255/85r16: what rim?

[Landi]

I'm looking at going up a size from 235 to 255/85r16 on my puma 110, mainly for extra clearance. Just not sure what rims to go with. I currently have sawtooth alloys which I believe almost certainly will rub and reduce turning circle. From searching other threads on here, my options seem to be:

-disco 1 steels with changed offset
-wolf rims with changed offset???
-16x8 0 offset dynamics
-zu alloys

What have people had experience with? At the moment my thinking is along the lines of:
-Disco 1 steelies I'm not 100% sure about
-Wolf rims seem like a good option but unsure if their offset can be changed
-The dynamics I'm unsure about the 8" width. I think 6.5-7" would be more appropriate with the 255s
-And Zu alloys are probably going to be too expensive

Any more options or advice? I'd happily stay with the 235/85 but I do like the idea of the 255s

[Iain_B]

I ran the OEM Puma alloys without any problems on my 255/85R16 in over 60,000km of outback travel, but if you are looking for an excuse for the missus to buy the ZU alloys than tell her you need to so the distributor doesn't restrict the camshaft travel. :)

107781

[flagg]

I have modded Disco1.. 20mm done by morten and may in sydney. I'm very happy with them but by the time you've bought them, modded them and painted or powder coated them they are no longer so cheap...... But I'm glad I zine coated and then powder coated them as while it was expensive many years later and lots of abuse they still look new.

No rubbing at full articulation or lock with 255/85 km2

[Landi]

I have modded Disco1.. 20mm done by morten and may in sydney. I'm very happy with them but by the time you've bought them, modded them and painted or powder coated them they are no longer so cheap...... But I'm glad I zine coated and then powder coated them as while it was expensive many years later and lots of abuse they still look new.

No rubbing at full articulation or lock with 255/85 km2

So what offset do you end up with? I can't remember what their original offset would be

[Landi]

I ran the OEM Puma alloys without any problems on my 255/85R16 in over 60,000km of outback travel, but if you are looking for an excuse for the missus to buy the ZU alloys than tell her you need to so the distributor doesn't restrict the camshaft travel. :)

107781

Precisely! Did you need spacers on those alloys? They're +33mm so I'm guessing if you didn't need spacers, they'll be fine on the sawtooths with +20mm

[1nando]

I run king terra 16x8 0 offset with no issues with bfg km2 255/85/16 for 4wding days and saw tooth alloys with 30mm terrafirma spacers with 32" goodyear duratracs for around town and work

[Landi]

I think I'm pretty keen on 16x 6.5 or 7". Despite 8" being legal fitment, I'd prefer to keep it narrower if possible. I don't really have any experience with steel wheels on defenders but have read a bit about dynamic wheels not centering properly and sometimes requiring centering rings. Would I have any problems fitting disco 1 steelies to my puma? Are they hub centric? I know lots of people don't have any issues running the dynamics without centering rings, but it would give me greater peace of mind to know that my rims aren't just supported by the nuts

[Tombie]

Stick to the sawtooth. Much stronger wheel and fine with a 255/85..

[Tusker]

Disco steelies will be fine. Remember to get matching wheel nuts..

For the record, I had a 255 mounted on an 8" rim, and side by side there was no discernable difference in height therefore rolling diameter. I'd have no concern mixing 7s & 8s. (assuming same brand/wear of course!)

Regards
Max P

[flagg]

So what offset do you end up with? I can't remember what their original offset would be

Changed it by 20mm (not sure the absolute figure)

[POD]

I have 255/85 on my 130 on the original wolf rims with the original offset, they do not rub. The rear of the 130 is of course different to yours but if it's the front you're worried about...
There's a mob in Lilydale, can't remember the company name, who do wheel modifications. Worth speaking to them, they can custom make a rim to your specifications or change offset on existing rims.

[Landi]

Ive decided on a set of disco 1 steelies. Before I make the purchase, can anyone confirm that they will fit on a puma? Ive read a couple of sources that say they fit the defender only up to 2006. Has anyone fitted them to a puma before? Obviously the stud pattern is the same, so can't see why they wouldn't fit

[BadCo.]

Whats wrong with the saw tooths? Should work fine.

I have 255s on ANR4583 rims on my 5 door Perentie, with about 10mm before they are outside the factory flares.

[Chris078]

I think I'm pretty keen on 16x 6.5 or 7". Despite 8" being legal fitment, I'd prefer to keep it narrower if possible. I don't really have any experience with steel wheels on defenders but have read a bit about dynamic wheels not centering properly and sometimes requiring centering rings. Would I have any problems fitting disco 1 steelies to my puma? Are they hub centric? I know lots of people don't have any issues running the dynamics without centering rings, but it would give me greater peace of mind to know that my rims aren't just supported by the nuts


The issue with Dynamic rims is they are lug centric. Well, they are on older Defender/110, not sure about the newer hubs.
That is not as issue if
A. You mount them properly
B. You get the dynamic wheel nuts

Dynamic rims have a different taper on the stud-hole than the stock rims. If you re-use the Land Rover nuts, they won't hold the wheel properly and allow the rim to move. Which is both dangerous and will result in a destroyed rim and broken studs.
Trouble is many tyre places don't seem to know this and re-use the old nuts or people don't realize this if they buy the rims and tyres separately and get them mounted at yet another place.
Get the Dynamic nuts, make sure they are mounted in the proper fashion for a lug-centric wheel, and you'll be fine.

Edit> I have 7" Dynamics on my Perentie running 235/85R16.

[steveG]

I'm running on roughly zero offset D1 rims. They sit nicely just under the factory flares. Very happy with them. Last time I enquired it was around $100 per rim to get the standard offset changed though.

Steve

[Landi]

Whats wrong with the saw tooths? Should work fine.

I want to keep my sawtooths with 235s just in case as it's still under warranty.

16x8" dynamics would be the easiest way to go I think (especially with Nugget's centric rings for a bit more peace of mind), but still worried the rim is too wide for the 255. They only do 16x7" in +20mm offset

[Tombie]

I want to keep my sawtooths with 235s just in case as it's still under warranty.



16x8" dynamics would be the easiest way to go I think (especially with Nugget's centric rings for a bit more peace of mind), but still worried the rim is too wide for the 255. They only do 16x7" in +20mm offset



Weirdest statement I've ever heard...

Running a 255/85R16 on your factory Sawtooths and warranty are unlikely to be an issue...

Increased diameter is 4%.

[Landi]

Mate I've been lead to believe that running any tyre with a larger rolling diameter than a 235/85 or 265/75 has the risk of voiding warranty on driveline components. If my rear diff went bang I wouldn't put it past land rover to blame it on the larger tyres

[BadCo.]

I want to keep my sawtooths with 235s just in case as it's still under warranty.

16x8" dynamics would be the easiest way to go I think (especially with Nugget's centric rings for a bit more peace of mind), but still worried the rim is too wide for the 255. They only do 16x7" in +20mm offset

I don't see why you would wan two sets of rims taking up space.

But, if you do, cheapest and easiest would be factory Disco 1 steel rim.

[Iain_B]

I have two sets of the OEM wheels, I use the 235/85 R16 Continental Cross Contacts for normal running around town, and the 255/85 R16 KM2/BigHorns ( also on OEM 33mm offset wheels) as our touring set, no spacers or anything like that. I even have the two different size spare wheel covers.

If you are worried about space, I stack them 6 high (Five wheels + one spare tyre).

With two complete sets and I get the best of both worlds, all it takes is about 20 minutes to swap them over when we loading up the car with all the touring goodies.

[Chris078]

I have two sets of the OEM wheels, I use the 235/85 R16 Continental Cross Contacts for normal running around town, and the 255/85 R16 KM2/BigHorns ( also on OEM 33mm offset wheels) as our touring set, no spacers or anything like that. I even have the two different size spare wheel covers.

If you are worried about space, I stack them 6 high (Five wheels + one spare tyre).

With two complete sets and I get the best of both worlds, all it takes is about 20 minutes to swap them over when we loading up the car with all the touring goodies.


Interesting. I would have thought 255s would rub a bit.
the more you know!

[Landi]

Yeh I would have thought so too. Maybe the maxxis isn't as wide as the KM2?

[BadCo.]

Interesting. I would have thought 255s would rub a bit.
the more you know!

From what I have read they may rub on spring perches, and may rub at full lock (so adjust the stops). Yay for hand built vehicles!

Mine worked fine but the Perenties are taller.

EDIT: KM2s are on my Perentie.

[Iain_B]

I've had a set of 255/85 KM2 on the front, no rubbing until I adjusted the steering stops for maximum lock with the 235/85 set to help with the turning circle. (just not touching). The 255 rub a bit now, but I don't hold it at maximum lock.

I've had both the Maxis and the KM2s on the rear with no rubbing to date that I could see at least.

[Landi]

Just an update for anyone interested...

I'm getting a set of disco 1 steel rims modified by 25mm, which will give me approx +8mm offset to run the KM2 255/85r16s. Things I have learnt along the way:
- Maxxis bighorns officially are no longer made in that size. Despite what their outdated website states
- Dick Cepek now do the Extreme Country MT in that size
- I wanted to keep things legal, so confirmed with vicroads that the maximum increase in track width is 25mm, and maximum increase in tyre diameter is 50mm (255s are 34mm larger than 235s). I have sawtooth alloys so going from +20mm offset to +8mm offset is a 24mm increase in track width...if my maths is correct. So I'm guessing that technically 0 offset rims would require engineer approval?

[BadCo.]

Seems a waste of money to get them modified when they will fit without modification!?

Or have we been through this already? I forget...

[jimr1]

I can tell you that 265x75 x16 on Disco 1 Rims do rub on the side of the spring hanger when articulated ! I thought by buying that size tyre was saving a few $$ . Until I found the wear marks on the rear , So then It cost me a set of 20mm offset rims . Now I looking back pleased that I did . They sit inside of the wheel flares , and It handles fine . I don't think wheel spacers are legal in Oz . I'm sure that someone will correct me if I'm wrong !!.. Jim

[jimr1]

I can tell you that 265x75 x16 on Disco 1 Rims do rub on the side of the spring hanger when articulated ! I thought by buying that size tyre was saving a few $$ . Until I found the wear marks on the rear , So then It cost me a set of 20mm offset rims . Now I looking back pleased that I did . They sit inside of the wheel flares , and It handles fine . I don't think wheel spacers are legal in Oz . I'm sure that someone will correct me if I'm wrong !!.. Jim

[noyakfat]

Hi all,

I thought I'd just sneak in on this thread, rather than start a new one.

I've read plenty of other threads, via search, about the 255/85R16's. I am considering this size for my next set of tyres.

By the time my current set (265/75R16 Hankook Dynapro MT) wear out, the vehicle will be out of warranty. It expires April 2017.

I know that fitting the 255's is currently an issue with LR regarding warranty. Can someone elaborate a little for me? Is the thinking that the larger rolling diameter will place additional stress on driveline components?

Further, I'd be very keen to hear from anyone using 255's long term to see if they have actually resulted in any driveline issues or any other mechanical problems.

I seem to have read a lot of very positive posts about the 255 (remote availability aside) but other than a few warnings about voiding warranty, I've not seen anything more specific about exactly what damage LR fear may be caused by this fitment.

Is anyone able (willing) to shed some light?

[1nando]

Its only roughly a 4% difference. Defenders arent made of cheese mate....

I run 235/85/16 (32s) for everyday driving and 255/85/16 for trips and days out....

[Witchdoctor]

Noyakfat,

Ive been running 255/85R16 KM2's for 70000K's now with no issues at all.
I have done a ring around for a set for the new work trailer & availability is not good right now in Australia.

Any questions i can answer just email me

David

[noyakfat]

Defenders arent made of cheese mate....


No ****, Sherlock ;)

I was just asking if anyone had specific info about whatever LR seems to be so worried about, and also feedback from anyone actually using 255's.

I will ask the local LR mob about their reasons, but wanted some real life experiences from those using that size for a decent length of time :)

Cheers,

[frantic]

I've done about 85,000 kms on bighorn 255/85 second set after about 65,000.
On standard boost alloys with a long travel gwyn Lewis kit they just rub on rear Spring mount at full articulation, I use 30mm spacers from uk, legal there not here, and they have had no bad effects in 4 years.
The bighorns feel more stable than the old cooper 235 that where on it when I got it.
But be warned it's addictive as now I want 315's and have just got the -25mm -6x8 wheels :D

[DiscoMick]

I notice Jax is doing about $220 on Pirelli Scorpion ATRs in 245 size at the moment but that may not be what you want. Just a thought.

Sent from my SM-G900I using AULRO mobile app

[Landi]

So I've finally got the BFG 255/85s fitted on flipped disco 1 steel rims! They fit and look great, however I do now have a noticeable shimmy/vibration between about 80-100km/h which I definitely didn't have previously with 235s on sawtooth alloys. The tyre mob who fitted them were great and I've used them in the past with no issues, so I doubt that they haven't balanced them properly. Is it worth going back for a re-balance, or could it be the disco rims are just out of shape? I got them second hand in VERY good condition, had them flipped, sandblasted and powder-coated. They look good as new

[steveG]

Wheels aren't true or still out of balance or tyres have an issue or the change in offset is highlighting wear in the front end - some ideas for starters.
Did they do a wheel alignment at the same time (ie change in toe in)?
If you're confident the mob that did the wheels checked them for true then move on from there.
If not, jack up each wheel in turn and rotate while holding something close to the rim to confirm they ARE true. Try swapping front to rear and see if it changes the vibe.

Steve

[BadCo.]

Pictures? What did you use as flares?

[Chris078]

noticeable shimmy/vibration between about 80-100km/h which I definitely didn't have previously

Bigger tyres will show up any wear in your front end.

If re balancing them does not correct this behavior, start looking at your tie rod ends (the ball joints) and the pitman arm ball joint.

[Landi]

Thanks for the tips. Is it likely that I'd have wear in the front end after only 1 year and 20,000km? I'm going back to the tyre place in the morning to get the weights/balance double checked. I'll get them to check the rims without the tyres on too maybe.

If it does turn out to be wear in the suspension components, I have a feeling it'll be hard to get warranty to cover any work with the larger tyres fitted. Any aftermarket HD solutions out there?

By the way, I'll get some pics up for those interested as soon as I free up some memory on my phone.

[Landi]

Pictures? What did you use as flares?

Standard flares. Rims are about +3mm offset and the tyres just fit within the guards. Will post photos soon

[DiscoMick]

Thanks for the tips. Is it likely that I'd have wear in the front end after only 1 year and 20,000km? I'm going back to the tyre place in the morning to get the weights/balance double checked. I'll get them to check the rims without the tyres on too maybe.

If it does turn out to be wear in the suspension components, I have a feeling it'll be hard to get warranty to cover any work with the larger tyres fitted. Any aftermarket HD solutions out there?

By the way, I'll get some pics up for those interested as soon as I free up some memory on my phone.

It is possible for a tyre to be out of round shape even though its balanced. Try moving fronts to back and see if that makes any difference.

[Landi]

It is possible for a tyre to be out of round shape even though its balanced. Try moving fronts to back and see if that makes any difference.

Thanks mate. Hopefully I can work through it with the tyre place tomorrow. I'm just hoping the rims aren't the issue as I already spent a fair bit on getting them flipped, sandblasted and powder coated...if it's the tyre that's out of round, would they replace that under warranty?

[BadCo.]

Thanks mate. Hopefully I can work through it with the tyre place tomorrow. I'm just hoping the rims aren't the issue as I already spent a fair bit on getting them unnecessarily flipped, sandblasted and powder coated...if it's the tyre that's out of round, would they replace that under warranty?

Fixed.

[Landi]

Turns out it was just a balancing issue. Not enough weight on the outsides

Here are the new tyres getting a bit of a workout

109523

[Toxic_Avenger]

Posting here as I'm looking to run 255 85 R16's on my D90 using the factory 'dual finish' alloys (I believe they are 7" wide, +30 offset)

From what I gather the general consensus is this fitment should be OK knowing that the steering lock might need a bit of adjustment, and the rear spring perch on the 90 is smaller than on the 110?

Anyone else successfully had this config on a 90?

[Tombie]

Posting here as I'm looking to run 255 85 R16's on my D90 using the factory 'dual finish' alloys (I believe they are 7" wide, +30 offset)



From what I gather the general consensus is this fitment should be OK knowing that the steering lock might need a bit of adjustment, and the rear spring perch on the 90 is smaller than on the 110?



Anyone else successfully had this config on a 90?



They fit fine...

Had them on a mates 90... As you said smaller Spring [emoji41]

They're a fantastic size tyre on a Defender.

[jackdef90]

Boost alloys are +33 offset and I think the sawtooths are slightly less offset +25 so they track out more, I've got 265 75 16 km2s on boost alloys, but would like to get a bit more clearance on the 90, not bothering till they're stuffed.
Is anyone running 255 85 16 on boosts in a 90 with no lift or spacers?? Very curious to know if they'd foul on the rear spring.
Im wondering if the extra offset in boosts compared to sawtooths would rub on full flex?

[Landi]

Does anyone have any photos of their 255/85s on 0 offset rims? Mine do appear to be just sitting outside the guards. I've also had some problems with them rubbing on the corners of the rear guards at full flex, which I'm surprised about given they're +3mm offset.

[BadCo.]

Does anyone have any photos of their 255/85s on 0 offset rims? Mine do appear to be just sitting outside the guards. I've also had some problems with them rubbing on the corners of the rear guards at full flex, which I'm surprised about given they're +3mm offset.

I have 255/85 on HD Wolf rims (ANR4583 16x6.5 +20.6 from memory) and they sit 10mm inside the stock flares. So I'm not surprised you are having issues with the stock flares.

Time for some aftermarket jobbies!

[Landi]

109603

Is this worth worrying about?

[noyakfat]

I have 255/85 on HD Wolf rims (ANR4583 16x6.5 +20.6 from memory) and they sit 10mm inside the stock flares. So I'm not surprised you are having issues with the stock flares.

Time for some aftermarket jobbies!

Here is a pic I just took (iPhone) of my drivers side rear. I have Hankook Dynapro MT in 265/75R16 size, and they sit on King steel wheels 16x7 with a zero offset.

I haven't had any issues to date.

Cheers,

Sorry about the image on it's side. It seems the iPhone pics automatically get flipped, and I am too technologically challenged to right it.

[Landi]

I'm confused. How could my 255, 10mm narrower than a 265, sit noticeably further out? Plus, my rims are +3mm offset, which should make it stick out even less.

Would flipping the rim centre change how the backspace is measured? Originally the backspace was 136mm (+33mm offset). The backspace on the flipped rims is now 106mm, so in theory +3mm offset. People seem to fit 285/75s on 0 offset without them sticking past the guards. Defender tolerances?

[BadCo.]

I'm confused. How could my 255, 10mm narrower than a 265, sit noticeably further out? Plus, my rims are +3mm offset, which should make it stick out even less.

Would flipping the rim centre change how the backspace is measured? Originally the backspace was 136mm (+33mm offset). The backspace on the flipped rims is now 106mm, so in theory +3mm offset. People seem to fit 285/75s on 0 offset without them sticking past the guards. Defender tolerances?

Have you measured the offset and backspace? Maybe confirm what you have now.

[BadCo.]

Here is a pic I just took (iPhone) of my drivers side rear. I have Hankook Dynapro MT in 265/75R16 size, and they sit on King steel wheels 16x7 with a zero offset.

I haven't had any issues to date.

Cheers,

Sorry about the image on it's side. It seems the iPhone pics automatically get flipped, and I am too technologically challenged to right it.

How odd, there must be a bit of variation between tire brands and rim brands maybe?

I had a photo of mine but can't find it, but it was definitely 10mm inside the guard.

Did the track width of 110's ever differ? Maybe between early CVs and later CVs, or Sals and P38 rear diff?

[Landi]

Have you measured the offset and backspace? Maybe confirm what you have now.

I measured the backspace on the spare (106mm). I haven't had time to remove the other wheels but the distance from the hub face to the front of the rim was about the same as it was on the spare. So I would assume the backspace has to be the same. Does that make sense?

[Baytown]

It's such a complex thing, fitting bigger tyres.
I'm going to get a spare set of Genuine Defender rims and purchase decent BFG or Cooper Mud terrain tyres, for fitting prior to trips, so watching this closely.
I don't want huge tyres, but a little more diff clearance is welcomed.
Thanks everyone.
Ken

[wpalmo]

It's such a complex thing, fitting bigger tyres.
I'm going to get a spare set of Genuine Defender rims and purchase decent BFG or Cooper Mud terrain tyres, for fitting prior to trips, so watching this closely.
I don't want huge tyres, but a little more diff clearance is welcomed.
Thanks everyone.
Ken

I would recommend Wolf Rims and BFG Goodrich 255/85/16's. I have had them for almost a year now and they are an excellent combo.
Regards Warrick.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/05/118.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/EQyDVi)

[Baytown]

Thanks, nice looking 110. (27 years military, just retired. I never thought I'd like a Perentie!)
My off road van runs 265/75R16.
Ideally I'd have the same size in the Defender.
BFG is my other choice.

[nate_110]

is there any concern about the lack of 255/85 available? 265/75 and 285/75 are much easier to get in all brands.