Factory Options/Accessories

I don't disagree with the comments from those such as Psimpson7 and isuzurover, about modifying your vehicle, changing tyre sizes etc. The issue to me, and I believe to new owners particularly, is whether you need to make such changes for your Defender to be capable and I think the answer is a very loud NO. The Defender is extremely capable without any such modifications. There is no doubt you can make you Defender more capable of doing a range of things, but they are modifications that are not necessary to "hit the trails", to use Drew's words. After 40 years of owning Land Rovers I am convinced that Defenders are almost universally far more capable than their drivers.

Cheers
KarlB
:)

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Originally Posted by KarlB

I don't disagree with the comments from those such as Psimpson7 and isuzurover, about modifying your vehicle, changing tyre sizes etc. The issue to me, and I believe to new owners particularly, is whether you need to make such changes for your Defender to be capable and I think the answer is a very loud NO. The Defender is extremely capable without any such modifications. There is no doubt you can make you Defender more capable of doing a range of things, but they are modifications that are not necessary to "hit the trails", to use Drew's words. After 40 years of owning Land Rovers I am convinced that Defenders are almost universally far more capable than their drivers.

Cheers
KarlB
:)

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True true, and getting to know your vehicles limitations and learning how to drive it are important first steps :) And I will be doing this very shortly.

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Originally Posted by Drew90

Do you get any guard rub on full lock with no lift?

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Not if the wheels have the right offset. (standard puma wheels may be fine - I haven't tried them).

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Originally Posted by Psimpson7

I now run 255/85's most of the time which imo seem the best all round size for a Defender. (I have a bigger set too but they are for playing only)

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So you run generally 255/85R16 on road. Say an AT of some sort. And then offroad or for "fun" it looks like your running 35'' Krawlers?

If I was looking for a "fun" tyre, I would still want to keep with the 33's but could I run something wider say 265/85?

With the right offset obviously, would I still get away with the 2" lift? I just don't want to be rubbing guards, I would prefer full lock if possible???

Thank You

Another thing to factor in with water crossing over 500mm in a PUMA. As you are moving through the water, the drivers seat box is filling with water from the factory drain holes. A short distance won't matter but a slow 10 or 15meter crossing may do.
I agree, stopping in water and its game over if the water is over 500mm. By fitting a Xbox and moving the electrics to under the cubby box, an 8 inch gain in electrics heights can be had, after a bit of siliconing to waterproof the box.

DREW, I had a mate swap his HT tyres for AT's at Fourby's. He arranged to drive straight from the dealer to them and had them swapped. A cash adjustment was also part of the deal.

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Originally Posted by Drew90

So you run generally 255/85R16 on road. Say an AT of some sort. And then offroad or for "fun" it looks like your running 35'' Krawlers?

If I was looking for a "fun" tyre, I would still want to keep with the 33's but could I run something wider say 265/85?

With the right offset obviously, would I still get away with the 2" lift? I just don't want to be rubbing guards, I would prefer full lock if possible???

Thank You

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My 255/85's are BFG muddies, and yep play tyres are Krawlers. These are massive however and even with the arches off have a habit of folding up my panelwork :angel: metric width equivalent would be a 345!

If you use a std ish offset i think 285/75's wouldn't rub either (these are a 32.8" tall tyre) There isn't a 265/85

Cheers
Pete

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Originally Posted by Psimpson7

My 255/85's are BFG muddies, and yep play tyres are Krawlers. These are massive however and even with the arches off have a habit of folding up my panelwork :angel: metric width equivalent would be a 345!

If you use a std ish offset i think 285/75's wouldn't rub either (these are a 32.8" tall tyre) There isn't a 265/85

Cheers
Pete

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What do you think is better for offroad? 285/75R16 32.8"?

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Originally Posted by Drew90

What do you think is better for offroad? 285/75R16 32.8"?

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I have 285/75 MTRs on one vehicle and 255/85 maxxis bighorns on another. IME the 285s are better offroad, but probably more to do with MTRs being a better engineered tyre (and more $$$$).

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Originally Posted by isuzurover

I have 285/75 MTRs on one vehicle and 255/85 maxxis bighorns on another. IME the 285s are better offroad, but probably more to do with MTRs being a better engineered tyre (and more $$$$).

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And the 285/75 seem to be a regular size as apposed to the 255/85. MT MTZ 285/75 look the goods :p

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Originally Posted by Drew90

And the 285/75 seem to be a regular size as apposed to the 255/85. MT MTZ 285/75 look the goods :p

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But 255s should have slightly less rolling resistance, and you need 7.5"+ rims (legally) for 285's.