its reliability in the most extreme conditions for decades. But what happens when this monster gets 42" wheels? Such an upgrade radically changes not only the appearance, but also the behavior of the car off-road. In this article we will look at why owners install such wheels, what technical changes are required, and whether the game is worth the candle.
Wheels with a diameter of 42 inches (about 106 cm) are not just an aesthetic decision. They provide increased ground clearance, better cross-country ability on sand, mud and stones, and also visually emphasize power Patrol. However, such tuning requires serious modifications to the suspension, transmission and even the body. Without proper preparation, the car may lose control or even fail.
If you are considering such a modification, it is important to understand all the nuances: from choosing tires to setting up the transfer case. We've collected up-to-date information, owner reviews and technical advice to help you make an informed decision.
Why choose 42-inch wheels for Nissan Patrol?
The main reason for installing such wheels is maximum cross-country ability. Off-road, every centimeter of ground clearance and wheel diameter plays a role. For example, on the sand dunes of the Middle East or in the mountainous regions of the Caucasus Patrol on 42-inch tires it performs much better than the standard versions. But there are other advantages:
- 🏜️ Better overcoming obstacles: The high profile of the tire smooths out bumps, reducing the risk of damage to the suspension.
- 💪 Increased ground clearance: even without a body lift, due to the larger diameter of the wheels, the ground clearance increases by 5–7 cm.
- 🎨 Unique appearance: This tuning makes the car memorable and emphasizes its off-road ambitions.
- 🔧 Unification with other modifications: many owners strive to replicate the settings of the rally or trophy versions Patrol.
However, not everything is so rosy. Large wheels increase the load on the transmission, reduce dynamics and can lead to premature wear of parts. For example, a standard distribution Nissan Patrol Y62 is not designed for such a diameter - replacement of the main pairs or installation of a reduction gear is required.
- Standard (up to 33")
- 33–37"
- 38–40"
- 42" and more
- I'm planning an upgrade
Technical changes: what needs to be improved?
Installing 42-inch wheels on Nissan Patrol - This is not just a tire replacement. A comprehensive modernization of several systems will be required:
- Suspension: Standard shock absorbers and springs will not withstand such a load. Reinforced stands are required (e.g. King Shocks or Fox) and lift kits ranging from 4 to 6 inches in height.
- Transmission: the main pairs in the axles need to be replaced with options with a gear ratio of 4.88 or 5.13 to compensate for the loss of torque.
- Body: Arches often need to be trimmed or flares installed as the wheel width also increases.
- Brakes: Standard calipers may not cope with the increased weight of the wheels, so upgrades from Brembo or EBC.
Particular attention should be paid wheel alignment. After the lift and installation of large wheels, the suspension geometry changes, and without the correct settings, the car will “eat up” rubber over several thousand kilometers. Also don't forget about caster angle — its adjustment will help maintain controllability at high speeds.
What happens if you don't change the main pairs?
Without changing gear ratios, the engine will work at the limit, especially off-road. This will lead to overheating of the transmission, accelerated wear of the clutch (on manual transmissions) and loss of dynamics. In some cases, the automatic transmission may fail due to increased loads.
The best tires for 42-inch wheels: model overview
The choice of tires for this diameter is limited, but among the available options there are truly proven models. Main criteria: cord strength, mud permeability And puncture resistance. Here are the top offers:
| Tire model | Tread type | Benefits | Disadvantages | Average price (per piece) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BFGoodrich KM3 | Mud terrain | Excellent self-cleaning, long service life | Noisy on asphalt, high price | ~120,000 rub. |
| Nitto Trail Grappler | Hybrid | Good on asphalt and off-road | Soft rubber, wears out quickly | ~110,000 rub. |
| Mickey Thompson Baja Boss | Extreme mud terrain | Maximum flotation, reinforced cord | Very noisy, not for everyday driving | ~135,000 rub. |
| Toyo Open Country M/T | Mud terrain | Balance price-quality, good wear resistance | Average performance on wet asphalt | ~105,000 rub. |
When choosing, also consider load index - for Patrol it should be no lower 126/123 (1.7 tons per wheel). Some owners prefer tires with Kevlar cord, which better resists punctures on stones.
Before purchasing tires, check their compatibility with your wheels. For example, 42-inch wheels often require rims with an offset (ET) of -25 to -44 mm.
Owner reviews: pros and cons of 42-inch wheels
To form an objective opinion, we analyzed reviews from owners Nissan Patrol with this tuning. Here's what they note:
⚠️ Attention: Most complaints are related to transmission overheating during long off-road driving. If you are planning serious hikes, be sure to install an additional radiator for the automatic transmission or transfer case.
- ✅ Pros:
- 🚙 "Passability has increased significantly - now I’m not afraid of sand or dirt. On standard tires I got stuck where I can now pass without problems." (Alexey, Moscow)
- 💡 "The appearance is just crazy! Everyone turns around and takes pictures. It's like riding a monster." (Igor, Ekaterinburg)
- 🛡️ "The cord can withstand impacts from rocks that would previously pierce standard rubber." (Dmitry, Krasnodar)
- ❌ Cons:
- 💰 "Fuel costs increased by 30%. I had to reflash the ECU in order to somehow compensate for the losses." (Sergey, Novosibirsk)
- 🔧 "After installation, I had to go to the wheel alignment three times - the geometry was constantly thrown off." (Anton, St. Petersburg)
- ⚙️ "At speeds above 120 km/h it starts to float. I had to install anti-roll bars." (Maxim, Kazan)
Many owners agree that 42-inch wheels are only justified for serious off-road use. For city driving or light off-road driving, 35–37 inches is enough.
Step-by-step instructions: how to install 42-inch wheels?
If you decide to upgrade, follow this algorithm. Please note: some stages require professional equipment, so it is better to entrust the work to specialized workshops.
4-6" Suspension Lift|
Replacement of main pairs in bridges (gear ratio 4.88+)|
Installation of reinforced shock absorbers and springs|
Checking rim compatibility (width, offset, PCD)|
Trimming arches or installing extensions|
Wheel alignment and caster adjustment|
Test drive and final setup-->
First stage - suspension lift. There are two options here:
Spacers- a budget solution, but less reliable. Suitable for temporary upgrade.Complete replacement of struts and springs- the best option. For example, kits from Old Man Emu or Ironman 4x4 designed for heavy loads.
Next comes replacement of main pairs. For Patrol Y62 suitable couples from Nitro Gear or Randy's Ring & Pinion. Please note that after replacement you will need backlash adjustment and testing at the stand.
At the third stage, they are installed wheels and rims. It's important to check here:
- 🔄 Departure (ET): must be negative (for example -25 mm), otherwise the wheels will rub against the arches.
- 📏 Disc width: Typically 10-12 inches for 42-inch tires.
- ⚙️ PCD: for Patrol this is
6x139.7.
Last step - adjusting wheel alignment angles. Without this, the car will “steer” to the side, and the tires will wear out in a few months. We recommend using a 3D camber stand, as manual adjustment is not suitable here.
Don't skimp on the main pairs! Cheap analogues may not be able to withstand the load and cause the bridge to break during a hike.
Cost of tuning: how much will the upgrade cost?
The modification price depends on the selected components and region. On average, owners spend from 800,000 to 1,500,000 rubles for a full range of works. Here is an approximate calculation:
| Component | Cost (RUB) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 42-inch tires (4 pcs.) | 450 000 – 600 000 | Price depends on model (see table above) |
| Discs (4 pcs.) | 120 000 – 200 000 | Light alloy or forged (eg. Fuel Off-Road) |
| Suspension lift kit | 150 000 – 300 000 | Includes springs, shock absorbers, control arms |
| Main pairs (front + back) | 100 000 – 180 000 | The cost of installation work is separate (~50,000 rub.) |
| Arch extensions/trimming | 30 000 – 80 000 | Plastic extenders are cheaper but less reliable |
Additional costs may include:
- 🔧 Strengthening the steering rack (~50,000 rub.) - the standard one cannot withstand the load.
- 🔥 Additional transmission cooler (~30,000 rub.) - required for automatic transmission.
- 📡 Speedometer adjustment (~10,000 rub.) - due to the changed wheel diameter, the readings are confused.
⚠️ Attention: Cheap tuning costs more! Saving on main pairs or shock absorbers often leads to breakdowns on a hike, where repairs will cost many times more.
Alternatives to 42-inch wheels: when should you choose a different size?
A large diameter is not always the best solution. In some cases, it is more rational to stop at 37–40 inches. Let's consider when this is justified:
- 🏙️ Urban operation: 42-inch wheels make the car less controllable on asphalt. For everyday driving, 35-37 inches is enough.
- 💸 Budget restrictions: an upgrade to 40 inches will cost 30–40% less, and the increase in cross-country ability will be slightly lower.
- 🛠️ Difficulty of maintenance: Finding tire fittings for 42-inch wheels is more difficult, especially in the regions.
- ⚡ Dynamics and fuel consumption: the larger the wheels, the worse the acceleration and the higher the gasoline consumption.
If your goal is balance between cross-country ability and comfort, consider the following sizes:
| Wheel diameter | Benefits | Disadvantages | Recommendations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35" | Minimal modifications, good for the city | Limited cross-country ability on sand | Ideal for beginners |
| 37" | Good ground clearance, moderate fuel consumption | Requires 2-3" lift | Optimal for most owners |
| 40" | Almost like 42", but cheaper | Transmission needs improvements | For serious off-road use |
Remember: The bigger the wheels, the more compromises. If you are not involved in trophy raids, it may make sense to go with 37-40 inches.
FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions
Is it possible to install 42-inch wheels on a Nissan Patrol without a lift?
No, that's impossible. Even with trimming the arches, the wheels will touch the fender liners and suspension elements. The minimum lift is 4 inches, but 6 is better for a comfortable ride.
Which engine is better suited for such wheels: gasoline or diesel?
Diesel YD25 or ZD30 preferred due to high torque at low speeds. Gasoline VK56 will work under tension, especially without replacing the main pairs.
How long do 42-inch tires last on asphalt?
With regular driving on asphalt, the resource is reduced to 20–30 thousand km. Mud-terrain tires are not intended for hard surfaces - their tread quickly “licks off”.
Do I need to reflash the ECU after installation?
Yes, if you want to adjust the speedometer readings and optimize engine performance for new gear ratios. Without firmware, the speed will be reduced by 10–15%.
What are the most common breakdowns after such tuning?
Owners most often encounter:
- 🔥 Overheating of the automatic transmission (solved by an additional radiator).
- 🔧 Wear of CV joints and axle shafts (reinforced analogues required).
- 🚗 Vibration at speed (cause - wheel imbalance or incorrect camber).