Thread: trouble fitting '96 mags on defender

Originally Posted by dullbird

I thought all offsets for Land Rover Disco Alloys were the same +33 I think...

The difference is that the shape of the wheel centre on Defender alloys is different to the alloys designed only for Discovery and RRc, which are flatter but the same offset.

I don't know if it affects the 110s, but the RRc/Disco/Xtreme alloys don't fit the early RRc because of the shape of the hub and wheel mounting flange.

Originally Posted by Craigb

I wanted to fit this set of landrover mags, common 5 spoke most commonly seen on Disco, with a casting date of 96, on my 96 defender. Seller said "absolutely positively will fit your defender" although he didn't know what they were off (disco?). Anyway, they do fit the front but on the rear you can't get the plastic centre cap on and the metal cap on the end of the axle protrudes (hope that makes sense). I tried searching for answers, and sounds like there is some possibility of aftermarket rear axles that maybe protrude a little more.

Mainly interested if anyone has come across this problem and solved it. It is only a few mm. I do like the car but having done extensive work on it, once again I find myself scratching my head and asking ' why would you cast a wheel that misses fitting another model by only mm, when one casting could fit all (assuming it is not aftermarket axles causing the problem!)

Any help greatly appreciated.

Wouldn't worry about it mate, my 09 model Defender came with aloof Boost wheels - had to pull the centre caps off then as soon as it fitted HD aftermarket flanges.

Just the way it is. FYI, the standard Defender Boost alloys are positive 33mm offset (ET33) - your rims should have some sort of marking to confirm offset.

If they are ET33 then 265/75s will rub your radius arms (but you can adjust your lock stops) and your rear spring towers (nothing you can do sbout this short of spacers/different rims). To go to a 255 I'm pretty sure you'll need to look at an 85 series proflie, which is a 33 inch tyre and will rub on those rims anyway.

Don't get too hung up on a little rubbing though - mine rubbed for 80,000k without issue.