Best Wheel/Tyre Set up

[def-90]

HI Guys -

I am getting ready to purchase some new rubber and started looking around but before I take the plunge, thought I would get some feedback and ideas.

Here are a couple of Quezzo's -

- 15" steel or 16" alloys rims for off roading?

- What's the biggest tyre to fit Defender with stock suspension?

- What's the biggest tyre with 2" OME lift

- Anyone have any ideas on wheel offsets and how this impacts the changes or what I need to consider?

I had alook at 285x75 BFGs MT which look the biz. Bascially looking for some advice from someone has done this before.

Spoke with ARB/OME and he said this kit would be OK for the Drive shafts.

Thanks for any advice you have on this....

[def-90]

Here is my Def in its current stock form....

click here (http://www.aulro.com/albums/album66/Def_bindaree.jpg)

[def-90]

This is about the look I am after in terms of wheels/suspension and tyres. Anyone pick what this tyre size is?

click here (http://www.scorpionracing.co.uk/OFFROAD/readers_rides/TD5-pic12.jpg)

[Mike Hippert]

MY guess on the tire size would be 285x75 or 33x12.5" on stock 16" alloys.

I like the steel rims as they are easy to fix with a hammer and easy to touch up the paint.

I think with stock suspension you can fit the 285x75 with some adjustments to the steering stops.

With a 2" OME lift I bet with minor trimming you could fit 35s but 33s would fit without to many issues.

I'm not to sure on the offset, I think everyone runs about 4" with a 8" wide rim.

I'm no expert, but I'm sure some of the other 90 owners will speak up with some good advice. And welcome to the board!

[def-90]

Thanks Michael - Appreciate the advice.

[rover4x4]

on that 2nd D-90 are they the "freestyle" alloy wheels that came on all the NAS trucks, they kinda of favor the alloys off the last RR classic's?

[sherpamike]

I plan on putting on my 2" rovertym lift this week. I think I am going to run 255/85 16. So, a touch over 33", but a few mm narrower than the 285/75.

Quick question: can both of these tires be run on stock LR 16" alloys? I am still in a bit of debate over these two tires, but the cash has been spread too thin to buy wheels now. Is there any reason to go for one of these tires over the other?

As for type of tire, I think I have decided on BFG mudterrains.

-Mike

[dave_lucas]

255/85 will work just fine on the stock alloys

[def-90]

Any pro's and con's of BFG MTs vs Goodyear MTs?

Will 285s fit on16x7 alloys?

I am undecided on choosing either:

255x85s or 265x75s or 285x75s

[Mike Hippert]

BFG Vs MTRs, the BFGs get better mileage and are marginally better in mud, the MTRs are great on rock and there side walls can be patched up real well.

[KeithD]

285/75 will just rub the suspension arms at the front on full lock and the rear arches on full articulation but no biggy. as far as which tire the other one (OK I am biased) to consider is Interco's TrXus - which is better than the MTR in Mud and snow but not such a good crawler, and better than the BFGs in snow but not as good in Mud I reckon. BFGs are probably longest lasting. MTRs in Canada at least are way more expensive. One of the guys I off road with is changing the standard MTRs on his Rubicon to TrXus. I run them on 7" rims - less than the recommended min of 7.5 but don't see it's a problem.

as your in Hong Kong/Oz I guess snow isnt an issue. Isnt there some Malaysian made Simex tire we cant get that should be considered?

[Red90]

If you are buying/using in Aussyland go ask here: Outerlimits (http://www.outerlimits4x4.com)

The tyres available are quite different than in North America. MTRs are probably your best choice if they are to be used on the road. TrXus are pricey in Aus. BFG MT have quite poor off road traction in most situations.

If you are going for an off road specific tyre, there are a few choices in Aus such as the Simexs.

if you are getting aftermarket rims, go with around 4" backspacing. Some stock wheels (such as Disco steelies) have more backspacing which will cause reduced turning radius and possible fouling.

I guess I should ask where you are specifically?? Sometimes a mud tyre is not the best choice down under. Most tend to have two sets as there is a lot of sand running. Muds are fine in the sand (traction wise) but do tend to suck power.

[def-90]

HI All,

I really appreciate all the advice - thanks.

Red,

I work in HK but my def90 is in Oz. I am coming closer to some conclusions. Either go with Alloys and install 265X75 or 285X75 on standard rims or

Keep the grabbers on the alloys for road use and get myself some black 15" steelies and get either a set of Simex or swampers to use in the mud.

A guy in Melb runs 33X11.5X15's Jungle trekka's on a 110 with a 2" lift so I might go this route. He has a 2" lift [not OME]and no major probs with clearance etc.

Still looking for any feedback on an OME lift and how it effects the ride and off/on road performance, driveline etc....

Thanks again in advance.

Andrew

[def-90]

Check out the 110 I am talking about - looks great!

click here (http://www.aulro.com/albums/album95/Resize_of_Gembrook_2004_03.jpg)

[souza]

I have the standard 2" OME lift (HD front, MD rear) with no driveline vibes or negative handling at all. I run Bilstein shocks as well.

I've heard in the past that a 2" lift is 'usually' fine for driveline on a 90, although some trucks result in slight vibrations.

Also, my first set of mud tires were the 255/85-16 BFG MT's on stock alloys. No problem, no rubbing, etc. and a very 'stock' look to them. The on road handling was better and quieter than I expected (although hardly 'quiet').

I now run 34x10.5 15" Swampers on steelies for most off road, and use the BFG's for on-road use. They seem to never wear out!

Good luck

[Red90]

Yep, the 33x11.5 should be fine. Basically the same size as 285/75/16. Simex also does a 34x10.5 which should fit with maybe a tiny bit of trimming.

For springs, call Rangie Spares (now called Les Richmond Auto) in Melbourne. They have a better selection of springs and are cheaper than ARB. He (Andrew) will also be able to give you reall, useful advise on what spring rate fits YOUR needs and YOUR vehicle.....

Rangie Spares
Phone: (03) 9464 4094
Fax: (03) 9464 4095
Website: http://www.lrautomotive.com.au/

[scoloco]

My 90 came stock with 265/75 and I'm planning on going to 285/75. According to BFG ads, the 285/75 and the 255/85 are the same diameter (just over 33") whereas the 265/75 are around 31" diameter. All based on what I call rolling radius.
I was debating going with 15" steel wheels and 33s, but will likely stick with the alloys with 285s for now (they are also supposedly a tad larger). Looking at the bios, it seems lots of folks run this wheel/tire combo.
As for springs, I recently put OME 751/764 in. I've got the 'original' rancho9000 shocks still (that the truck came with when I bought it last year). Rides pretty good, but I think I need to do something as articulation is currently shock limited.

[mdmccallum]

Here's just another setup to consider. I have OME 751/764 springs with OME shocks and 2 spring spacers up front, 1 spacer in the rear. Great ride (compared to my FJ60 with 2" lift and Rancho 9000). I run 33X12.5 goodyear MTR's on 15" steel rims. I have ~ 6K miles on them without any complaints but they are louder than the BFG AT's of course. I know, the setup isn't really different from others but I haven't seen anyone mention the MTR's or spacers in this post yet.

[mdmccallum]

I guess that didn't work.

[chrisvonc]

Nope.. from the Forum guidelines:
Hot-Linking (using the IMG code) of pictures from other sites, is disabled for Members and Vendors in all forums regardless of what the sub-forum rules box may indicate. It is only enabled for Admin accounts, for administrative use of linking pictures already within the site.

Plus you were tying to link to a picture on your local hard drive which would not have worked anyway. But, you should be able to upload the picture using the "Attach File" option on the Post Reply Page or if you want to add it to the above post, click on edit.
:)

[mdmccallum]

Thanks Chris, but I tried the attach file option first and it didn't work for me. Could the image be to big?

[chrisvonc]

That's usally the most common reason why it might not be working but it should tell you if its too big either by KB size or dimensional. Try resizing it down a bit. Also, dont try to preview your post if you add the attachement or it will strip it off. If you still cant get it, head over to the practice area, start a new practice thread, and either Mike or I can help you figure it out over there.
:)

[norros]

I'm running BFG MT 255/75/16 's on my D90 and when I got them I wanted to get something wider but a lot of the more experienced Rover owners I've met said this is a great setup because wider isn't necessarily better. (note: I have no idea)
I like the tire setup, gives it a decent stock look, and great on the highway because they're not too wide.

I'm thinking of going with Goodyear Mt's next time, but these tires just keep on going... They were on the truck when I bought
them 2 yrs ago, and still have a good year left.

I'm thinking of going a little wider because I like the 'look' but there's no rubbing at all with these and I'm sure they save me a buck or two on gas... lol...

Anyway, I'm just relaying what I heard and would love someone to give me their opinion and I hope this helps the original poster as well.

I'm including a shot of my truck when I got it because that's when
it was really clean...haha... Looks a lot different now, (roof rack, ARB bull bar, winch etc..).

Just my .02 ... that's all.

Thanks

Nicholas Orros

[Mike Hippert]

Hey guys heres the pic Mike Mccallum (mdmccallum) tried to post.

[norros]

Mike,

Those are sweet... next in line on mine...

What size are they ?

I'm debating on what size to get, I'd like to keep the same size I have possibly but they don't make GoodYear MT's in 255/75/16 so I'm searching for something close.
Not to take away from the original poster but what do you think ?

Thanks,

Nicholas

[def-90]

Guys - your wheels are looking very smick....

I like both looks - the alloys and the 15's.

Mike, you say you have the OME kit on, how is the articulation? DO you get any vibrations in your driveline? What about scrubbing?

Nic - are your tyres 285X75s or 255X85? Is the suspension stock?

[norros]

Andrew,

My fault...
My tires are 255/85 ... I don't know why I put 75.
oh well.

The suspension is not stock, it's got OME shocks & springs.

Again, my apologies for the misprint.

Nicholas Orros

[def-90]

No worries Nick

So with your 255's you dont get any scrapes or scrubbing, what about the driveline - any slight vibration from the OME lift?

[rover4x4]

:zbling looks good

[norros]

Andrew,

I can turn the wheel to it's farthest point left or right and get no scraping or scrubbing/rubbing in any way. Even if I go wheeling I've never heard it scrape... Mind you there aren't many huge rocks to climb here in Tallahassee... just a lot of MUD .

I don't have any driveline vibration whatsoever... the truck is solid and drives perfect to me. The drivieline is stock so you know.

Hope this helps a little.

I'm probably going to need tires next year and I'd like to find something close to this size but not many decent manufacturers these days carry this size. Hmm..

Thanks

Nicholas Orros

[ronward]

Nicholas, I travel to Tallahassee on business about once a month, and I have my 90 set up same as you (OME, 255/85, etc.). Would be interested in learning my way around to the local wheeling spots in the area. Interested in conducting a tour?

[norros]

Ron,

Sure, if you read my post in the trail section you'll believe me when I say that it would be a pleasure. Just give me a little 'advance' notice if possible.

Nicholas Orros
850-322-3508

[wicks]

Andy, that looks like the 1998 imported to US. Stress: THE 1998. Don't modify a thing, and garage it. ;)

Get a '94 for trailing and so forth.

[def-90]

Wicks - thought about that as I know this will be the last live axle defender series.

Its only done 2000kms since new so I am keeping it in good nick. I work O/s so I am not doing daily Kms in it, only touring K's which is good.

Your truck looks great too - how does your shock set up perform vs standard? Whats your opinion of the nitrochargers?

Any feedback on the steering dampner vs standard?

[wicks]

That's good policy. Don't sell off those wheels or anything you know, some collectot is going to want that truck a lot at some point.

Thanks. The Bilstiens are perfect. Honestly I don't know why people like the OMEs so much, they seem kinda loose.

[Red90]

Originally posted by wicks
Andy, that looks like the 1998 imported to US. Stress: THE 1998. Don't modify a thing, and garage it. ;)

Get a '94 for trailing and so forth.

Am I missing something here. Andy has a new (2003) model D90 in Australia. Nothing special about that. Pretty hard to get a 1994 model as they only started selling them in aus last year.

[tim]

Hi Andrew,
As it happens, arrived back from HK this am and went to pick some new rubber for the TD5... options are with standard springs - factory is 215 or 235/85R16 in europe. Ok. it seem or american friends have a standard 265/75/R16..but who knows if our rim offset is the same... 8 years later. Ok so I took standard white 8 spokes (Mangels - as I had always used in Singapore )- now sprayed glossy black and combined with BFG mud terrain 265/75R16..tested the fronts ..no touching and are exactly in line with the outside of the eyebrows - same hight as standard though..but this is a decision also taken with multi-story parking in mind. In france with a 5cm lift, most people seem to go for a 255/85/R16. Picture next week if you like?

Cheers tim

[Ramsay]

285/75R16 with steel rims. Works great.

[tim]

Hi Andrew,

No lift? I believe I'm on the limit of the standard - what about offset?

tim

[def-90]

HI Tim,

Sounds good - upload a pic of your truck.

I am looking at some 15/16 X8 with 4.25 offset steel rims. Apparently will run 285s or 32's without any hassles or scrubbing.

Then maybe some 255's or 285's on the alloys for daily driving with the second set of black steelies with some simex for off road.

I will need the lift and will probably get it all done back half of the year.