dchar

I had an Audi with Quattro before getting my GS. I was told by dealers and tire shops that having dramatic differences in tire tread levels can cause damage to diffs. I'm pretty sure adding a staggered setup to GS AWD will be worse for it...would probably void warranty too.

1fastcobra

All i can do is speak from experience, i have been a ase master tech for 17 years and I'm currently a Lexus master tech. i have never seen .1 diameter cause a problem on a awd system. i have seen complete bald tires in the front and new tires on the rear cause a noise in the transfer case but the noise went away when the tires were replaced.

neegroy

iTrader: (19)

sold! fsport rims on awd base ftw! lets see how it looks man! i was thinking about doing the same!

JDW379

Thanks for all of the input!

1fastcobra

Show some pics when you put them on

GS14AWD

Not necessary true for all cars. Some AWD cars come with staggered setup. X5 with sport activity package comes with 315 in the back, MUCH wider than front, and it is just fine, not to mention its X5 lines. Mercedes Benz's CLS AWD comes with staggered setup. I used to own E550 4Matic and there was a big debate on if staggered setup would her E series when CLS already comes with stagggered setup.

JDW379

I most certainly will. Thanks for your help.

LEXSTASY

Yes however those cars AWD systems and differentials were designed for those setups. The ECU understands how to split power and torque properly based upon those specs. Cars that do not come with staggered setup AWD's develop differential issues when different tire sizes are used. Just some advice for people who want to take it.

1fastcobra

Maybe you should work for lexus since your so brilliant

Flying3

What's interesting is that my wife's stock IS250 AWD F-Sport has a staggered set up.

Although, I am curious why the stock GS AWD is different.

1fastcobra

I see aftermarket wheels on awd cars at the dealership all the time. Ive never once in 7 years at the lexus dealership I work at have a differential problem

LEXSTASY

Funny thing is my brother-in-law is a service consultant at Lexus and I referenced him with these questions and he stated that they have seen differential problems in the past on their AWD vehicles when people have ran staggered wheels and tire setups. Not always, but it has happened quite a few times. Enough that he remembers. Happens much more often in the EVO and STi community. And ofcourse, Lexus has trouble honoring their warranties in those cases as well but they have taken care of them under good will in the past as well.

Makes you quite the bright one doesn't it? Maybe im not brilliant but im just telling you what I know. If you don't want it, let me know and I will quit posting on this thread.

1fastcobra

Master lexus tech vs.service consultant. Enough said

SNiiP3R

iTrader: (3)

Many people here are running staggered set ups for years, and no one has yet to destroy their differential. You can find numerous threads on this subject in IS / GS / LS forums that date back to 2006, and yet there isn't a single case that I can remember where someones differential crapped out because of staggered set up.

LEXSTASY

Okay buddy. I'm glad you're so proud of your career as a mechanic but how bout you tone it back a notch huh?!? I'm trying to be friendly and offer up what knowledge I have on the subject matter. It is a public forum after all.