Thread: Some D4 questions, contemplating purchase

You're over thinking it...

I've yet to find anywhere the 265-60-18 won't go... The head **** of changing to 31.5 or larger gains an almost in-perceptible benefit and a lot of compromises.

As for the LC200, several in the clubs - all have had: Suspension upgrades, tyre upgrades, electrical upgrades, bull bars crack from vibrations etc. They are not an out of the box vehicle by a long shot.


On the point of removing heat shields to fit a tyre - I certainly wouldn't do it, or trust that tyre after a hot summer under there with 2 "hot spots" next to the tread... But to each their own.

Originally Posted by Babs

I am assuming if I go the 30.5" tyre which is only half inch over OEM that there would be zero issues?
Should I just keep it conservative with the 30.5"?

Zero issues with 265/60/R18. I took this conservative option at least until warranty is finished and I'm happy so far with the D697s.
And there are other good choices in this size, including BFG KO2, Maxxis 980 and even the mud tyre Luke is running.
In fact I will almost certainly be staying with this size long term.

You haven't really said much on your intended use (unless I missed that somewhere)?
eg mostly city driving with some outback touring, lots of offroad rock crawling, beach/island holidays ???
Most of these applications will be just fine with the 265/60 or indeed a better 19" tyre and the stock wheels.

Originally Posted by Babs

I feel like I'm falling into the aftermarket trap and I haven't even got one yet.
I think maybe I'm looking into all this too much and torturing myself with frivolous decisions.

Yes I think you are torturing yourself unnecessarily but it's not frivolous.
I think it's important to think through and get right for what you want to do but perhaps you're overthinking.

But keep in mind that there are some reasonable ATs and now one LT (Maxxis) in the 255/55/R19 that would allow you to not rush into the 18" wheels etc.
No it's not the best wheel size and no the tyre selection is not great but it's much better than it used to be and I don't believe cause for panic anymore.
Have you read through the recent threads on 19" tyres? There is real-world experience to review, both good and bad. eg
Goodyear Duratrac
Goodyear Duratrac
Hankook Dynapro ATM RF10
Maxxis Bravo 980
Cooper Zeon LTZ
Standard OE Wranglers
There is a General Grabber too but couldn't find a specific thread.

Hope that helps. It is worth having a fish around in this section. Almost everything has been done.

Scott

Babs, the other thing to get in your thinking is that the D4 is nothing like traditional four wheel drives that you are used to. Tyre size is not as important because the diff clearance is not governed by the tyre size. You can increase or decrease diff clearance at the push of a button. Everything needs to be taken slowly or you start bashing the front cross member on the ground because of the independent suspension. The car just walks through obstacles with the traction control and smarts doing the work. You end up relearning what you thought you knew.


The car is incredibly capable straight out of the box, including with 19 inch tyres. Don't listen to the motoring journos that don't understand much about the car. Adding bigger and more aggressive tyres is only a slight improvement and gives you more peace of mind when on tough surfaces. Really the only really important requirements for me would be Llams (or rods) and a long range fuel tank with a spare wheel carrier, not a Kaymar rear bar, if I was buying new. They overcome the two major weaknesses of the car in my opinion.

Front cross member is an easy to protect item also - all of $380 for full under plating from front to beyond the TC...

Thanks Boys, I really appreciate the sound advice.

A couple of things have now advanced for me, my Deefer sold today so I have made my decision I'm going to go with the D4, I'll be heading out to a dealer in the morning with intent to leave a deposit, the pricing homework has been done.

I'm going to play the conservative card and grab the Compomotive 18" rims and fit 265/60-18 tyres. Still deciding between BFG KO2 or D697?

It will be greater piece of mind going back an inch in rim size, with those tyres I'll gain 1.5" extra sidewall.

Didn't really want to put a rear wheel carrier they're a pain in the arse but I really want (probably not need) a long range tank. I could make do with out but I'm lazy I like the idea of less trips a month to servos.

So what are your thoughts on carriers?
I won't go bumper replacement, I like the look of the Frontrunner or RidgiDidge carriers, I want the tyre more centred so tail lights aren't obstructed. Any advice here would be appreciated.

Could I also get some recommendations on roof racks. I like the Prospeed rack, looks good but it doesn't look practical.

Is this the factory OME? If so how much does it way? LR website tell you nothing.
Roof rating is 75 kilos including rack, that's a poor effort. This guy is way over with all the gericans. Is that the OME Rack in photo?


image-2372465166.jpg

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Originally Posted by Babs

Could I also get some recommendations on roof racks. I like the Prospeed rack, looks good but it doesn't look practical.

I like the prospeed rack too, defiantly the best looking one out there. Shame about the price to get one landed here

Originally Posted by Babs

....my Deefer sold today so I have made my decision I'm going to go with the D4....

Why the change?

Regards,
Scott

Originally Posted by Babs

Could I also get some recommendations on roof racks. I like the Prospeed rack, looks good but it doesn't look practical.

Is this the factory OME? If so how much does it way? LR website tell you nothing.
Roof rating is 75 kilos including rack, that's a poor effort. This guy is way over with all the gericans. Is that the OME Rack in photo?


image-2372465166.jpg

Sent from my iPhone using Forum Runner

Looking at that vehicle, if I recall correctly, this was set up by LR themselves. Could it be that here in Aus (only) we are limited to the 75Kg ?


With all the talk on tyres here, I'm not so sure I'll be swapping my rims over as soon as I thought I would,,, we'll see though. Love the look of the Compomotive wheels.