Thread: D4 rims and second battery

Well, I just went and ordered a new RRS 3.0 ltr,

Won't be here until end of Feb (as I want the rear eDiff), so I have until then to locate a suitable 18" rim. I'm now talking to 4 different suppliers who are telling me they can "probably" supply, but have yet to give me firm specs on the rims.

The load rating for the RRS is a little lower than that for the D4, but if possible I'll be chasing the D4 spec'd rim. If anyone is interested in joining a group buy , please PM me so I can bolster my argument with numbers!

If and when a suitable rim is found, I'll start an official group-buy thread.

Cheers,

Gordon

Make sure they do a higher rated, rim tell them they will sell a lot more of them.
Remember the issue of legality in some states where the nuts have to be the same and need to tighten by at least the same number of turns.
You cannot modify the wheels but if the manufacturer does it......

Sniegy showed me today in what way the D3 18" rims don't fit, and they don't fit over the front nor the rear callipers. The rims have less inteference over the front than the rear, whereby on the front the rim sits on the centering lip on the side opposite the calliper but is 3-4mm off the hub at the calliper, whereas the rear studs cannot be centred in the holes at all.

On both callipers, the portion of the calliper that is outside the disc has a raised back. I can't see the logic in this as the thinest and thus the weakest point is that above the disc and making the outer back thicker doesn't appear to achieve anything. The raised section could possibly be ground down by several mm, but it would be blatently obvious to a LR techo thus not an option whilst the vehicle is in warranty, without regard to any roadworthy issues.

As its not just a matter of removing a few mm from the cooling fins at the rear of the front callipers, for me the only option is a different rim.

I've just heard back from Bowler in the UK, and they're happy to supply the Compomotive PD1880 rim, although they haven't actually tried one on the D4 or new RRS 3.0 ltr. They are however, confident it will fit (but not on the new supercharged petrol) and are going to try it out in the next week or two.

They only cast as many as they have orders for. The next casting is in three weeks, which is probably a bit too soon for me to gather much interest (although as soon as I get a positive response to the fitment, I'll place my order). I'll find out when the next casting is due.

Cost is £194.16 each wheel, which at the moment works out to something like $1800AU, plus freight.

Maybe I should ask them to attach a Bowler Nemesis to the order - hmm, think the wife might notice .........

Still to hear back from the other manufacturers.

Cheers,

Gordon

An update ....

Dynamic 4x4 are designing a new 18" steel wheel early in the New Year. I've passed on the size requirements for the 3.0 ltr TDV6 models, and they're going to try to incorporate them.

I should get confirmation on fitment from Bowler early next week. So there are possibly two solutions to the 18" rim dilemma.

Cheers,

Gordon

Good work Gordon, please keep us posted.

Have just heard back from GMAX. They have designed a new 18" rim, will be from forged aluminium. It will clear the calipers on a D4 or RRS 3.0 ltr, and will be of the appropriate load rating.

It's a 7-spoke design - they've sent me a picture, so I'll ask if I can post it up here. Cost will be around $2000 for a set of 5 (a bit exxy as it's forged), and they need a minimum of 15 orders. Any takers?

Cheers,

Gordon

$2000 for five isn't bad....how much are OEM 18"?

Well done Gordon.