Thread: 235/85R16 vs 255/85R16

Originally Posted by browndogrider1

Loubrey,

Your quote "The only "approved" tyre sizes for Pumas (Defenders in warranty) fitted with alloys are 235/85/16 and 265/75/16".

Does the 265/75/16 fit without rubbing on the standard alloys?

Yes, I can also confirm that they won't rub anywhere.

All 90's on sale in Africa from the dealers between 1990 and 1998 came standard with 265/75/16 BFG A/T. Possibly partly due to the BMW 328i engined versions for sale there needing a bit more rubber on the road! In 1999 the Td5 signaled a bit of a culture change and the 235/85/16 became the standard radial on all new Defenders.

My Puma has a set of 265/75/16 BFG KM2's on ZU alloys for play and the original 235/85/16 General Grabbers on the OEM alloys for touring.

The rolling diameter is within a couple of millimeters on a new set, hence LRA, LRSA,LRME, LRUK etc won't balk at the fact that you have them fitted.

Having said all that my last 90 in the UK (1998 300Tdi HT) had a set of the 255/85/16 BFG M/S on (with a 1.5 inch lift on HD springs) and it was absolutely unstoppable!

Cheers,

Lou

Hi all can i put 255/85/16 on wolf 6.5x16 rims with no lift on my 08 130 with out them rubbing on anything or should I stay with the 235/85/16. Camo

Originally Posted by camo29

Hi all can i put 255/85/16 on wolf 6.5x16 rims with no lift on my 08 130 with out them rubbing on anything or should I stay with the 235/85/16. Camo

Hi Camo,
I run 255s on the old 130 rims, which are the same dimensions as the Wolfs, on a 95 130 with no lift.

The only thing they rub on are the front radius arms at full lock.

You need to adjust the steering stops out to stop this. This makes the already poor turning circle even worse.

Tony

just browsed through this old thread. I think the circumference figures that led to speedometer readings in Lebanon´s posting a few pages back are not the figures that count. They are too high.
The 255/85 BFG MT has had 2.576m of circumference (dynamic; which is with vehicle´s weight on the tyre - i.e. a realistic szenario).
For a 235/85 I remember 2.476m (but my memory has seen better days).

Hi Tony
Thanks, I'm thinking of putting BFG 255/85 on.

I too used to be indecisive, but now I just can't make up my mind...

Having previously had a problem(93 Defender) with not so readily available tyre sizes in basic remote locations, I would go with the most common size available (pardon my ignorance on sizes, it's a bit like the kids names - can't remember them either).
I would like to go wider & taller than the current 235/85 r16,but don't believe they will fit the current ORE rims, plus doubt the all round / remote availability.

will be watching post with interest...

cheers
Andrew

I highly rate the "Toyo Open Country M/T" in 255/85-16 size.

Cannot compare against the BFG MT. On continent. Europe these two seem to be the only type of reasonable tyres you get in this size.
The Toyos are noisier than ATs for sure, but wife doesn´t complain. So it can´t be that bad. They perform very well on snow and ice (unless they are several years old and have hardend, but that is true for every else tyre, too). They loose about 1mm of rubber over 10000, if not less. We use them for the daily "runabout" aka 110" and my RRC.
The speedo is absolutely spot on. ´Might confess that it shows even 1km/h less than actual speed with the new Toyos and good air pressure.
I think the extra 1.5cm ground clearance gained is quite useful because it lifts the differentials over obstacles that were "ground to size" by Defenders with 235/85 driving in front of you ..

Originally Posted by landybehr

I highly rate the "Toyo Open Country M/T" in 255/85-16 size.

Cannot compare against the BFG MT. On continent. Europe these two seem to be the only type of reasonable tyres you get in this size.
The Toyos are noisier than ATs for sure, but wife doesn´t complain. So it can´t be that bad. They perform very well on snow and ice (unless they are several years old and have hardend, but that is true for every else tyre, too). They loose about 1mm of rubber over 10000, if not less. We use them for the daily "runabout" aka 110" and my RRC.
The speedo is absolutely spot on. ´Might confess that it shows even 1km/h less than actual speed with the new Toyos and good air pressure.
I think the extra 1.5cm ground clearance gained is quite useful because it lifts the differentials over obstacles that were "ground to size" by Defenders with 235/85 driving in front of you ..

Unfortunately we can't buy those here, unless via private import