Thread: 235x85x16 instead of 7.5 x 16

Originally Posted by dangermousehouse

Just wondering if the metric tyre size 235x85x16 will be OK on standard series 3 rims.

Also, will I still need inner tubes? (Is that related to tyre or wheel)

Cheers

G'day
I had 235's on my S3, they look great, bit heavier on the steering. If you are using standard rims then I would use tubes. I converted to Disco rims which are tubless.

Thanks Sleepy.

Just weighing up my options.

Heavier steering....jeez, mine feels heavier than steering a super tanker with a tiller.

Originally Posted by dangermousehouse

Thanks Sleepy.

Just weighing up my options.

Heavier steering....jeez, mine feels heavier than steering a super tanker with a tiller.

Jeez, don't tell me that! I'm just about to remove the power steering on my S2a when I refit standard 5.5"x16 LR wheels.

The diameter is close enough not to cause gearing issues. Width will, as indicated by others, make the steering a bit heavier, especially parking on hard surfaces. Not mentioned is the fact that you will have to adjust the steering stops to prevent the tyres rubbing on the spring and chassis. This will increase turning circle.

Strictly speaking, these tyres are a bit wide for the standard rims, but should work. They are about the same width as the 9.00x16 tyres, which were fitted on the forward control - with wider rims. The standard rims do not have retention humps for the beads, and many tyre suppliers will not fit tubeless tyres to these rims (this is a requirement for tubeless tyres under current ADRs, but I am not clear whether it was when the Series 3 was produced). Many people have, however, used tubeless tyres without issues on Series wheels.

Note that the above all assumes you have the lwb wheels on your Landrover (optional on swb). If you have the swb wheels (231601), half an inch narrower, they are definitely too narrow. Too narrow for 7.50x16 as well! (although often done)

John

I would suggest that you look at fitting either 215x85x16 or 225x85x16 only slightly narrower but then steering will be lighter, turning circle better and they will not be outside the body

Originally Posted by UncleHo

I would suggest that you look at fitting either 215x85x16 or 225x85x16 only slightly narrower but then steering will be lighter, turning circle better and they will not be outside the body

But they will be terrible offroad and on the highway

235s on standard rims don't protrude outside the body. And they only protrude ~5 mm more than 225s!

Hmm what to do?

Steering is pretty heavy already, so don't want to make it worse.

But the ride isn't too great so the 235's would help there.

Finding it hard to get 7.5 x 16 tyres for reasonable price round here, so looking at other options.

I've got a swb, but not sure if they're the standard wheels.

Thanks for the input.