Yeh Yeh another tyre thread

[Pete38]

Hi All,

Well my last forum topic convinced me to go with LR alloys for my offroad wheels and not look for steelies with a +57mm offset... even if they existed.

But in the mean time, until I find bargain alloys to run both sets of tyres, I have decided to remove my Cooper HT's (came on the car with great tread left) off the 16x7 inch rims, and put on a set of BFG KM2's mud terrains. Was looking at the Kuhmo KL71's but I can get the KM2's for almost the same price so favour the more popular choice of tyre for safety sake...

But the big question is what size??? Yes I have read loads and loads. Yes I have read the sticky for tyre sizes for a p38. So I have almost made my mind up, but I'm favouring the size I would prefer not to go, cause I'm worried about the other size scraping too much and regretting it.

The tyres will be going on a P38 with Gen3 bags, only lifted 1 inch up from standard height on the high setting only because I have the almost standard length bilsten shocks in it. Not interested in extended bump stops because that will loose articulation.

These will be used for offroad use and experience full articulation so I don't want bad scraping but minor noises don't bother me.

245/75/16 - Minor scrapes but nothing significant to worry about. Now my feeling is if it scrapes a little in access mode then even at the high setting and the wheel pushed right into the guards climbing rocks they are still likely to rub a LITTLE? But no biggy? Probably need to remove the front mud flaps though. All highway mode and standard height are fine on the road.

265/75/16 - Scrapes, scrapes, more scrapes and possibly damage to the inner guards from scraping when the wheels are right up at the bump stops off road. Not as easy as just trimming the plastic liner??? But more diff clearance which is the point that keeps me tempted. Also OK if I end up getting the 2 inch lift kit and shocks to suit. I have the EAS emergency kit so driving with an EAS fault should be OK. Popped bag, well thats gonna make the tyre scrape until I put the spare bag in the bush.

I've almost made up my mind but hoping someone can convince me that a 265/75/16, with minor plastic guard work, will not scrape that bad when the wheel ends up right in the guards. Gonna take some convincing mind you

[Keithy P38]

I'd like to be the one to convince you, being a fellow km2'er, however I must convince myself first! The km2 is a tall tyre, I'd stick with the smaller size as much as it pains to do it!

I know exactly where you are coming from having been there myself those few short years ago, but as you, my next set of km2's will be 265/75 and I will sort out rubbing issues when they arise.

Did I convince you?

[Pete38]

Cheers for the info/feedback. Hmm. I wouldn't call it convince although got me more curious how much work there actually is to accommodate 265/75 without much rubbing. Km2 being tall has also got me thinking about they might be enough as well. Yeh still undecided but I do tend to ponder sometimes :-)

I'm mainly after diff clearance.

When they say minor trimming of the inner guards I'm guessing some of the metal and not just the plastic lining huh?

I only just put the gen 3's in a few months ago and had the front liners off but didn't take note of how much there was behind. Thinking metal or something solid seeing there are loads of clips.

The lump near where the mud flap attaches on the front guards seems like a possibility of scrubbing when at half lock and on the bump stops. Well it's only about 30mm from the corner of my 235/70. Is there metal behind that or is it only plastic? Maybe it's just deceiving how much clearance there is there and it's not an issue.

Had anyone who bought 265/75, or is just well informed, got info on what and how much they trimmed? There was one for the classic I saw somewhere but that seemed quite extreme with trimming the fenders it seemed.

If it's only plastic then I'm tempted. If it's metal then not so tempted.

This might go against my statement of no extended bump stops, but are talking an inch added to the bump stops or 2 inches. Either way I'm really hesitant about that without adding an lift kit and longer shocks... But don't wanna sacrifice road handling too much cause I'm an irregular off roader... But that's a whole new topic.

[Scouse]

Come along to the Expo in a few weeks time as I'm sure there will be P38s with both those tyre sizes present.

At last weekend's All British Day, there was a P38 running 265/70/16s and another with 245/75/16s. Speak to the owners & see what problems they've had (if any). if the travel ramp is at the Expo, you may even get to see them in action .

[Pete38]

Judging from you living at Duggo I'm sure you were talking about the NSW All British Day.

I looked in the forums just now and found the All British day. Would have gone if I realised about it, but haven't really looked in the events section yet...

But I can't see the expo you talk about. Saw posts of people mentioning it but no details. Did I just have a Man's look or doesn't it have its own topic in the forums?

EDIT: Found it in google. Should have looked before asking I guess http://www.landroverexpo.com.au/

Any suggestions on who those two guys were or how to find them? I'll stalk the All British Day forum to see if I can track them down.

I was thinking about buying the tyres this weekend so I doubt I will hold off that long. I need them in 4 weeks time, but don't wanna risk running it too fine and not getting the tyres.

Both those tyres you mentioned are similar in diameter, with the 245/75 being my favoured one and the km2 only comes in the 245/75 and 265/75 so that at least counts the 265/70 out which is good as its one less option... yeh that sounds strange but I don't need more options to ponder on ha ha.

[Keithy P38]

PaulP38a can tell you all about guard trimming! He has done it himself. The fronts I doubt would be a problem, it's the rears that'll be a pain as there is only an inch or so at most under the plastic trim... You could remove the trim altogether and see how it goes?

Mine are 255/70's and they gently rub in the rear and I've had to remove the front mudflaps. The 245/75's (same size as the km2's on my Isuzu d-max) are taller than the 255/70's. It's very touch and go... I'm with you, go the 245's, the bigger ones are a dream until you have lifted it. And if you've seen my YouTube vids, tyre size is not everything! I continuously out gun land cruisers, patrols and pathy's on 32" and 33" tyres... I am yet to knock a pumpkin too!

[Pete38]

Haven't spoken to Paul specifically about the cutting of guards, but bought some Gen 3 bags through him and eas emergency kit. A thumbs up/plug to the guy because he's been a wealth of knowledge and a genuine guy who didn't try and push his products on me, just gave honest opinions of the pros and cons of what he sells.

He did mention for me not to go above 31 inch as it'll be dramas without the lift kit, but I thought he said he wasn't game to cut the guards and that may have been the reason not to go 32's. I just didn't want to pester him again with asking how much guard cutting was involved and turned to the forums for a bigger audience.

I tell you, there is obviously a lot of generous and helpful guys round here in the OZ Range Rover forums. Much better than those Prado..... yeh I won't go there cause a good mate of mine drives one he he.

[Pete38]

So 245/75/16 it will be then with minor rubs and mud flaps removed. Cheers for both your help. It's the decision I thought I would end up getting to, but sorta wanted to make sure I made the right decision.

[Pete38]

Oh and the all important question... White writing on the inside or out??? Each to their own I guess.

I'm likely to be going for inside, although the writing would have matched my paint work

Guess it'll depend what mood I'm in on Saturday morning and how loud the writing looks on the km2's in that size.

[Scouse]

Inside !!