Hey guys! Let's talk about one of the most popular and iconic off-road vehicles out there: the Nissan Patrol. And specifically, we're diving deep into what happens when you slap a set of 35-inch tires onto this beast. If you're a Patrol owner, or even just an off-roading enthusiast, you know that tire size can make a world of difference. It's not just about looks, though, let's be real, a Patrol on 35s looks absolutely menacing. We're talking about serious performance enhancements that can transform your Patrol from a capable rig into an absolute off-road champion. So, buckle up, because we're about to explore the ins and outs of this awesome modification.

Why 35-inch Tires for Your Nissan Patrol?

So, why are 35-inch tires such a hot topic for the Nissan Patrol, you ask? Well, guys, it all boils down to enhancing its already impressive off-road capabilities. When you upgrade to larger tires, you're essentially increasing the vehicle's ground clearance. This means your Patrol can now roll over obstacles that would have previously high-centered it. Think big rocks, fallen logs, or deep ruts – with 35s, your Patrol is much better equipped to tackle them without scraping its underbelly. But it's not just about clearing obstacles. Larger tires also improve your approach, departure, and breakover angles. This translates to a more confident and capable climb up steep hills, a smoother descent down challenging descents, and a reduced risk of getting stuck on uneven terrain. It’s like giving your Patrol a pair of bigger, more aggressive shoes that are ready to conquer any trail. The increased tire diameter means that for every rotation, the vehicle travels further. This can translate to slightly better fuel economy on the highway if you’re not constantly accelerating, although we’ll get into the trade-offs later. Most importantly, for off-roading, those beefier tires provide a larger contact patch with the ground. This means better traction, especially in loose surfaces like sand, mud, or gravel. More rubber on the dirt equates to more grip, allowing you to power through challenging sections with greater ease and control. It’s a fundamental upgrade that addresses several key aspects of off-road performance, making it a go-to mod for serious Patrol enthusiasts.

The Impact on Off-Road Performance

Let's get down to the nitty-gritty, shall we? The impact of 35-inch tires on your Nissan Patrol's off-road performance is nothing short of dramatic. First off, ground clearance is king off-road, and 35s give you a significant boost. We're talking about an extra inch or two (or more, depending on the exact tire profile and suspension setup) of precious clearance under your differentials, chassis, and body. This means you can crawl over rocks and ruts that would have previously had you digging yourself out or calling for a tow. Imagine navigating a rocky trail; with stock tires, you might be carefully picking your line, worried about every protruding rock. With 35s, you can often just power over them, with the tires acting as a buffer. This leads directly into improved approach, departure, and breakover angles. The larger diameter lifts the body further away from the front and rear bumpers and the chassis between the wheels. This allows for steeper ascents and descents without scraping, and better navigation through undulating terrain. Think about cresting a steep hill – a good departure angle prevents your rear bumper from digging in. Similarly, a great approach angle lets you drive up steep inclines without your front bumper making contact. Beyond clearance and angles, the traction offered by 35-inch tires is a game-changer. Most 35-inch tires come with more aggressive tread patterns and a wider profile. This larger contact patch distributes the vehicle's weight over a wider area, reducing ground pressure and increasing grip, especially in soft conditions like sand, mud, or snow. It's like giving your Patrol a set of grippier, more forgiving feet that can find traction where smaller tires would just spin. You'll notice a significant difference when climbing slippery inclines or navigating muddy tracks – the 35s will bite harder and keep you moving forward. Furthermore, the increased sidewall height on larger tires can also offer a more comfortable ride off-road. When aired down, the taller sidewalls can flex and absorb bumps more effectively than shorter, stiffer sidewalls, providing a smoother experience over rough terrain. It’s a combination of factors that all contribute to making your Nissan Patrol an even more formidable off-road machine.

Necessary Modifications for 35-inch Tires

Alright, guys, before you rush out and slap some massive 35-inch tires on your Nissan Patrol, hold your horses! It's not as simple as just bolting them on. There are several crucial modifications you'll likely need to make to ensure proper fitment, performance, and safety. The most immediate concern is clearance. Those big tires can rub against your fenders, suspension components, or even the chassis, especially when turning or flexing the suspension off-road. To combat this, most people opt for a suspension lift kit. This kit typically includes taller springs and shocks, raising the vehicle's body and allowing more room for the larger tires. The amount of lift needed can vary, but 2-4 inches is common for 35-inch tires on a Patrol. Beyond just the lift, you might also need to consider fender modifications. This could involve cutting and rolling your fender flares, or even installing aftermarket wide-body fender flares, to gain that extra bit of clearance. Another critical modification is related to your gearing. Your Patrol's engine has to work harder to turn those larger, heavier tires. Without re-gearing your differentials, you'll experience a significant loss of power, poor acceleration, and a drastic increase in fuel consumption. For 35-inch tires, most Patrol owners re-gear to a lower ratio, such as 4.56 or even 4.88, depending on the specific transmission and intended use. This brings your final drive ratio back into an optimal range, restoring performance. Furthermore, you'll need to ensure your braking system is up to the task. Larger tires mean more rotating mass, and potentially higher speeds off-road, putting extra strain on your brakes. Upgraded brake pads, rotors, or even a full big-brake kit might be necessary for optimal stopping power and safety. Don't forget about your speedometer and odometer. Since your tires are larger, your speedometer will read slower than your actual speed, and your odometer will track fewer miles than you've actually driven. You'll need to have these recalibrated, usually done through a tuning device or by replacing the speedometer gear. Finally, wheel offset and backspacing are critical. The wrong offset can cause rubbing issues, affect steering geometry, or even lead to premature wear on your wheel bearings. Choosing the right wheels to complement your 35-inch tires is just as important as the tires themselves. These aren't minor tweaks; they are essential steps to ensure your Patrol not only fits the 35s but also performs reliably and safely both on and off the road.

Tire Selection and Brands

When you're ready to step up to 35-inch tires for your Nissan Patrol, the world of tire selection can seem a bit overwhelming, guys. But don't sweat it! Let's break down some of the key considerations and popular options. First, you need to decide on the type of tire that best suits your needs. Are you primarily an off-roader who hits the trails hard? Then you'll want an All-Terrain (AT) or Mud-Terrain (MT) tire. AT tires offer a good balance between on-road manners and off-road grip, making them a versatile choice. MT tires, on the other hand, have aggressive tread patterns designed for maximum traction in mud, rocks, and loose surfaces – they can be noisier on the highway and wear faster, though. If your Patrol is more of a daily driver with occasional off-road excursions, a rugged All-Terrain tire might be your sweet spot. When it comes to popular brands and models, there are some tried-and-true options that Patrol owners rave about. For All-Terrain tires, you can't go wrong with the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2. These are legendary for their durability, puncture resistance, and excellent performance in a wide variety of conditions. Another fantastic option is the Falken Wildpeak A/T3W, which offers a great balance of on-road comfort and off-road capability, often at a competitive price. For those who lean more towards Mud-Terrain tires, the BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM3 is a top contender, known for its aggressive grip and self-cleaning tread. The Toyo Open Country M/T is another highly regarded MT tire, praised for its toughness and excellent performance in challenging terrains. Other brands like Nitto (Ridge Grappler, Trail Grappler), Goodyear (Wrangler MT/R with Kevlar), and Maxxis (Razr MT) also offer excellent 35-inch options that Patrol owners trust. When choosing, always consider the load rating and speed rating to ensure they are appropriate for your Patrol and driving style. Also, pay attention to the tire's construction – look for features like reinforced sidewalls, which are crucial for off-road durability. Remember, the