Another boring tyre question!

[eltax91]

Hi all, I have a Defender 90, which has totally standard suspension. When I got it, I was told it has "weller" wheels. I was advised this meant they could take wider tyres without changing the wheels.

So, is that true, and if so, how big or wide? I would also appreciate advice on experiences with different size tyres. I have 205/75 Kingpin muds at the moment, and i'm thinking of some 265/75 or 265/85 replacements. I've seen a decent deal on some Kingpin tyres in 265/75, which, although retreads, apparently have the "same pattern" as BFG mt tyres.

So, thoughts on the sizes/ plans I have, and opinions on the Kingpin as a budget alternative to the BFG/ Coopers.

[Bill]

I'm no expert but IIRC 235/85 is pretty normal on standard wheels, and 265/75 is possible but you might need to adjust the lockstops to stop them rubbing.

[300bhp/ton]

Tyres are a huge and varied debate, although I echo Bill and say it's more normal to go for 238/85's are they just fit straight on and work.

But you could go 31.10.50's, 7.59's, 285's, 33.12.50's, 255's, 265's too.

Do you plan to do any sort of trialling?

And what other plans do you have for the Landy. What engine is it? Bigger tyres will blunt performance and in some cases will benefit from different diff gears (33"+ really).

Do you off road a lot, if so what sort of terrain?

Are you planning a lift or do you mind trimming fender flares?

[eltax91]

Hi 300 bhp. I don't plan to do anything other than pay and play/ lanes. I used to have a disco, which had standard size rbber, same with my defender. It's on 205/75 right now, and I tried it at a club day for the first time recently. It went fine, but was found wanting somewhat on a small rock climbing section (this was the one annual "punch" day, which was a little competitive).

So, I don't want to raise the suspension heigth, it's on recent HD springs and shocks, which I don't want to upset, I like it's feel at the moment. I just want to gain the extra ride height from increasing the sidewall side. My quandry is whether to go for 265/75 or 265/85 tyres. I didn't think 285/ 75 or 85 would fit!!

So, if I found suitable 265/85 tyres in budget, would they fit without any modification?

Cheers for the advice, tyres and whether they fit are totally new to me!

[300bhp/ton]

235/85's are the best direct fit. They are getting on for 32" tall but narrow enough to give good steering lock and not rub under flex.

265/75's are about the same height but chunkier looking. Arguably a slightly better size in sand or rocks.

Both are as good as the other in reality though.

285's are a fair bit bigger and at the threshold of where you start to hit more potential drivetrain and rubbing issues.

If you have 15" rims then a 31.10.50R15 is a good size. Very similar to a 16" 265 but a 1/2" shorter maybe.

[cpas]

I have 265/75x16 Kumhos on my Defender and they give much more of a chunky look than the 235s. I get a small amount of chassis rubbing on full lock but have got used to this now (really must adjust the limiters but never get round to it). Like you, I refuse to lift my suspension as I enjoy the challenge of taking a 'standard' car where others dare not follow!! I have the old model Kumho which look a bit like BFGs, but I have heard good reports of the KL71s. I would try to avoid too much grip as I prefer to let my wheels spin at the limit rather than to break a halfshaft or diff. The tyre width depends on the wheel width and I think my rims are 7" wide and that 265s are the maximum width recommended.

[eltax91]

Cheers cpas. Much obliged. I'm considering both, erring on the 265, although they are not as big a lift. On the wheels point, anyone any idea about weller wheels? How do I check their width? Is it the case they are wider than standard wheels?

[300bhp/ton]

Can you put a picture up of you rims?

I'd also say KL71's are worth a look for new tyres or BFG MT's if you want to spend the money. If you fancy a remould then Insa Special Tracks or Fedima's.

[cpas]

300bhp/ton said:

Can you put a picture up of you rims?

Steady!!!

[cpas]

eltax91 said:

Cheers cpas. Much obliged. I'm considering both, erring on the 265, although they are not as big a lift. On the wheels point, anyone any idea about weller wheels? How do I check their width? Is it the case they are wider than standard wheels?

They should have a size stamped on somewhere - usually around the centre somewhere. Alternatively, there are many suppliers who provide tyres on steel rims (eg modular rims) for about £25 per wheel more than just the tyre. This is often quite a good deal especially if you end up buying tyres mail-order and paying £10 per corner to get them fitted. I believe my 265/75s are a very similar height as the 235/85s as the aspect ratio is less.

[Sarge 4x4]

Hankook RTO3, well worth a look, good price.

Andy.

[Bill]

cpas said:

I believe my 265/75s are a very similar height as the 235/85s as the aspect ratio is less.

There's 0.1 of an inch in it.

[300bhp/ton]

Bill said:

cpas said:

I believe my 265/75s are a very similar height as the 235/85s as the aspect ratio is less.

There's 0.1 of an inch in it.

Although it's always worth noting not all tyres are created equal. My 33" Simex's measure almost 34" tall, yet I've seen some 235's about 3/4" shorter than others too.

[eltax91]

Hi 300bhp. I've stuck a couple of pics that have the wheels in below.





And this is why I want the extra height.

[Sarge 4x4]

So when you find bigger boulders to get over you will need even bigger tyres.

Andy.

[300bhp/ton]

Those rims will be fine for 235 or 265's. Suspect any wider and you'll want 8" wide rimes though.

If you don't mind them being a little noisy on the road (I don't, drove 250 miles in a single stint on tyres like these).

Then I'd highly recommend these as a great all round tyre:

http://www.tyresdirectuk.co.uk/xcart/product.php?p...



These ones are actually 7.50's, my Uncle has them and for whatever reason they are slightly bigger then the 235's.

They do do them in 235 though: http://www.tyresdirectuk.co.uk/xcart/product.php?p...

This is what they look like on a 90 (the 7.50's)







Insa do a similar tyre:
http://www.paddockspares.com/wheels-and-tyres/insa...



Some other tyre sizes for comparison:

255/65R16 circa 1" lift


31.10.50R15 circa 1" lift


33.11.50R15 (equ to 290/90R15) circa 1" lift, rubbed arches under flex



235/85R16 stock ride height


235/85R16 stock ride height


32.9.50 16's stock ride height


235/85R16 stock ride height



Is your 90 a Tdi and if so is it modded? I'd probably not go any bigger than a 265 on a stock Tdi as it'll probably blunt performance a bit otherwise.

[xPOW]

I have 285/75/16s on mine and they don't appear to rub even at full lock. Just changed back from BFG MTs to ATs and it drives a lot smoother too (as expected)