Thread: Wheel and tyre choice?

If going to 16s change the steering stops and reduce the turning circle.

So many threads on this that will outline recommendations and options. I'd recommend a search as you'll find the information much quicker than waiting for replies...

Originally Posted by twr7cx

So many threads on this that will outline recommendations and options. I'd recommend a search as you'll find the information much quicker than waiting for replies...

Thanks, will do. Thinking about it, I can't be the first (or last) to have near fainted at the price of 18"s. Do they do more than look good, or is there a mechanical/practical advantage of having them?

Originally Posted by Southern Cross

Thanks, will do. Thinking about it, I can't be the first (or last) to have near fainted at the price of 18"s. Do they do more than look good, or is there a mechanical/practical advantage of having them?

In the standard sizes 18" are arguably better for on road use. Less sidewall flex for better handling and the 18" standard wheels are 8" wide, and fitted with wider tyres, vs most of the 16" which were 7" (noting 16 x 8" was an option to - just less common).

In the standard sizes 18" are arguably better for on road use. Less sidewall flex for better handling and the 18" standard wheels are 8" wide, and fitted with wider tyres, vs most of the 16" which were 7" (noting 16 x 8" was an option to - just less common).

What comes with less sidewall flex is added harshness on sharp bumps.
I changed my 18s for 16x8 RR 38A rims not realizing they were 8 inch.

To me the ideal rim tyre combination is 16x7 rims with 245.75x16 tyres, with BFG AT KO as my preferred brand or Bridgestone D697. I ran this combination for about 21 years on my RRCs .

As it is I have had to fit 255.70x16 tyres as the rims are 8 inch . The 255.70 x16 have an enormous load rating (AFAIR 113/116) so are a bit harsher than 245s.
To me it is crazy to think about tyre deflection on corners on a 2tonne solid axle vehicle. They are not sports cars and never will be. IMHO the 18 inch thing is purely cosmetic an an attempt to look "modern" and be road oriented in Europe where there are virtually no tracks. .

And the fact is sidewall flex is a great positive in rocky tracks and particularly on sand.

I remember recently a drive in my mate's new Cooper S . Nice car except for the crap ride on 19 inch or whatever tyres with a 45 or something ridiculous profile. My wife's Jazz has 65 profile tyres and corners securely way past the "dig nails into arm slowdown signal"
Regards Philip A

I agree with Philip. Low profile tyres of a 4wd are definitely an 'urban' look and those tyres will not be the best for pulling a load on dirt roads.
If you can go to 16s with the same or similar rolling diameter and a bit of chunk on the corners - especially if it's cheaper - then go for it.

It really depends on if you can get a set of 16in wheels at the right price. For towing a big van, you might be best with some LT tyres and you have more choice in 16 inch LTs which stay legal.

I have 18's on my D2 and for dirt road use they are really pretty good. I have 255/60 Pirelli Scorpion ATRs. Slightly more sidewall height compared to the 255/55 and within spec in VIc. You need to run the same size tyre on all wheels though so you would need to get a full set. When it is time to replace, I will possibly investigate the D697 265/60R18LT. I haven't checked if the increased rolling size on those is legal still.

I think that the 18's will become more common because the D4's have 18 in wheels. The General Grabber AT may be worth a look too if you stay with 18s.

Too bad you are in NSW I have a couple of 255/55 18s which are still ok which came off when I got the Pirellis just taking up space in the shed.

B

I put 255 x 55 x 18 Silverstones on,, around $200 a corner,, not sure how long they will last, and have done 3K on them towing and so far so good.

I agree Phillip, the ride is crap compared to the 16's on our Green one,, in fact, I reckon the cloth seats were better too!