Thread: Defender 110 suspension and tyre recommendations

Originally Posted by tact

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.

Yeah it is a 2.2 TDCi (Puma). Been happy with the stock defender suspension performance?

Originally Posted by Tombie

Not even in the same league.

Why not? There aren't even any comprehensive tests and reviews of the KM3's yet. I currently have Toyo Open Country AT 235/8516R16.

Originally Posted by crispy scapes

So why do you prefer the 255/85 over 285/75 which I assume would have better off-road performance because of the extra traction with the extra width? Mainly because of the extra rolling resistance?

Yeah new rock sliders are on the list.

I had 285/75 ATs prior to the 255 MTs. The 285 look the goods but 255s drew me in for a go after hearing a lot of praise from defender owners (mostly on here): same height, less rolling resistance/weight, better turning circle, fit nicely in the guards. Also the 285 really should be on a 7.5"+ wide rim, saying that no problems at low PSI when I had them on a 7" but could be an insurance problem in event of accident.

MT treads are supposedly not as good as ATs on the sand but I have found sand driving better on the 255MTs than the 285ATs and I put that down to less rolling resistance. Both 33s have the diameter to float well on the sand when aired down but a skinnier 33 will have less to push through when you start to get a build up ahead of the tyre. At least thats the feeling I get with the 255s on the beach - less resistance.

And then on mud. The 255MT cuts through and digs in. Its fantastic in mud!

Originally Posted by Tombie

Not even in the same league.

The toyos are great if your in a 4ton vehicle but im at 2200kg and really dont need all that extra weight in the tyre. The BFGs flex well, quieter on the road (not that it matters much in a def), have a better tread pattern for mud slinging. AND Ive never had a puncture with a BFG. So have no reason to try Toyo - yet!

Toyo MT treads might last longer than KM2s, I dont know. This is my first set, up to 26,525km, across the gunbarell and up the cape. Still looking good with plenty of tread.

Which ones cheaper?

Not that you'll probably need to replace one while you are here, but no one keeps the 255s in Tas they always ship them in from Victoria and can sometimes take weeks. You normally get a blank look when you ask for that size! I once waited nearly a month a few years back. So that's worth considering maybe? That's one reason I run 285s now (and much cheaper). You'll be running the 285s on an 8-inch rim, so that gives you more tyre choices if you don't like the 33s? I used to have 255s on disco rims which are +33 off-set like your boost alloys, and they do rub on full lock and your turning circle does suck. Turning around on narrow track can be the problem. At the moment, I am selling my 16x8 -25 rims because I am sick of mud on my door handles and windows! So that’s something to consider too. I am going to try the 285s on a +8 rim, with extended flares, and am hoping it’s the right mix of increased track, tyre height, price, mud on car, looks and legality! If this fails I give up.

Originally Posted by crispy scapes

So why do you prefer the 255/85 over 285/75 which I assume would have better off-road performance because of the extra traction with the extra width? Mainly because of the extra rolling resistance?

Yeah new rock sliders are on the list.

Traction comes from length, not width. To get more traction a tyre needs to be taller not wider. More width just increases the mound of sand or mud being pushed in front of the tyre.
More height increases the length of tread in contact with the surface during each revolution. If you compare two tyres with the same width but one is taller, the taller one makes a longer footprint for each revolution.
Widening the lower tyre just increases the rolling resistance which has to be overcome for the tyre to turn. That's good if you want to float on snow, but bad if traction is your aim.
Maximum traction comes from a tyre which is tall and narrow, like the 235/85/16s on Defenders.

Originally Posted by crispy scapes

Yeah it is a 2.2 TDCi (Puma). Been happy with the stock defender suspension performance?

Ahhh mine’s MY2013 2.2, had it from new.

The stock suspension has served well so far. Sure: It’s harsh on road. It could likely flex better off-road. When it starts to fail or leak will consider something better. But won’t be looking for any suspension lift or extreme articulation. My use case for the vehicle doesn’t include hard core trails or competition.

I have 255/85's on both Defenders, TOYO's on the 300tdi and BF Goodrich on a Puma as they were on when i bought it, BF's are noisier I think and that's saying something going from a 23 year old vehicle to an SVX... same same on road I think, I will probably replace with TOYO when the time comes...