New wheels and another tyre question

[patclan]

I have a set of 7x16 ZU rims coming for my 2010 defender, should be here from the UK next week, it is a bit exciting and I check the TNT tracker daily, this morning they were in Belgium.

I am sure many are familiar with the wheels but here is the spec from there page.

11mm offset.
1400kg rating.
10.4kg each.

After spending the last few months trying to figure out what wheels and tyres to get I decided on the wheel and figured the natural limitation of available tyres for the wheel should make the choice easier, it does but only marginally..

So for brand I will probably be going for BFG, I have not decided on AT or MT yet but I am leaning to MT as I have my big trip through the outback/desert coming up and the defender does not get used to commute any more as I now work from home and I am saving the K's for better use. Also I read everywhere the KM2 are pretty good on the road, and personally I like the look. But I could still go either way.

My big decision is size, as they are only 7 inch rims and I do not want to go back to the 235's then I think my only option is 255/85 16's or 265/75 16's but I am not sure.

I believe 265's should fit fine with the offset of the wheel, and these would be my natural choice I think, but then I get the nagging feeling, am I missing out on something by not going the 255.

So after all that I guess my question is 255 or 265, does the 255 require a lift in suspension? I need to upgrade the suspension anyway so this is an option.

Any advice would be appreciated, OK back to the shipment tracker!!

thanks
Patrick

[Drover]

Hi Pat,

265 is the maximum width for 7" rim.

The 255/85/16's are equal to 33" height and will fine without a lift and are probably the best option.

I just got 285/75/16 in MTZ's (33"), waiting for my 8" King rims with neutral off set.

Cheers

[Allan]

I've got 255/85 BFG muds on my SVX rims on standard height suspension. It required the lock stops adjusting a little but all ok, with your rim offset it may not be necessary. The ride is good but you can tell you have a bigger tyre on the rim, particularly when braking. I did notice a change in the gearing though, lost just a little down low but since changing the exhaust all seems good. The speedo is also spot on with this size tyre. Hope this helps.


Allan

[Marty110]

Hi, can only comment on my own choice - I have fitted the same ZU rim and have gone with 265 BFG KM2 MT's. Just back from a trip through many of the 4wd tracks in the Flinders including those on Merna Mora, the new Sky Trek, Mulga Views Stirrup Iron track, Alpanas Mt Samual track, tracks on Yankaninna and Arkaroola. Some tracks included sand out by Lake Torrens. The tyres performed really well in all terrain including the sand and very steep rocky climbs and descents. Unlike tryes on other cars on the trip these suffered zero chipping and cutting - no lumps missing from the tread. They also perform well on the gravel and bitumen and are much, much quieter than any other MT's I've had including Cooper STT's currently on my Rangie ute. Too soon to comment on mileage but my car is my daily and work drive as well and I have no regrets having MT's on all the time though in fairness my work is mainly off road. I do have a 50mm OME spring lift but it is probably not necessary for these tyres on these rims - there is plenty of clearance, in fact I have adjusted my steering stops for better turning circle. Hope this helps - cheers, Marty

[Loubrey]

Same option as Marty. LRA won't like you if you put 255's on that "Still in Waranty" Puma of yours...

ZU's with 265/75/16 KM2's.

[patclan]

Same option as Marty. LRA won't like you if you put 255's on that "Still in Waranty" Puma of yours...

ZU's with 265/75/16 KM2's.

Yes still in warranty but with 90k on the clock I suspect I won't make the 3 yrs. If I go 155's, I can always chuck the boosts back on with the GG's for the final LR service.

But I can't remove the de-cat pipe I put in the other day so they will see that I am sure, then again maybe not.

cheers

[patclan]

Hi Pat,

265 is the maximum width for 7" rim.

The 255/85/16's are equal to 33" height and will fine without a lift and are probably the best option.

I just got 285/75/16 in MTZ's (33"), waiting for my 8" King rims with neutral off set.

Cheers

Nice one Grant!! I knew I should have gone for 8" wheels.. oh well too late now, maybe some steelies next year..

ok so the 155s are looking the go, and with only 10mm difference between them and 20mm over all there should not be a noticeable difference in track, girth, manly standing, whatever it is called.


I've got 255/85 BFG muds on my SVX rims on standard height suspension. It required the lock stops adjusting a little but all ok, with your rim offset it may not be necessary. The ride is good but you can tell you have a bigger tyre on the rim, particularly when braking. I did notice a change in the gearing though, lost just a little down low but since changing the exhaust all seems good. The speedo is also spot on with this size tyre. Hope this helps.

Allan

When you say change in the gearing, "lost just a little down low" does this mean you need to change gear quicker? 1st is pretty useless for day to day driving as it is, or is it just a general loss of ooomph?

[Loubrey]

I also throw the Boosts with the GG's back on when it's time for a service - mostly because it meant a Karratha to Perth blacktop trip, but no need to rock the boat while in waranty.

Spare set just takes up so much space!

I agree with you though, if your end of waranty is that close I would go 255/85/16 as well. I would still look at the KM2's though, they are defo the quitest muddies I've ever had fitted and they are supreme off road.

Congratulations on those ZU's. Big bite out the wallet, but the quality is second to none. Don't rush your fitment centre though and make sure they stick the balancing weights properly...

[Allan]

Nice one Grant!! I knew I should have gone for 8" wheels.. oh well too late now, maybe some steelies next year..

ok so the 155s are looking the go, and with only 10mm difference between them and 20mm over all there should not be a noticeable difference in track, girth, manly standing, whatever it is called.



When you say change in the gearing, "lost just a little down low" does this mean you need to change gear quicker? 1st is pretty useless for day to day driving as it is, or is it just a general loss of ooomph?

I found it lost a little oomph as you put it. I read you have fitted a decat pipe so you may not notice this. This loss of grunt went away when I fitted the pipe and lost the centre muffler. Very happy with the tyres though can't beat the KM2's. It also gives you that little extra between the diffs and the ground.

Allan

[flagg]

255 km2 on a defender is IMO the best setup for people who hit the dirt. They are a great Tyre, quieter and better road manners than my old Cooper all terrains.

[discojools]

Couldn't agree more bout KM2s.. have them on my D4 and just did Flinders Ranges trip like Marty110.. No chipping, supreme offroad and not too noisy on. Went on trip with Landcruiser 70series with Micky Thompson MTZs (I think) that chipped and Hilux with BFG ATs that also chipped badly. Cooper STC on one of the caravans completely delaminated on way back to Melbourne. Pretty scary!

Will be putting KM2s as second set of tyres on my 90. Pretty happy with the Continentals that it came with though!

[Yorkshire_Jon]

The 255x85 R16s are taller than the 235x85 R16 and therefore the gearing is higher. That translates to a loss of oomph when setting off and accelerating.

That said, whilst its there and a little noticeable, the benefits of the taller tyre and excellent BFG performance far outway the lack of oomph.

Whilst I run the 255x85 R16 BFG MT KM2's, I really wish they made an AT in that size.

R
J

Sent using Forum Runner

[patclan]

Thanks guys, that was easier than i thought it would be :)
255x85 R16 BFG MT KM2's it is then..

can't wait.. but now i need to find some..

[Yorkshire_Jon]

If your after genuine Australian stock, I found the guys at beaurepairs to be most competitive. $345 fitted last June.

Sent using Forum Runner

[First90]

Will be putting KM2s as second set of tyres on my 90. Pretty happy with the Continentals that it came with though!

My sentiments exactly, the conti cross contacts haven't really slowed my down at all. I just really want some extra height so am grappling with the warranty risk on going to 255's. I am only 1 year and 10,000kms into my warranty. I wish I could afford a second set of rims and just swap them over when needed.

There are a few comments on the exhaust here and removing the cat is pretty cheap and easy. Worth doing? Noticeable change?

[patclan]

There are a few comments on the exhaust here and removing the cat is pretty cheap and easy. Worth doing? Noticeable change?

I have only done the de-cat pipe, but the difference was noticeable, smoother acceleration and just feels like it runs better, I wrapped it in some charcoal exhaust wrap first to try and reduce the heat coming through the floor, not sure if it is legal but i think it works, seems to be not as hot down there but then the temp is cooling down in general so could be coincidence.

Easy?? not so sure, took me most of the day to do it, of course if I did it again there would be less faffing around and could probably do it in a few hours.

I removed the chassis cross member and one end of the prop shaft to get it out in one piece, then the turbo heat shield needed a bracket to bolt onto, Drover has a post on the de-cat and he provided the idea for the bracket. Not sure what others have done about the shield, I read the other day that twisted performance provide a de-cat with a bracket attached for the turbo shield.

It was worth it for sure, but with 1yr and 10k on your defender then its a big call.

[Allan]

I have only done the de-cat pipe, but the difference was noticeable, smoother acceleration and just feels like it runs better, I wrapped it in some charcoal exhaust wrap first to try and reduce the heat coming through the floor, not sure if it is legal but i think it works, seems to be not as hot down there but then the temp is cooling down in general so could be coincidence.

Easy?? not so sure, took me most of the day to do it, of course if I did it again there would be less faffing around and could probably do it in a few hours.

I removed the chassis cross member and one end of the prop shaft to get it out in one piece, then the turbo heat shield needed a bracket to bolt onto, Drover has a post on the de-cat and he provided the idea for the bracket. Not sure what others have done about the shield, I read the other day that twisted performance provide a de-cat with a bracket attached for the turbo shield.

It was worth it for sure, but with 1yr and 10k on your defender then its a big call.

Loose the centre muffler, good choice with the rubber.

Allan

[First90]

I removed the chassis cross member and one end of the prop shaft to get it out in one piece, then the turbo heat shield needed a bracket to bolt onto, Drover has a post on the de-cat and he provided the idea for the bracket. Not sure what others have done about the shield, I read the other day that twisted performance provide a de-cat with a bracket attached for the turbo shield.

Ahhh yeah I think I might have made up the easy bit....

[jddisco200tdi]

If you have a rear quarter fuel tank or want to get one, just keep in mind that 255/85R16 tyres will rub on full suspension compression.
Also when I had a 255 disintergrate in the outback the only size tyre easily available at Marla was a 235/85R16.

HTH

John D - Defender 110 2.4

[Loubrey]

I had a 255 disintergrate in the outback the only size tyre easily available at Marla was a 235/85R16.

HTH

John D - Defender 110 2.4

That being my main reason for the 265/75/16 choice up here in the Pilbara. 235/85/16 having the same rolling diameter and those two sizes being available just about everywhere...

The 255/85/16 has many merrits, but there is no getting past the fact that they are a bit unique and hard to find.

[olbod]

[QUOTE=Loubrey;1668054]That being my main reason for the 265/75/16 choice up here in the Pilbara. 235/85/16 having the same rolling diameter and those two sizes being available just about everywhere...


I have been having the same thoughts about doing that ( 265/75/16 ) when I get a new Defender, but proably for a different reason. I figure that I would probably need to fit a roof rack to carry extra Jerries of fuel for really long extended trips, even when having the Mulgo tanks fitted.
Anyway, tyres are easily mulga staked when in poor country, I hate that.
I would replace the probably, Goodyears with BFG when I get it new.
With a rack I could wrap the Goodyears in plastic to keep clean and carry anything up to five spare tyres with little added weight. Not all staked tyres can be patched and re used. Bugger. This and the rack would only be used on really long, with bush bashing, extended time, trips.

cheers.

Robert.

PS: this idea would work well if you were planning long trips thru Africa, etc,.

[Loubrey]

PS: this idea would work well if you were planning long trips thru Africa, etc,.

Not too many places able to assist with refitting tubeless tyres in deepest darkest Africa though...:D

Jokes aside I agree 100%, we always had at least 8 extra loose tyres on the back of the support Unimog in addition to the 2 spares the "Scout and Survey" 90's carried while building roads through South Central Africa...

[patclan]

Guess what just arrived, 4 down 1 to go, I split the order as I was not sure if the 1k limit included postage.

Seeing as I am going for the 255's then I will get 6 of them maybe 5 KM2 and something cheaper to keep on the roof rack for my trip, if anything else comes in 255's have not looked.

I will give Beaurepairs a call tomorrow see what they can do for me.

[Allan]

Very nice rim.

Allan

[Loubrey]

Guess what just arrived, 4 down 1 to go, I split the order as I was not sure if the 1k limit included postage.

Seeing as I am going for the 255's then I will get 6 of them maybe 5 KM2 and something cheaper to keep on the roof rack for my trip, if anything else comes in 255's have not looked.

I will give Beaurepairs a call tomorrow see what they can do for me.

Congratulations!

I love mine and they are remarkably easy to clean after a bit of mud...

[PumaPete]

Guess what just arrived, 4 down 1 to go, I split the order as I was not sure if the 1k limit included postage.

Seeing as I am going for the 255's then I will get 6 of them maybe 5 KM2 and something cheaper to keep on the roof rack for my trip, if anything else comes in 255's have not looked.

I will give Beaurepairs a call tomorrow see what they can do for me.

Congrats!
They're very nice rims.

I will be in the market soon and am leaning towards a rim to take a 265/75/16 BFG I think. I have a 110 Hardtop with std suspension so I want them to fit in the guards and not protrude.

What offset should I be looking to use? That's the one thing that has me guessing?

[Drover]

Pete,

A factory wheel for a D'Fer (PUMA) has a neg 33mm off set, or 33mm extra to the middle of the vehicle. So on a 7 inch rim that’s equals about 4inches to centre and 3inches to out side.

A 265/75 tyre will just fit on a 7 inch rim, but no wider, it would a better fit on an 8 inch rim.

So if you are buying 8 inch rims, a neutral off set would best suit (4inches in and 4 inches out). This will cause the rim/tyre to stick out a little, but will negate any rubbing on the suspension.

Cheers

[rick130]

[snip]

if anything else comes in 255's have not looked.

[snip]


Maxxis BigHorn 762 and Cooper ST are the only other 255/85's available here ATM.

The Maxxis work well, they aren't as stiff in the sidewall as the BFG so require a little more pressure on road but I haven't found it a problem.
They howl a bit, but you really can't hear it over the wind noise in a Defender.

TyreMax (a wholesaler) and Bob Jane are the importers for Maxxis.

[KarlB]

I have been having the same thoughts about doing that ( 265/75/16 ) when I get a new Defender, but proably for a different reason. I figure that I would probably need to fit a roof rack to carry extra Jerries of fuel for really long extended trips, even when having the Mulgo tanks fitted.
Anyway, tyres are easily mulga staked when in poor country, I hate that.
I would replace the probably, Goodyears with BFG when I get it new.
With a rack I could wrap the Goodyears in plastic to keep clean and carry anything up to five spare tyres with little added weight. Not all staked tyres can be patched and re used. Bugger. This and the rack would only be used on really long, with bush bashing, extended time, trips.

cheers.

Robert.

PS: this idea would work well if you were planning long trips thru Africa, etc,.

Five 265/75R16 offroad tyres would weigh more than 100 kg. With a sensible load on a roof rack (in an off-road situation) of no more than 150 kg (including the weight of the rack itself), carrying that number of spares would be quite limiting as to what else you could put on the rack, especially given the 'bulk' of the tyres.

Cheers
KarlB
:)

[PumaPete]

Pete,

A factory wheel for a D'Fer (PUMA) has a neg 33mm off set, or 33mm extra to the middle of the vehicle. So on a 7 inch rim that’s equals about 4inches to centre and 3inches to out side.

A 265/75 tyre will just fit on a 7 inch rim, but no wider, it would a better fit on an 8 inch rim.

So if you are buying 8 inch rims, a neutral off set would best suit (4inches in and 4 inches out). This will cause the rim/tyre to stick out a little, but will negate any rubbing on the suspension.

Cheers

Thanks Drover,
I have been looking for after market alloy options and there doesn't seem to be a lot of choice and what is available seems really expensive compared to UK prices. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

I am starting to rethink and look at steel rims instead. Seems to be more options available locally and more reasonably priced. Certainly in 16x8's there seems to be plenty of choice. Any recommendation on brand?

The Dfer came with the steel 5.5Jx16 rims.

[Loubrey]

Pete,

I bought 6 alloys (ZU's) from the UK and had them posted by airfreight to Karratha in the Northwest Pilbara for a lot less than I could buy them over the counter in Perth.

You won't go wrong on at least getting a quote...

Zu Alloy Rims (http://www.devon4x4.com/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&page=shop.browse&category_id=266&Itemid=14)

If you want to support local, Les Richmond's not a bad option.

Steel Rims (http://www.lrautomotive.com.au/contents/en-us/d141.html)

[patclan]

Pete,

I bought 6 alloys (ZU's) from the UK and had them posted by airfreight to Karratha in the Northwest Pilbara for a lot less than I could buy them over the counter in Perth.

You won't go wrong on at least getting a quote...

Zu Alloy Rims (http://www.devon4x4.com/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&page=shop.browse&category_id=266&Itemid=14)

If you want to support local, Les Richmond's not a bad option.

Steel Rims (http://www.lrautomotive.com.au/contents/en-us/d141.html)


Yep I agree, I looked for a while for wheels was going to go steel, then decided on the Zu wheels, I got them from Paddocks and they came in a lot cheaper than I could get them anywhere in oz.

For steel I will probably get them locally if I could.

[DeanoH]

........................................Anyway, tyres are easily mulga staked when in poor country, I hate that ........................................... Not all staked tyres can be patched and re used. Bugger. This and the rack would only be used on really long, with bush bashing, extended time, trips.

cheers.
Robert.
.

It's probably been debated ad nauseum in previous threads. But here goes.

If youre planning to go this seriously off road I'd suggest sticking with 7.50R16's. Mightn't be flash, mightn't be fancy but you can get em at every corner store and one horse town in the outback. As to tubeless tyres, the most I've seen is 30 plugs in a staked tyre and it held air OK. Wouldn't want to go barelling down the NT highway at 130 Km/hr with it but OK in the bush.
Carrying five spares on the roof, plus fuel, crikey!, even Burke and Wills didn't carry that much.:D (though look what happened to them).
Be a heck of a lot easier with split rims and just a couple of tubed and banded spares, a couple more spare tubes and a box truck type patches. The good thick ones. These come in large sizes, the biggest I've got is about 6"X4" and about 1/8" thick. These should fix just about any size stake hole you'd get at the pressures and speed you'd be running at 'Mulga bashing'. Doesn't have to hold air as tubed.:)
Nice simple touring, drive untill you run out of spares, set up camp, have a cuppa, mend your spares whilst watching the world go by and start again the next day. Sort of a bush 'Ground Hogs Day':D.
Only problem is I don't know if you can get split rims for a Landy anymore.:confused:

Deano:)

[goingbush]

Theres a set of 5 wolf rims in the market section.
that is the go. I just cobbled together 8 for my 110 and van, otherwise I would have jumped on them.

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/wheels-tyres-suspension-sale/149966-wolf-rims-130-td5-defender-set-5-a.html

For all round use I reckon the 130 / Wolf type rims are terrific. 6.5x16x22.5 as opposed to the original 5.5x16x33 steel rims.

I run BFG 235/85R16 AT (equiv tyre size to 750R16) and on the 110 with 5.5 rims and the steering stops screwed right in the tyres would rub on the radius arms on full lock, Not so with the 130 rims. So if I took the stop bolts out all together I might get a still better turning circle (I don't mind the tyres rubbing the RA as I then know its as tight as I can go)



Re Deanos post. Agreed !!
There is some good info on Serious Desert / Spinnefex tyres on the Bedeall tours site
http://www.beadelltours.com.au/mrf.html

Hmm MRF tyres made in India, they should go good on a Defender

You can get split rims made at any decent wheel works (Eastern wheel Works) using Landcruiser rims with custom LR centres.

[4wheeler]

Pete,

A factory wheel for a D'Fer (PUMA) has a neg 33mm off set, or 33mm extra to the middle of the vehicle. So on a 7 inch rim that’s equals about 4inches to centre and 3inches to out side.

A 265/75 tyre will just fit on a 7 inch rim, but no wider, it would a better fit on an 8 inch rim.

So if you are buying 8 inch rims, a neutral off set would best suit (4inches in and 4 inches out). This will cause the rim/tyre to stick out a little, but will negate any rubbing on the suspension.

Cheers

Drover,
I might be wrong but the standard Puma Boost alloy offset is Et 33 or plus 33mm. As the offset number reduces towards 0 (zero offset) relative to the Boost offset, the wheel is moved outwards. I am running Et10 (plus 10mm rims which means the rims are moved 23 mm further out from standrd Boost alloys. With 265 tyres the sidewall is just covered by the wheel arch top. Once you go to zero or negative offset, the tyre in most cases would extend past the wheelarch. A negative 33 offset would mean the rim /tyre combo which I have would stick out 66 mm further out from a standard Boost alloy.

[patclan]

Well the new BFG KM2 finally arrived today, but only 4 came in, the other one is due on the 20th at the tyre place. So I am running around on 4 255/85/16 and a 235/85 spare for a week but could not wait, he wanted them out of the shop and I wanted them on the car.

Now that they are on I really need to get the HD springs for the front, and pronto, I reckon I will catch the front of the arch if I do anything lightly extreme.

This is also the first opportunity to really get the ZU rims out of their boxes, I have to say I think all 3 make a great set, the defender the wheels and the tyres, but hey I am biased!!

Anyone know if the blue stuff on the side wall washes off? it seems to be peeling so maybe I just wait and it will all be gone in a few days.

Anyway some pics, sorry about the quality, mobile phones have a lot to answer for, there must be a lot of crap photos out there.


https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2012/06/678.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2012/08/1854.jpg


https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2012/06/679.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2012/06/680.jpg

[4wheeler]

Hi Patclan,
The Defender looks great.
The blue protectant on the white logo writing does wash off either with a hose, or let the rain wash it off or use a bucket of water.

I don't know the weight of the Zu wheels but when I upgraded my wheels which were only a few kilograms heavier than the standard Boost wheels and tyres, I found it put extra strain on the back door so I had to tighten the catch mechanism so you could not see daylight at the top of the door as you drive over rougher sections of road or speed humps as the body flexes.

[patclan]

Hi Patclan,
The Defender looks great.
The blue protectant on the white logo writing does wash off either with a hose, or let the rain wash it off or use a bucket of water.

I don't know the weight of the Zu wheels but when I upgraded my wheels which were only a few kilograms heavier than the standard Boost wheels and tyres, I found it put extra strain on the back door so I had to tighten the catch mechanism so you could not see daylight at the top of the door as you drive over rougher sections of road or speed humps as the body flexes.

Thanks for that, will get the bucket of soapy water out in the morning!!

the Zu wheels weigh around 10.4kg, that plus the tyre I have no idea what the total is, i was moving the boosts with the generals into the shed and they are pretty heavy.

I need to get a wheel carrier but at over $900 it is a bit down my list at the, my back door is rubbing on the bottom at the moment, I was going to adjust it but will wait until i get the new spare on and see if it either lifts or drops more first.

cheers
Pat,