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Tyres I thought I had that covered I was looking at Cooper ZEON LTZ's in 20's if the 18" rims didn't work out but the 18" ZEON LTZ are to tall to keep things legal on the D4.Quote:
Originally Posted by Graeme
My next trip is May 2011 so I have some time on the tyre thing.
If the Conti ATs were available in LT I think they would do a good all-round job for my use, including the rare harsh outback trip. However as the shortest LT sidewall I've encountered is 16.6mm (BS D694 in LT255/65-17 and then only LI 114 and that's a special version for Australia), I can't see the sense in hoping for better options. I need to settle on a tyre now in order to join the special rim production run. I'm struggling to sufficiently discount my planned 17" conversion. These 18" rims would be an easy solution if only I can find the right tyre.
What about the GG AT's I think they do a LT in the 18 inch but not thew 19. Not sure about the availability here though.
Graeme
The only real choice in LT 18's is the BFG in 265 x 65 x 18.
However they may be considered to be to large in certain states.
If these governments ever come good to the recommended 50mm largest diameter increase they then would be OK.
Physical fit will be OK - however then you may have warranty issues as one of the guys found out with a brand new defender. His issue has since been resolved after independent inspection.
The BFG's are expensive in Oz however they are available.
You could purchase from tirerack to save some money.
This is why I decided to go back to 17's after much procrastination although I know you can not do this in the 3.0l D4.
Regards
Chuck
New GG AT
Not sure if the 18 inch LTs are the right size but here they are:
Untitled 4
Click on "the new general AT" for the whole spiel.
Home Page
The new GG AT in 255/60-18 is only XL, not LT. The LT versions are 31.5" and larger, with 285/60-18 about the smallest.
The BFGs are my prime candidate for outback travel but I'm not sure about using them all the time due to reportedly being noisy. They also require the rear a/c pipe protection at the front of the rear guards to be flattened. I don't really want to run 2 sets of tyres especially without a 2nd set of rims, as the outback tyres would probably deteriorate before wearing-out.
I've just ruled-out one 17" conversion option which was to fit longer studs for my BMW X5 rims, as the rear studs (at least) can't be removed from the hub. If the extended-shank nuts that were supposed to be available several months ago are not actually available then replacement 17" rims would be needed as well as the brake conversion, so the new 18" rims are looking better. Monday is approaching very quickly.
For some time (when I've allowed myself to imagine we'd get this 18" rim thing over the line!) I've been leaning towards the Cooper LTZ's - though I understand there might be some slight clearance issues - maybe the same as for the BFGs? Also not totally sure they'd fit up into the standard spare wheel well without dropping air pressure (and then having to use the compressor if/when required). But the blurb at least gives me hope of a reasonable compromise between highway needs (limited noise, reasonable handling) and off-road needs (better sidewall height and tougher tread & construction).
Interested in any comments re this option - and especially interested in any experience with these on the highway re road noise.
And Graeme - there's nothing like a deadline to put the heat on decision-making!! :wasntme:
You're right! I've waited far too long but just invested 60 USD in 24 shanked nuts that fit the BMW rims without any mods and make them legal with 5 extra threads, having somehow found them this time with new google search parameters. It would be timely if by Monday night I get confirmation that these are indeed available which would mean that I'll be content to pass on these 18" rims. But its not Monday night yet!Quote:
Originally Posted by Jesse B
Unless you want to wait till 2012.:angel:Quote:
Originally Posted by Graeme
Found a really good tyre calculator:
Tire size calculator
Gordon,
Do you have takers to get an order going yet?