275/55/20 Front Tyres Rubbing on Chassis.

[DiegotheCat]

Hey

Yes another tyre question but Iv tried searching and for the life of me I find the search function on this forum is so antiquated its frustrating, hence my question.

So I have been, trying to find a good off road tyre to run on my disco for the past 2-3 months but keep hitting snags.

So far Im running normal standard tyres being 255/50/20 - 30.1 inch

The tyre I want to run is 275/55/20 - 32 inch but after trial fitting at the tyre store today we found that it rubs slightly on the stupid protruding chassis end in the front wheel well. Rears absolutely fine.

I dont want to go 275/45/20 - 29.8 inch as they are the same size tyres that I am already running.

There is a suitable 265/50/20 - 30.5 inch but the tyre isnt as aggressive as I would like.

So my question (finally) has anyone tried massaging the chassis out of the way so the car can accept 32 inch tyres or have we all settled for 31 inch tyres.

I do have GOE height rods but I dont want to have to have them engaged all the time as I will need to lower the car to get it into my garage and carparks already.

Cheers Ben

[Graeme]

Have you considered 285/50R20?

Have you considered the Nitto Terra Grappler in 265/50R20 or 285/50R20?

[DiegotheCat]

Have you considered 285/50R20?

Have you considered the Nitto Terra Grappler in 265/50R20 or 285/50R20?

I test fitted the nitto terra grappler in 285/50/20 today and that was the tyre that was rubbing on my chassis. So the 275/55/20 deffinitly would rub.

So the choice is the 265/50/20 grappler but I really like the look of the Atturo Trail Blade XT which is in the above sizes.

decisions decisions, i really dont want to bend the chassis out of the way so I guess ill be leaning on the smaller tyres.

Graeme are you running either of the tyres you mentioned? are you happy if you are?

Cheers Ben

[Graeme]

A few days ago my brother was about to order 285/50R20 Terra Grapplers for his 2008 RRS. However his earlier chassis doesn't have the protrusion of the later chassis. 265/50R20 don't provide extra sidewall and don't have a higher load rating whereas 285/50 and 275/55 mostly do on both counts. I haven't yet heard the outcome of my brother's intended tyre purchase.

[First LR]

I test fitted the nitto terra grappler in 285/50/20 today and that was the tyre that was rubbing on my chassis. So the 275/55/20 deffinitly would rub.

So the choice is the 265/50/20 grappler but I really like the look of the Atturo Trail Blade XT which is in the above sizes.

decisions decisions, i really dont want to bend the chassis out of the way so I guess ill be leaning on the smaller tyres.

Graeme are you running either of the tyres you mentioned? are you happy if you are?

Cheers Ben

Hi Ben,


I went through a similar conundrum earlier this year and bought the 265/50 Terra grapplers - so far they have been great.


Although I didn't try the 275/55 or 285/50 because I thought they were going to need minor mods, I was told the 285 causes more issues because of width not diameter. I was also told the 275/55 only rub slightly in reverse. If you look at the GOE tyre guide both sizes appear to be OK and "only rub slightly at first (ie first 2-3K kms)".


Just curious, but what year model is your D4, because the tyre guides might be for earlier model D4s ?


I will be watching this thread with interest.

[DiegotheCat]

Hey thanks andrew

I have a 2012 HSE, I did look at the GOE chart but all say better with rods. I have purchased rods but I dont want to use them during normal driving only when off road.

Ill go with the 265/50/20 grapplers, I found a place with them today and will be getting my off road wheels down there soon for a fitting.

So you say you are happy with the grapplers? do you use them all the time for city and off road use?

I only have another set of wheels as I know what off roading does to rims after my last 4x4 so I have a cheap set of range rover wheels so I dont hurt my nice stock set.

Cheers Ben

[First LR]

Hey thanks andrew

I have a 2012 HSE, I did look at the GOE chart but all say better with rods. I have purchased rods but I dont want to use them during normal driving only when off road.

Ill go with the 265/50/20 grapplers, I found a place with them today and will be getting my off road wheels down there soon for a fitting.

So you say you are happy with the grapplers? do you use them all the time for city and off road use?

I only have another set of wheels as I know what off roading does to rims after my last 4x4 so I have a cheap set of range rover wheels so I dont hurt my nice stock set.

Cheers Ben
Yes I only have one set of wheels - I was considering a set of (5 or 6) GOE 18" rims, but I didn't see the ROI of spending $5k. I decided that any damage to the stock rims could be fixed for a lot less than $5k, if it got too scratched. Also I have had the pleasure of a spare set of rims for a previous 4wd and eventually got tired of swapping them for trips.:(
I really like the look of the LR Black rims and the looks I get when other 4wders get amazed at how a good looking car outperforms their lifted, locked and damaged trucks :).


The Nittos have been good so far (only purchased Jan) and have been quiet on road (unnoticable compared to the std Pirellis) while providing better traction off road. Not to mention they look way better than the standard Pirellis. I have used them on sand @ Cooloola, and rocks etc at Mt Mee and Janowen Hills.


Cant wait to trial them on my Cape York trip later this month :D

[Graeme]

The 285/50R20 Grapplers didn't fit my brother's MY08 RRS as they rubbed on the front knuckle and on the chassis behind the front wheels so he fitted 265/50R20 Grapplers instead.

[Muskie]

Hi Guys,

i have 285/50/20 Nitto's on my MY13 D4 and they used to rub on the lowest setting, until i fitted the Johnson Rods. The Rods are now permanent and i have no Rubbing whatsover. Best Tyre ever!!

[chuck]

Muskie

How much clearance between the front tyres and suspension?

Any chance of some more photos.

Cheers

[TerryO]

The GOA rods do a top job for off road height adjustment but if you guys are needing to raise and lower your vehicles multiple times through out the day to get it or out of garages etc then you can't beat a Llams kit. It makes lifting and lowering so easy and quick plus you have a height setting for just about every occasion.

I know it's tempting to try and get the biggest baddest set of tyres that you can squeeze into the wheel well but you can often end up terribly compromising the vehicles on road driving attributes for a certain look. I know a few people who have soon after forking out for that extra big set of tyres hated them that much that they have got rid of them pretty quick or end up buying a second set of useless 20" rims. Your problem is the 20" rims don't lend themselves well to a much larger off road tyre.

As for the 265/50/20" Terra Grapplers they are a very good all round tyre and a good compromise size plus your Disco will still drive like it's supposed to and they look pretty good on the car.

By the way it's not $5k to buy Gordon's 18" rims either, that amount includes the tyre purchase price and no matter what you still have to buy tyres for any size of rims, the main difference is you end up with quite a number of choices in different brands, thread patterns and sizes in tyres if you have 18" rims plus you have a set of wheels that people will que up to buy once you no longer want them.

[First LR]

Just thought I'd provide an update on the Nittos 265/50/20. I took 6 upto the Cape in June/July (5 on rims and 1 loose) and then Fraser Is in Sept school hols.


They performed beyond my expectations in all conditions from mud, rocks, sand to corrugations. Survived the Cape trip with no punctures (some sidewall damage and slight chipping) and after Fraser Is, one tyre did need to be replaced due to the sidewall damage, compounded during Fraser, I think. Still have plenty of tread and still great on road and off (where I am game to take them).


Cant complain for $250/tyre the Nittos seem to punch well and truly above their weight division and it didn't cost me $5K for 6 GOE rims and tyres, that would now be sitting around waiting for my Kimberley trip :(.


I do have GOE rods but am considering getting Llams to have more flexibility to upgrade to larger tyres on the 20" rims. I have just noticed that Mickey Thompsons have some new sizes in 20"s that look very interesting :D.


Would love to know if anyone has tried Mickey Ts ?

[DIS4]

Just thought I'd provide an update on the Nittos 265/50/20. I took 6 upto the Cape in June/July (5 on rims and 1 loose) and then Fraser Is in Sept school hols.


They performed beyond my expectations in all conditions from mud, rocks, sand to corrugations. Survived the Cape trip with no punctures (some sidewall damage and slight chipping) and after Fraser Is, one tyre did need to be replaced due to the sidewall damage, compounded during Fraser, I think. Still have plenty of tread and still great on road and off (where I am game to take them).


Cant complain for $250/tyre the Nittos seem to punch well and truly above their weight division and it didn't cost me $5K for 6 GOE rims and tyres, that would now be sitting around waiting for my Kimberley trip :(.


I do have GOE rods but am considering getting Llams to have more flexibility to upgrade to larger tyres on the 20" rims. I have just noticed that Mickey Thompsons have some new sizes in 20"s that look very interesting :D.


Would love to know if anyone has tried Mickey Ts ?

Hi, Andrew. Good to your story in cape York. I got my 2015 D4 SE, with Cooper R275/45R20, going to add the bull bar, dual battery. How did you feel about long rang tank? Is it worth? Any issue with air suspension and electronics? Any tips to prepare D4 ready for the trip? Good to LLAMS, but dealer refused to installed it and some problems related to it.

Cheers,

Gary

[Graeme]

Good to LLAMS, but dealer refused to installed it and some problems related to it.I totally understand a dealer not wanting to fit a LLAMS kit but what problems are related to it?

[Stuart02]

Can anyone confirm that 275/55/20s will just rub a little initially, and whether that includes at access height? (2010 RRS)

Thanks

Sent from my SM-G900I using AULRO mobile app

[ADMIRAL]

Can anyone confirm that 275/55/20s will just rub a little initially, and whether that includes at access height? (2010 RRS)

Thanks

Sent from my SM-G900I using AULRO mobile app

Very likely they will more than rub if the vehicle goes into limp home mode. If you are taking them off road, it is also prudent to investigate how you will get them out of the wheel arch, and how high the vehicle has to be jacked to change them. Gordon ( GGHAGGIS ) has a post somewhere on the different size tyres, and how they fit or otherwise. Worth looking for.

[First LR]

Hi, Andrew. Good to your story in cape York. I got my 2015 D4 SE, with Cooper R275/45R20, going to add the bull bar, dual battery. How did you feel about long rang tank? Is it worth? Any issue with air suspension and electronics? Any tips to prepare D4 ready for the trip? Good to LLAMS, but dealer refused to installed it and some problems related to it.

Cheers,

Gary



Hi Gary,
the only electronics type issue I had during the trip was a park brake warning that went on after a water crossing. Stop/restart solved the issue. I suspect some dirt got on a sensor.


Long range tank was great. I filled up at Cairns, topped up at Coen and filled up again at Weipa (really cheap) on return. I am sure you can (and many do) go to the Cape without a long range tank, because there are regular servos, but since I use a Starcard I had fewer options. Apart from having more fuel, the extra tank allows me to put the tyre on the back out of mud etc and with easy access if required. The placement of the D4 spare I personally think is one of its only bad design decisions.


Car performed brilliantly and didnt have any issues. I dropped tyre pressures to about 26psi on the OTT (and frenchmans) and made all attempted crossings without assistance.


Have a great time.


Cheers,
Andrew

[cvarak]

Just thought I'd provide an update on the Nittos 265/50/20. I took 6 upto the Cape in June/July (5 on rims and 1 loose) and then Fraser Is in Sept school hols.


They performed beyond my expectations in all conditions from mud, rocks, sand to corrugations. Survived the Cape trip with no punctures (some sidewall damage and slight chipping) and after Fraser Is, one tyre did need to be replaced due to the sidewall damage, compounded during Fraser, I think. Still have plenty of tread and still great on road and off (where I am game to take them).


Cant complain for $250/tyre the Nittos seem to punch well and truly above their weight division and it didn't cost me $5K for 6 GOE rims and tyres, that would now be sitting around waiting for my Kimberley trip :(.


I do have GOE rods but am considering getting Llams to have more flexibility to upgrade to larger tyres on the 20" rims. I have just noticed that Mickey Thompsons have some new sizes in 20"s that look very interesting :D.


Would love to know if anyone has tried Mickey Ts ?

Hi there,
I'm new to the forum and this thread is very relevant for me now. I have a MY16 Disco with blackpack ed. rims etc. on standard Pirellies. Just come back from a big Fraser Isl. trip before Xmas and really need to do something with this issue. Didn't too many issues as I wasn't towing the camper, but still I was constantly thinking about it since the Pirellies are rubbish off-road.

1 option is to get steelies (tuffants) which is not my preference, and much harder to sell the wife on.

the other option is the 265/50r20 Nittos which you reference above.

so my question (finally) with respect to the Nitto's:
a. what psi did you run them at (@ Fraser) on sand?
b. do you think they could still perform on sand (ie Fraser), towing a camper trailer? - the reason I ask is because usually we camp at Waddy Point which means you have to pass over the Indian Heads bog zone. It can be a challenge getting a trailer over at best of times, let alone with bad tyres. I didn't want to attempt it in the pirellies.

So by now, Im hoping somebody is still reading this thread from 2015 :)

Thanks for any advice.

Marko