Thread: 285 75 16

Thanks Slunnie.
How does yours drive with those rims and that tyre size? Also have you changed your diff ratios?
Regards,
Michael.

Originally Posted by Pacemaker

Thanks Slunnie.
How does yours drive with those rims and that tyre size? Also have you changed your diff ratios?
Regards,
Michael.

I have an auto, and I think that makes a very big difference.

I've been running 4.11 diffs for quite a while now but did run the original 3.54 diffs for a year or 2 also. What I found on the road is that the very initial parts of taking off from a standstill is a fraction slower and the lockup point at what should be 80kmh is a little different. Other than that it was not a lot different. Fuel consumption became less stable, with driving around town increasing by 1l/100km and on the hwy it became a bit more economical. Bear in mind that this was a change from the OE Michelin XPC4X4 235/70 to Cooper ST 255/85 (33"). I then changed to Cooper STT 255/85 and consumption everywhere was worse. That size tyre was prone to lateral movement without 35+psi. The 285/75 seem to be pretty stable in the carcass at all pressures. In terms of handling, I have a 4" lift with stiffer springs F230lb/in and R300-340lb/in with stiff shocks and ACE. Even with a roof rack it handles like its on rails and it is balanced in its characteristics. To bring in that stability I have modified the ACE slightly to remove twitchiness under brakes and after cornering turn in. I have dont a massive emergency swerve at speed on dirt while fully loaded on a desert trip and it was especially benign in how the vehcile handled. Please understand though that handling is a big equation with many factors and that tyres are only 1 part of that equation.

Offroad it is significantly better that with standard tyres. The clearance is brilliant and you'll be lucky to sit it on the diffs. Other 4WD's run smaller tyres and bigger diffs so just about always plow the ruts and rocks to a level will allow you to clear. With a 100" wheelbase you will very rarely belly out but may drag the tail still. For gearing the auto compensates for any gearing change for driving, climbing, crawling etc and it still works well. I didn't really notice much difference although the torque converter does work harder. I did notice a difference when I put the 4.11's in low range engine braking though.