New wheels and another tyre question

[patclan]

I have a set of 7x16 ZU rims coming for my 2010 defender, should be here from the UK next week, it is a bit exciting and I check the TNT tracker daily, this morning they were in Belgium.

I am sure many are familiar with the wheels but here is the spec from there page.

11mm offset.
1400kg rating.

10.4kg each.

After spending the last few months trying to figure out what wheels and tyres to get I decided on the wheel and figured the natural limitation of available tyres for the wheel should make the choice easier, it does but only marginally..

So for brand I will probably be going for BFG, I have not decided on AT or MT yet but I am leaning to MT as I have my big trip through the outback/desert coming up and the defender does not get used to commute any more as I now work from home and I am saving the K's for better use. Also I read everywhere the KM2 are pretty good on the road, and personally I like the look. But I could still go either way.

My big decision is size, as they are only 7 inch rims and I do not want to go back to the 235's then I think my only option is 255/85 16's or 265/75 16's but I am not sure.

I believe 265's should fit fine with the offset of the wheel, and these would be my natural choice I think, but then I get the nagging feeling, am I missing out on something by not going the 255.

So after all that I guess my question is 255 or 265, does the 255 require a lift in suspension? I need to upgrade the suspension anyway so this is an option.

Any advice would be appreciated, OK back to the shipment tracker!!

thanks
Patrick

[Drover]

Hi Pat,

265 is the maximum width for 7" rim.

The 255/85/16's are equal to 33" height and will fine without a lift and are probably the best option.

I just got 285/75/16 in MTZ's (33"), waiting for my 8" King rims with neutral off set.

Cheers

[Allan]

I've got 255/85 BFG muds on my SVX rims on standard height suspension. It required the lock stops adjusting a little but all ok, with your rim offset it may not be necessary. The ride is good but you can tell you have a bigger tyre on the rim, particularly when braking. I did notice a change in the gearing though, lost just a little down low but since changing the exhaust all seems good. The speedo is also spot on with this size tyre. Hope this helps.


Allan

[Marty110]

Hi, can only comment on my own choice - I have fitted the same ZU rim and have gone with 265 BFG KM2 MT's. Just back from a trip through many of the 4wd tracks in the Flinders including those on Merna Mora, the new Sky Trek, Mulga Views Stirrup Iron track, Alpanas Mt Samual track, tracks on Yankaninna and Arkaroola. Some tracks included sand out by Lake Torrens. The tyres performed really well in all terrain including the sand and very steep rocky climbs and descents. Unlike tryes on other cars on the trip these suffered zero chipping and cutting - no lumps missing from the tread. They also perform well on the gravel and bitumen and are much, much quieter than any other MT's I've had including Cooper STT's currently on my Rangie ute. Too soon to comment on mileage but my car is my daily and work drive as well and I have no regrets having MT's on all the time though in fairness my work is mainly off road. I do have a 50mm OME spring lift but it is probably not necessary for these tyres on these rims - there is plenty of clearance, in fact I have adjusted my steering stops for better turning circle. Hope this helps - cheers, Marty

[Loubrey]

Same option as Marty. LRA won't like you if you put 255's on that "Still in Waranty" Puma of yours...

ZU's with 265/75/16 KM2's.

[patclan]

Same option as Marty. LRA won't like you if you put 255's on that "Still in Waranty" Puma of yours...

ZU's with 265/75/16 KM2's.

Yes still in warranty but with 90k on the clock I suspect I won't make the 3 yrs. If I go 155's, I can always chuck the boosts back on with the GG's for the final LR service.

But I can't remove the de-cat pipe I put in the other day so they will see that I am sure, then again maybe not.

cheers

[patclan]

Hi Pat,

265 is the maximum width for 7" rim.

The 255/85/16's are equal to 33" height and will fine without a lift and are probably the best option.

I just got 285/75/16 in MTZ's (33"), waiting for my 8" King rims with neutral off set.

Cheers

Nice one Grant!! I knew I should have gone for 8" wheels.. oh well too late now, maybe some steelies next year..

ok so the 155s are looking the go, and with only 10mm difference between them and 20mm over all there should not be a noticeable difference in track, girth, manly standing, whatever it is called.

I've got 255/85 BFG muds on my SVX rims on standard height suspension. It required the lock stops adjusting a little but all ok, with your rim offset it may not be necessary. The ride is good but you can tell you have a bigger tyre on the rim, particularly when braking. I did notice a change in the gearing though, lost just a little down low but since changing the exhaust all seems good. The speedo is also spot on with this size tyre. Hope this helps.

Allan

When you say change in the gearing, "lost just a little down low" does this mean you need to change gear quicker? 1st is pretty useless for day to day driving as it is, or is it just a general loss of ooomph?

[Loubrey]

I also throw the Boosts with the GG's back on when it's time for a service - mostly because it meant a Karratha to Perth blacktop trip, but no need to rock the boat while in waranty.

Spare set just takes up so much space!

I agree with you though, if your end of waranty is that close I would go 255/85/16 as well. I would still look at the KM2's though, they are defo the quitest muddies I've ever had fitted and they are supreme off road.

Congratulations on those ZU's. Big bite out the wallet, but the quality is second to none. Don't rush your fitment centre though and make sure they stick the balancing weights properly...

[Allan]

Nice one Grant!! I knew I should have gone for 8" wheels.. oh well too late now, maybe some steelies next year..

ok so the 155s are looking the go, and with only 10mm difference between them and 20mm over all there should not be a noticeable difference in track, girth, manly standing, whatever it is called.



When you say change in the gearing, "lost just a little down low" does this mean you need to change gear quicker? 1st is pretty useless for day to day driving as it is, or is it just a general loss of ooomph?

I found it lost a little oomph as you put it. I read you have fitted a decat pipe so you may not notice this. This loss of grunt went away when I fitted the pipe and lost the centre muffler. Very happy with the tyres though can't beat the KM2's. It also gives you that little extra between the diffs and the ground.

Allan

[flagg]

255 km2 on a defender is IMO the best setup for people who hit the dirt. They are a great Tyre, quieter and better road manners than my old Cooper all terrains.