Thread: SIII Suspension Upgrade

Just picked up a set of x5 steel Wolf Rims, 2nd Hand, in great condition, really cheap.

Now, what tyres? I'm thinking 825R16 or 750R16? Any suggestions?

A couple of comments. Are the Wolf rims tubed or tubeless?

8.25 R16 are very big circles to push around on a standard engine and transmission. What are you running?

On the springs - try Rock Mountain Parabolics - they are shipping direct at the moment as their agreement with the Australian agent seems to have lapsed.

King Springs also do springs for them - they're normal ones though, not parabolics.

good condition standard springs will give you a lift over tired/knackered springs, you don't say if you have a standard chassis or a military/1ton chassis...

be careful of buying cheap/bluebox parabolics unless specifically recommended by users that can show they haven't sagged with extended use, there's a few makes out there that might as well have been made out of chewing gum

235/85x16 tyres are the equivalent to 7.50x16 tyres but have a little bit extra width to the tread and fit the wolf rims nicely ...

tread pattern can be a big fuel guzzler if it's aggressive, road pattern and freewheel hubs are the "sensible" choice if you're not going 'laning or into heavy offroad situations for fuel economy...

the only problem with freewheel hubs is breaking a halfshaft when set to 4x2, this would mean you'd have no opportunity to quickly put it in 4x4 and be able to use the transmission brake in an emergency

Right lads, thanks for the input on the suspension and tyres.

I have lined up a set of Goodyear Wranglers AT/SA 235/85/R16 tyres. The rims are tubeless BTW and in nice nick.

FYI, the current power plant is a Holden Red Motor, which runs very well. Hopefully it will last the distance until I can drop in a 300Tdi.

[My mechanic (who is a Land Rover specialist) has lined up an appropriate set of parabolic springs and shocks. He is also doing the 300 Tdi conversion].

At the same time, I am getting the steering sorted out, including a new steering damper. Perhaps most importantly I am getting the brakes fixed, stopping in a timely manner would be a pleasant change.

I am starting to source and collect parts. The new dash arrived. Shortly expecting new doors and seals etc... On the lookout for a new roof.

When the body comes off I will see how much work the chassis needs. There is a spot of rust on the rear cross member, I am a little afraid of what I will find.

The fun begins.