Thread: '97 D1 Guard Clearances

Should have gone with 15x7's for that tyre size, really only need 8" rims for bigger rubber - dont know why you didnt just fit 265/70/16's to the stock rims and saved some dosh - basically the same size tyre.

looks like you only have 2 choices, less offset wheels or fit some flares, and I would expect the wheels would be the cheaper option, as you'd have some to sell!

they do look wide don't they, bet it handles well!

Originally Posted by loanrangie

Should have gone with 15x7's for that tyre size, really only need 8" rims for bigger rubber - dont know why you didnt just fit 265/70/16's to the stock rims and saved some dosh - basically the same size tyre.

I guess I just wanted some flexibility so I can run some wider 33's if I choose to in the future. And I prefer the look of the black steel rims to the stock alloys. I suppose I shouldn't have been so trusting of what I read, this is the internet after all!

Originally Posted by finallyrangie

looks like you only have 2 choices, less offset wheels or fit some flares, and I would expect the wheels would be the cheaper option, as you'd have some to sell!

they do look wide don't they, bet it handles well!

I think I might go with some flares from mm 4x4 because I'm stoked with the offset. It's just not exactly practical offroad in terms of flex

I think I somewhat answered my own question while writing this post haha, but it's just good to talk it over with people who know their stuff. Cheers guys!

Yes mate, with a -25 offset rim, you were always going to need some flares.

If you want to run 33's in the future, grab a set of those flares you are talking about and that'll give you bigger guard openings for flex and tyre clearance.

With a 2 inch body lift, you could even run 35's if you get the bug

It'll look awesome too

Its not just the flares you need, you will also have to do some major cutting of the guards because you will certainly hit the guards with the tyres.

Originally Posted by loanrangie

Its not just the flares you need, you will also have to do some major cutting of the guards because you will certainly hit the guards with the tyres.

The flares require about 80mm cut out of the guards all the way around, so they will not only cover the tyres sticking out but give more room for flexing

I've had them on two of my rovers so far about to order my third set

You have a similar setup to me, the fronts should be fine. The rears should only scrape when you have a load on board and hit a dip at speed so that the axle is coming up in a horizontal plane.
If you are flexing where one wheel is up and the other down then the 10.5's should go up inside the arch.
My solution was to fit king springs variable rates
As I have removed my rear sway bar & always have at least 150kg in the rear of my D1 and often a roof top tent I went for KRRR04HD (from memory) however if you do not carry the load or have your sway bar in place maybe the KRRR04 would be a better option.
I am very happy with my current set up both on and off road.
Cheers,
Lee

You definately need flares. I have the same offset 15x8 Sunraysia's and i could barely even flex or carry a load without seriously hitting the guards, both front and rear. Its not entirely bad though, they look incredibly tough with that offset (especially with flares), tyres are cheaper, and it gives you a wider track, which i feel is better both on and off road.

I would recommend Flexi-Flares, they won't damage anywhere near as easily as fibreglass ones.