35" Tires

[Doug_Paoletti]

I realize there is info on this topic in the FAQ section, but I cannot seem to decipher a definitive answer (maybe it is just me), so I thought I would ask: Can I squeeze in 35 x 12.5 x15's with 2 - 2.5 inches of lift (like the SafariGard Stage II) or do I need to go with 3 inches or more of lift (like the SafariGard Stage III) and deal with the associated suspension geometry problems/costs?
I do not want to cut my fenders, although I would have no problem cutting the plastic flares.

Any and all advice would be much appreciated.

Doug

[TwisteD90]

Yes you can!

[Buckon37s]

no problem.

[Doug_Paoletti]

Yousef:

You mean "yes you can" as in, use 35's with 2 - 2.5 inches of lift and no fender cutting?

If that is correct, then how would you recommend achieving that lift? The SafariGard stage II seems awfully expensive compared to some of the other options. Any thoughts on whether or not it is worth the extra $$$?

Doug

[TwisteD90]

You can fit 35's with 1.5" lift if you want.
If you don't want to spent the $$ on SG suspension, then go with OME 751/764 with RockWare rear shock mounts and some LT shocks. With this setup you should be able to fit the 35's and not worry about driveline geometry.

[Doug_Paoletti]

Thanks guys

[snuffer]

Doug, I have the Stage II kit and I fitted Super Swamper SSR-TSL's 35x12.50x15's. The rims have 4" backspace.

I trimmed the plastic fender flares and had to trim a little off the rear fenders rear edge (aluminum) to clear at full stuff.

I really didn't want to trim metal but it is pretty simple and most Rover people don't even know unless I point it out.

I would give Steve at Rovertym a call about their lifts, he has been very helpful, they have great products, and they also have lift kits. www.rovertym.com

[Buckon37s]

Or, you could fit 37's with 2.5 inches of lift :grin

[rover4x4]

nice.

[TwisteD90]

and if the 2.5" is to much, here is a picture of my 90 with 2" and 37's :grin
I think Troy ran his 37's on 1.5" lift :)

[Mike Hippert]

Wait a second with that logic I should be able to fit 40's with my 4" of lift.:naughty

[pangaea]

Douglas,

If you want a bit of extra lift over the standard 1.5" OME lift you can get some extra lift with any of the following configurations:

2.25"
OME 767 front (HD diesel spring)/764 or 762 rear with .5" spacer

3" lift
OME 764 front (MD rear application)/764 with 1.5" spacer or the 781 with .5-1" spacer

[Doug_Paoletti]

I just hung up with Steve at Rovertyme - he was most helpful and suggested that I go with his 2" springs (which he says will give me close to 2.75" of lift with the D90ST). I should have them in a couple of days...

[Red90]

No trimming??????

I've seen 33" tires just hit so how can you guys say that 35x12.5 will clear?? Me confused. Properly designed spring lifts by themselves should not affect tire clearance. You should still have the same range of axle movement as that is limitted by the shocks.

I really can not see how you would not need to trim with that size of tire.

[TwisteD90]

It depends on which wheels you use. I ran 35's on 15X7 with OME springs and did not have to trim anything. I ran my 37's with RTE 3" springs and 15X8 wheels and had to trim just a little bit of the aluminum, and with the 10" wheels, and same lift and tires had to trim more.

The only problem with running 35's is the rear tub where your tire will hit the tub from the inside but the front is fine.

[Buckon37s]

Yousef's right. With 37's and 15x10's I had to cut a crapload off. But I can stuff the 37's as far as I could the stock 31's.

[Doug_Paoletti]

That is a perfect segue into my next question:

If I am going with the 35 x 12.5 tire size, am I better off with 16x7 inch rims or 15x8 inch rims?

[Buckon37s]

15x8 :)

[TwisteD90]

16" rims are better on road where you'll find more selection in the 15's. If you go with the 16X7 the tire will not stick out as much as the 15X8, so it's your choice.

If you want to stay with 16" wheels try Trek outfitters as they have the 16X8 in steelies.

[TwisteD90]

Douglas, this just doesn't get any better :)

http://www.d-90.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1636

And I think Dave Lucas has a set of 5 15X8 wheels in good condition, don't ask me how I know :grin

[snuffer]

Doug, tires are more readily available for the 15" wheels. I personally didn't like the powder coated wheels because I can touch up the painted wheels, but not powder coated.

www.mrt-wheels.com can give you any backspace you want. 16's or 15's. I use 15x8's. Just make sure they know they are for a Land Rover...the counter sink for the stud holes are 82 degree. Rovertym also has good prices for the lug nuts.

[Doug_Paoletti]

Thanks for the leads Yousef - that NJ coincidence is scary....

[chrisvonc]

Originally posted by snuffer
Doug, tires are more readily available for the 15" wheels. I personally didn't like the powder coated wheels because I can touch up the painted wheels, but not powder coated.Satin or flat black Rustoleum will match up with some powder coatings.

[snuffer]

Yes but you can't build the paint to the thickness of the powder coat, so you still see a divot.

[Mike Hippert]

Its a wheel on a Defender whos going to see that?:crazy





:grin

[snuffer]

Depends on how many nicks you have I guess.

After all it's a Defender

[WCURoverD90]

Damn im going to the store today and buying a 4 inch lift so i can fit 40's..... :) ......

[TwisteD90]

Jason, don't forget. The Sawzall is your friend :grin

[Buckon37s]

I think you could get 40s on a D with 4in of lift and a cutting wheel. Actually, yeah, no problem!

[Mike Hippert]

When I run out of tread on my MTRs or find some cheap 40s:sneaky

[Joe B]

If you are going to run 12.5's, I would get a set of the 15x8 steel wheels from Gulf Coast Rovers, they are backspaced 4.25. I think that they are $55 each + shipping. This will help keep the front's from rubbing while turning

[redrover]

geeze randy its a offroad truck! not a crome show truck. I know you luv it but ,come-on ,what's a little black paint off of a 50 buck rim? ROCK ON JP
PS -I touch up powder coating all around my truck to keep out the rust, looks fine.

[snuffer]

JP, what anyone does to their truck and what it looks like means nothing to me, I just thought in the first post Mark asked for any and all "advice"

I don't mean it as advice as much as just opinion. I just don't think powder coat is all it's built up to be.

What is the advantage of powder coat over paint? I don't think I have ever heard anyone say.

[Eric Siepmann]

Powdercoat generally tends to be a much more durable finish than traditional paint. Powdercoating is used extensively on moutain bikes because it holds up better than wet paint for example -it wears much better and scratches less.

On wheels, I would suggest wet paint if you ever did want to touch it up.

[WCURoverD90]

I just had a lot of parts on my truck powder coated and i hope its as tough as everyone says it is....

[redrover]

Sorry Randy, There is in my opinion little advantage to either if you are going to drive on trails that are going to take paint and metal off your rims. You can touch either up with spray paint. I will find a close match and spray it onto a foam brush-and touch up. If you don't touch up - eventually rust will get under the paint. As far as the two paint types go, powder coating is very difficult to strip. It would cost close to the same to strip your rims and repaint-regardless of finish than to buy new ones. Now on bumpers , I still stand behind powder coating. Although this is against popular thinking. JP

[snuffer]

Thanks guys, seems like I heard people say they sometimes burn off powder coat to strip it.