Time for some new boots for the Disco - your help?

[JayBee75]

Hi Guys,

I know there is alot of info on the forum about tyres, but the more I read the more I get confused on what I really need.

I have a 01 D2 V8 4L conversion. Have just sold the wife's X5 hence have some $ to finally spend on the beast.

First point to factor in, I would probably be 4wding 2-3 times a year if lucky, with the aim to do more in future as mini me grows up.

Second point, only have clearance at work of 2.1M to park the beast.

Don't really need a lift at this stage but may consider down the track.(few years time)

I don't know whether to get AT's and leave it at that. Or get new everyday road tyres, and get a set of rims with MT's.

I cannot see the benefit of MT's as my everyday tyres if I am only bush 2-3 times per year. I also cannot see the benefit of AT's if I hit the tracks with allot of mud.

What tyre size can I put on the standard rims in AT"s without requiring any mods?

If I get muddies with seperate wheels, are standard LR rims fine to get or is there a specific rim I should be chasing?
Again what's the size of a MT will fit standard LR rims with no mods?

I know alot of questions, but I have tried to provide the information of where my heads at, appreciate the thoughts of the much more experienced on this forum.

Thanks!
JB

[pohm66]

Hiya JB,

Suppose the first question is which State are you in???? and I don't mean sober or not;)

This will have a bearing on the answers you seek.

You mention ATs and Muds and your usage.... You could look at aggressive ATs (good road manners but with that little extra bite) or softer Muds (good bite with alittle extra road manners).

Personally I went for the Mickeys ATZs 5 rib for good road and sand handling but they have sidewall snipes for the possible bit of mud. (245/75 r16s)

Good luck with choosing...plenty of options out there....

[dullbird]

personally I would say if you only going 4wd 2/3 times a year I would get a good AT

I think it would be pointless getting a second set of wheels and tyres if they are going to sit around in the shed...and allow the rubber to go off..

AT should give you good road manners and should be more than adequete offroad should you not be thrill seeking in heavy mud or climbing rock shelves...in saying taht they are not usless...

as for size not overly sure in respect of which tyre size you should get for a D2 but if your unsure get the size you have now...or ask your tyre dealer for the next size up

[JayBee75]

Hiya JB,

Suppose the first question is which State are you in???? and I don't mean sober or not;)

This will have a bearing on the answers you seek.

You mention ATs and Muds and your usage.... You could look at aggressive ATs (good road manners but with that little extra bite) or softer Muds (good bite with alittle extra road manners).

Personally I went for the Mickeys ATZs 5 rib for good road and sand handling but they have sidewall snipes for the possible bit of mud. (245/75 r16s)

Good luck with choosing...plenty of options out there....


pohm66
Valid question and glad you clarified my state as the sun is currently up in the sky, hence officially it is drinking time.

Based in Eastern Subs Mexico (Vic)

Yes there are heaps of options, that's why i am so confused. Have been making some wrong decisions lately hence why I have put myself out to the masses for further info.

This car is now a daily city commuter as well so I also want to retain some quality of ride.
the reason i was looking at muddies, was last $WD trip up at tanjil Bren 3 guys has AT's and all got stuck very easily in the mud and only got about 1 k into the tracks bvefore turning around and getting pulled out, hnece pretty dissapointing, and would have considered it pretty general 4wding nothing extreme.
I think the Mickey's are the way to go, brand wise I think I am decided, however appreciate your suggestion of going an agressive AT like yours. Does anyone know the size that would fit on a standard rim without mods?

Thanks for your help.

[JayBee75]

[QUOTE=dullbird;942636]personally I would say if you only going 4wd 2/3 times a year I would get a good AT

I think it would be pointless getting a second set of wheels and tyres if they are going to sit around in the shed...and allow the rubber to go off..


dullbird, had not thought of that, Thanks for providing a very good point!

[dullbird]

pohm66
Valid question and glad you clarified my state as the sun is currently up in the sky, hence officially it is drinking time.

Based in Eastern Subs Mexico (Vic)

Yes there are heaps of options, that's why i am so confused. Have been making some wrong decisions lately hence why I have put myself out to the masses for further info.

This car is now a daily city commuter as well so I also want to retain some quality of ride.


the reason i was looking at muddies, was last $WD trip up at tanjil Bren 3 guys has AT's and all got stuck very easily in the mud and only got about 1 k into the tracks bvefore turning around and getting pulled out, hnece pretty dissapointing, and would have considered it pretty general 4wding nothing extreme.
I think the Mickey's are the way to go, brand wise I think I am decided, however appreciate your suggestion of going an agressive AT like yours. Does anyone know the size that would fit on a standard rim without mods?

Thanks for your help.

tyres are not the B all and end all of offroading.......people that get stuck often blame there tyres if you get my point, I'm not saying it wasn't the tyres I wasn't there but you cant eliminate driving style:)

for example when we had our first disco V8 we went to the watagens and climbed rockselves on road tyres that were only barely legal... (only just brought the car) and we got everywhere the modded cars did..its a combination of things not just tyres

Lou

[JayBee75]

tyres are not the B all and end all of offroading.......people that get stuck often blame there tyres if you get my point, I'm not saying it wasn't the tyres I wasn't there but you cant eliminate driving style:)

for example when we had our first disco V8 we went to the watagens and climbed rockselves on road tyres that were only barely legal... (only just brought the car) and we got everywhere the modded cars did..its a combination of things not just tyres

Lou

Same situation for me had Maxxis road tyres on wnet bush with teh boys, and shut a few people up on the basis I got through everything else the other guys did with full blown 4WD's.

Have bee trying to do more reading, think I will go for an agressive AT

From the info I have I think a Mickey ATZ 5 however I prefer the look of the 4 as it looks more aggressive, or the Maxxis Bighorn?Equivalent, which personally I think look alot better. However I will be 70-80% road rest bush.

Can someone advise on sizes on stock rims no mods?

Any Tyres I may have missed in my consideration set?

[big guy]

I used to swear by Michelin XPC's, they are no longer made.

I now have Coopers AT and they are quiet, seem long lasting and in the wet on the road the other day, they hung on like the proverbial.

With tyres, we are all experts and its as much personnel opinion as anything else really.

Coopers get a bit of a pounding at times but I have no issues and the folks I have spoken to have none either.

They last a long time and give good grip on the roads where safety is paramount especially with kids aboard. When off road, there is usually a bit of slipping and sliding and thats O.K there but on the road, if you hit the brakes, you want gripp.

With tyres, you get what you pay for and the guys with big fat nobblies driving on the road will not have the braking power because they are off-road tyres.

Forget MT tyres, for your kids safety and yourself.
They are for playing in the bush and perhaps a 2nd set is whats needed here.

[03LANDYV8]

yokohama geolander 265, 70, 18 fantasic tyre on and off road using standard landrover rims.

[JayBee75]

Ok the recommendations seem to be:

BFG AT's
General Grabbers
Maxxis Bighorn
Dick Cepek FCII’s????

Now I am completely lost!

[simonl8353]

Hi Guys,

.., with the aim to do more in future as mini me grows up.



Firstly, does this comment imply your Avatar is not a photo of you?

Secondly, I believe you do not have the CDL installed which when rectified will provide more traction than tyre choice alone.

Thirdly, I also believe you have the ES Discovery which will give you a wider wheel rim at 8" just a bit more than the standard 7".

Forthly, all this being the case go get yourself some 255/65/R16 General Grabber AT2's and you wont look back.
http://www.aulro.com/afvb/discovery/51342-help-needed-tyre-choice-2.html#post691007

Not sure if All Ranges is still there, I think Jamie moved on, but certanly consider this tyre.

Good luck

[stevo68]

Note, the Maxxis Bighorns are an MT. I noted Big Guys comment on MT's re: kids and safety. I have the Bighorns, 4 kids :D and travel between 5-800kms a week. They look great, handle fine on dry and wet road and I have had to yank the brakes on in the wet....all good. Plus when I want to go off road, they handle really well. But to note...there are MT's and there are MT's....I wouldnt for example have Claws or Creepies on mine as it is my daily driver.

I did 2 trips last year when Smokey was stock.....now that Smokey has had the initial mods...we have been on a trip every month of the year...with one next mth. You may find instead of 2-3 trips a year that you may get out more often. I've also had the Grabbers on my D3 when I had them, they were fine as an AT and daily driver....but the Bighorns leave them for dead in the tough stuff,

Regards

Stevo

[Urban Panzer]

Well I'll add another vote for the General AT2's, been awesome with the offroading I do, only let down in really thick mud. Also very good on road as well.

I currently have stock size of 255/55/R18, But Im looking for some 16" rims to fit 245/75/R16 to so it adds just a little "lift"

[shorty disco]

throw a 2 inch lift on it while your at it. dont be to concerned about height. mine with a 2inch lift and 33s still gets under 2.1 carparks.

[big guy]

Mt's do not disperse water well, thats a fact.

Totally agree they probably are good tyres and will handle well but compared to more road going tread they just do not measure up.

My Best of luck, its a maze.

[DiscoTec]

Lots of tyre choices out there that's for sure
I personaly have had a good run out of the BFG's I had Muddies but not sure If I ever needed them and next time I will go for the A/T better on the road and better milage
A fair coment a few post's ago about tyeres not being every thing
I have seen a lot of landys (with tyre presures let down ) keep up with their more compently tyred brethren.IT all comes down to personal preferance/driving styles

[mrapocalypse]

I like the look of those Mickey T ATZ4s' You might have solved my Tyre Headache so thanks..... If that's any consolation! :D

[JayBee75]

I like the look of those Mickey T ATZ4s' You might have solved my Tyre Headache so thanks..... If that's any consolation! :D


Yeah they are more % mud tyre though. Certainly look more aggresive than th 5's hence the additional mud % I suppose.

I'm completely stumped.

I think I will go BFG's however my main concern now is how they handle on the bitumen in the wet, anyone got preferences on which AT perfoms the best in the wet on road?

And BTW what is the standand size AT tyre that will fit on a standard 16inch rim?

Thanks Everyone!

[Kandy]

Hi JB,
Exactly my dilemma last year.
My criteria- 90% tar, 10% beach- quiet ride ,handle wet and last.(MTs dont)
Mick Thom.atz 5 rib first choice-- size 245/75/16 too close a call to fit without rubbing especially off road.(their opinion also)
Next, Cooper HT 245/70/16, does all above easy, 60K warranty backed by taking in each 10K for rotation ($45),done today-- they balance each wheel and rotate all 5 tyres to suit, found a nail/screw ready to give me grief sometime soon so worth it. Im happy with my choice.
Steve

[simonl8353]

Yeah they are more % mud tyre though. Certainly look more aggresive than th 5's hence the additional mud % I suppose.

I'm completely stumped.

I think I will go BFG's however my main concern now is how they handle on the bitumen in the wet, anyone got preferences on which AT perfoms the best in the wet on road?

And BTW what is the standand size AT tyre that will fit on a standard 16inch rim?

Thanks Everyone!

JB, I couldnt get BFG's to fit the 8" rims at the same rolling dia, that's why I went GG. see thread link posted earlier.

good luck, a nice problem to have!

[JayBee75]

JB, I couldnt get BFG's to fit the 8" rims at the same rolling dia, that's why I went GG. see thread link posted earlier.

good luck, a nice problem to have!

Hi Simon,
I thought our cars were the same however mine is not an ES, looks like one, except for the wheels, and I do not have leather or woodgrain interior either.

I do have ACE, SLS, sunroof, 7 seats and from the exterior looks like an ES except for the wheels which are 16's.
I would love it if anyone can tell me what model mine is?

[scarry]

For me its BFG A/T.....mine have done 70k,probably 3/4 worn.If you have 16'' rims,235 or 245/70 will fit.

Found them to be good...no probs at all:)

[big guy]

Your car could be a Classic or SE.

[JayBee75]

Your car could be a Classic or SE.


Hi Buy Guy, thought the same however didn't think the classics came out on the 2001?

it's a V8 have done the 4.6L conversion however it does'nt have any other badges on it but the LR and the V8 ones.

[JayBee75]

Ok, so in relation to the tyres, after yesterday's 4wding trip has changed my mind completely.

Go stuck a couple of times, but not mud related but Height. With so many 4WD's out there running 33's plus, they just dig out the tracks. Kept getting all 4 wheels in the air so I think a lift is going to have to happen.

One comment that has been made was also increased fuel consumption with AT's, something that I don't really need.
Has anyone noticed increased consumption, up to 100k's per tank on AT's?

After yesterday I am really staring to lean to a spare set of muddies on seperate wheels, I just don't know which way to go to be honest.

It's basically AT's or Muddies on seperate rims.

[td express]

I have the same year Disco as you but a TD5 auto, and was looking at getting some Mickey T's put on , only to have the tyre man tell me that they dont come in the 235/70/16 size. I would have to go up in size which would have meant clearence issues. Now I dunno if he was just tryin to put me off the MT's and try the Coopers instead, but on their web site MT's dont offer standard landrover size 16's.
But as you are now thinking the lift option, this may not be an issue for you.
Anyone please feel free to step in here and correct me if i'm wrong, or atleast the tyre man anyway.

[big guy]

I have coopers AT's 245/70/16.
There is no fuel issue and are very quiet. More a road tyre and sand.
For more road, get some Michelin XPC's and you be laughing, seriously bellie laughing.
they are hands down best tyre ever made and came as standard fitting on most Landies.

As said before, get a set of steel rims for off road with some serious tyres and get a 2 inch lift at same time.

Perhaps shocks and springs. Cost be around $1200.

Off road tyres are called off road for a reason, they are meant for off road use and let road tyres or road biased tyres do their stuff onraod.

Its a maze out there I agree.

[AndyRevill]

I have coopers AT's 245/70/16.
There is no fuel issue and are very quiet. More a road tyre and sand.
For more road, get some Michelin XPC's and you be laughing, seriously bellie laughing.
they are hands down best tyre ever made and came as standard fitting on most Landies.


Its a maze out there I agree.

Couldn't agree more. 245/70/16 is a good size for the Disco - changes your odometer by 5% and a bit extra fuel but worth it - even the wife likes them :o

We had Cooper AT's for a while and they were OK, since gone to ST's as they are more aggressive but still an AT. Had a few issues with cracks on the first set but Coopers replaced those and no issues with the second set. Done 35k and still looking good. However, nothing beats the XPCs that came with the car - awesome tyre, survived our first trip around Innamincka on some serious Gibber. Don't think it's made anymore, not sure if the Synchrone are as good?

Good luck - too many choices (and opinions) :)

Andy

[JayBee75]

OK guys,

I am biteing the bullet tommorrow and getting some RR P38 rims at $132 per rim

I think I will go with the Maxis bighorn's

looking at 245/70/16

My question is, is this the right choice?

Will these fit on the D2 with standard ride height to begin with?

I think I will hold off on the lift to start with based on my concerns of total car height and $$

Thanks
JB

[ozscott]

Mate - I just got 245/75/16s - 31 inch or thereabouts - Maxxis Bravos 751 LT. Very sweet. Mate I have an 02 - it was about the 6th last D2 with rectangle lights to be sold in Aust. Mine is a V8 S which was the steel wheel base model. I optioned mine because for $1800 LR was doing 5 mags (off the slightly later D2a model) and a very sweet 6 stack and uprated stereo. Couldnt go past that at $42k on the road! My dealer said it was a trick of theirs that if I wanted, for a few hundred they would have the front skirt paint matched sprayed and the rectangle LR driving lights installed to make it look like an ES...and my year could be optioned with ACE, and 7 seat pack with SLS so maybe yours was a similar beast.

Cheers

[simonl8353]

Not hijacking the thread but since you mentioned the front lights on the ES and colour matched skirt it does give me another chance to show off one of my favorite photos. :D


Good luck with the tyre choice JB.

[ozscott]

Mate that is a very classy photo...nice.

[eckolsim]

Whatever you get, make sure the load rating is at least equal or better to the rating of the vehicle.

I say this because last time i looked, the BFG A/T in the 235/70/16 did not meet the load rating of the disco.

I recently purchased Pirrelli Scorpion STR's and would probably go the ATR's next. These appear to be a good 90% road mix tire. My STR's are great but I have a second set of BFG MT's in 265/75/16 for rough trips.