Thread: maximum tyre size td5 defender

If the vehicle were mine and I wanted to retain some sort of off road capability I'd get rid of the cut springs and replace them with original length springs. I'd also check the shockers to make sure they were the correct length and hadn't been damaged as a result of the spring castration.

As for the tyres (or tires for you Yanks), No such thing as a 285/85 that I've ever seen and if there was such an animal they'd be as rare as rocking horse ****. You'd never get a spare if you damaged one out in 'boonies' somewhere.

From a more practical perspective a 285/85 (if it existed) would be 2" wider and 3 1/2" taller than the 235/85's fitted. Even if they could be fitted gearing would be hopeless and the speedo would be out by 10%.

A better bet would be 265/75's, common as muck, within 1/8" the same rolling diameter as the 235/85's and an extra (approx) 1 1/4" wider.
285/75's may be an option but I reckon you'd need to do a bit work to fit them on. These would be an inch and a bit taller than the 235/85's and 2" wider.

If necceassary the front wheel travel limiting (stop) bolts can be adjusted to stop the tyres rubbing if this is a problem. I've got a feeling that (some) 90's came with 265/75's anyway so they may just be a straight 'swap and go' upgrade.

First off though lose the shortened springs.

Deano

ps. love talking in feet and inches again, just don't mention those wierd American gallons

255/85/16 seems to be a popular size also

Why on earth would you cut the springs?

Thanks, it came with cut springs and was setup similarly to a td5 alive 90 from a few years back I am planning on stock springs but need new tires for an inspection asap. I wish I had more time totackle everything at once.

I know 285 75 exists, 265 75 and 255 85 are more practical options. I will also see if the tire shop will let me test rubbing with 2 used tires and let you guys know.

Thanks

What size is that in inches ? This metric tyre sizeing is crap

Originally Posted by 460cixy

What size is that in inches ? This metric tyre sizeing is crap

It is pretty simple. Simpler than Q-sizing - what size is a Q-78???

It is not proper "metric" anyway, it is called P-metric sizing as the rim is still in ". The french invented fully metric sizing, but tyres were expensive and it didn't catch on.

Anyway. The first number (e.g. 285) is the section with in mm (instead of ") - so ~11.2". The second number (e.g. 75) is the sidewall height as a % of the section width (e.g. 75% of 11.2").

To answer the OP's question - I can fit 255/85-16s and 285/75-16s easily on my 110 with stock height springs.

Thanks everyone for the replies...so the 285/75 and 265/75 should both fit without modification on a stock setup. I have to go to the tire shop this weekend.

Ben

Originally Posted by BenN

Thanks everyone for the replies...so the 285/75 and 265/75 should both fit without modification on a stock setup. I have to go to the tire shop this weekend.

Ben

and 255/85 as isuzurover mentioned.

They're a bees dick taller than the 285/75 and fit 7" rims easily, although I'd recommend more offset/less backspace than stock 7" rims.