Thread: new tyres for the new truck

I've got 255/85/R16's on my Defender and have rubbing on full lock and suspension flex. I'm running Discovery steel rims with no offset though (new rims coming) - however, I think that the stock alloy rims don't have any offset either...but I'm not 100%, someone else should confirm that. 2" suspension lift should be fine (but see post below. I'd forgotten about the Puma issue).

nugge t

Beware of a lift on the puma....the experience of some owners here is that the Puma's front prop shaft set up doesn't take kindly to even a 2" lift due to the change in angle out of the transfer case. Vibrations result. A double cardan universal joint may overcome this. LR may drop your driveline warranty like a hot cake as well.
A read of this thread is worth while: HELP! Anyone raised a PUMA? Big TROUBLE!!!

The workshop manual is only officially available on line through Land Rover's Global Technical Reference (GTR) website and then only by paid subscription. There is at least one "pirated" version available on the net.

Thanks for the heads up on that..greatly appreciated as I would have gone in head first. Having ignored a similar warning on a Hummer forum about turbo charging H3's, which turned out to be a very expensive error, I gladly read the entire thread and am much better informed for it.

The question of "why do you need to" is a very good one and I will proceed with much caution...a lift has been a foregone conclusion on previous trucks, but as I am mainly touring, I agree it might not be needed. A set of 130 springs to counter the weight of accessories sounds like the way to go.

Thanks again.

I would suggest you don't rush into changing the springs until you find you need to. I currently have a winch with steel cable and dual batteries on my D90 with standard springs and it is fine. I don't have a bullbar. Another consideration would be the cost of replacing a steel winch cable with synthetic (weight saving 25-30 kg) vs the cost of replacement springs. Without a winch it is unlikely you would need to consider updating the spring rating.

Re workshop manual: look at this thread http://www.aulro.com/afvb/90-110-130...op-manual.html

Cheers
KarlB

hey nugge t,
I just put 265/75 R16 mickey thompsons on my defender. I used steel sunrasia rims with a negative 25mm offset. There is no scrubbing or steering impairment but the tyres extend about 20mm out past the standard flares.
Cheers Sooly

I couldn't find the rim size for the 110 in the litereature so I asked the service guy at me dealer and was told they were 8". When I went to get the 285 75 R16's fitted which need an 8" rim it turns out the rims are actually 7" so I had to have 265's fitted.

Don't look too bad but think I will get some black 8" rims with 285's on. I need a set of 265's to make the other truck I ams elling legal in Qld anyway so will fit them to that.

They look great.
If you ever venture off the beaten track, it may be hard to find 285's so tread carefully there.
Big tyres also increase fuel consumption, affect handling and more strain and wear and steering and wheel bearings etc.

I like those wheels and tyres, great combo mate.

I fitted 255/85 r16(33in) to my 02 wagon defender standard alloy wheels before i did a lift and had no scrubbing. There are 2 suppliers of this size in Oz, BFG in the muddy's and maxi bighorns which i have and are pretty good.