Thread: Defender 110 suspension and tyre recommendations

Originally Posted by DiscoMick

A standard Defender is already one of the most capable vehicles money can buy, so don't sweat about mods too much.
Defenders don't need lifting as they are already quite high. Lifting can also cause vibrations in the propshafts.
I suggest it's better to fit HD axles and flanges, particularly to the rear. Also get good tyres. A rear locker would do a lot, although if you have a Puma Defender their TC is already very good.
Underbody armour including the steering, diffs, under the engine and the fuel tank would also be a good idea.
Make sure you have a towbar fitted with tow points front and rear. You might need them to tow Toyotas.

Very true and I definitely know I'm the weak link at the moment haha but I also don't want to damage my baby on some of the more challenging trails because it's too low. Upgrading my axles and CV's is on the list but was planning to do that after suspension, tires (255/85r16 Bfgoodrich KM3), engine tune (BAS), intercooler (BAS), aux fuel tank (Brown Davis 80L), rear wheel carrier (Rijidij) and snorkel (Mantec)

I'd like ARB air lockers, Ashcroft lockers or Ashcroft ATBs but as you mentioned I feel the TC is good enough for now, that I should focus on the suspension and tires first.

I have the Rijidij Bullbar bash plate and the stock steering protector bar but might get a diff protector before Tas. Got rated tow points front and rear ready to tow out the Toyota's and also a warn winch haha. Thanks for the advice Mick.

Originally Posted by crispy scapes

Very true and I definitely know I'm the weak link at the moment haha but I also don't want to damage my baby on some of the more challenging trails because it's too low. Upgrading my axles and CV's is on the list but was planning to do that after suspension, tires (255/85r16 Bfgoodrich KM3), engine tune (BAS), intercooler (BAS), aux fuel tank (Brown Davis 80L), rear wheel carrier (Rijidij) and snorkel (Mantec)

I'd like ARB air lockers, Ashcroft lockers or Ashcroft ATBs but as you mentioned I feel the TC is good enough for now, that I should focus on the suspension and tires first.

I have the Rijidij Bullbar bash plate and the stock steering protector bar but might get a diff protector before Tas. Got rated tow points front and rear ready to tow out the Toyota's and also a warn winch haha. Thanks for the advice Mick.

Fair enough.
Just keep in mind that going to taller tyres will slow acceleration, increase braking distances and make the vehicle go faster downhill, particularly in low range.
One of the things I like about my Defender on stock 235/85/16s is it really crawls very slowly downhill in low first, making braking unnecessary.
I guess it's a trade off of what works best in different conditions.

+1 for 255/85 with max 2" lift.

With a good amount of extra weight on the car it should hunker down to around 1" lift - which is better for driveline and steering.

If you want more clearance get rid of those side steps and you will gain a couple of inches right there. For protection replace with rock/tree sliders that fit in the sill position.

I also like the 255/85-16 tyres but the tyre choice is limited these days when compared to 285/75-16 tyres..... and there's the price difference for those 255/85-16 tyres

Originally Posted by Robmacca

I also like the 255/85-16 tyres but the tyre choice is limited these days when compared to 285/75-16 tyres..... and there's the price difference for those 255/85-16 tyres

Really only 1 stand out tyre in that size.. Toyo...

If thats a TDCi (Puma) not just the bonnet then they don't like to be lifted much unless you do something special with the front drive shaft. (double cardan).

Pic is mine, stock suspension and stock alloy rims with 255/85R16 Toyos.... No lift needed.
4E49FEDD-6673-46C7-BA34-1114F7DC3A38.jpg

Originally Posted by Tombie

Really only 1 stand out tyre in that size.. Toyo...

Agreed

And BFG KM2 or maybe new KM3