Thread: Best max tyre size for standard Defender 110

255/85 should be ok they equal about 33.4 inches height,they where ok on my standard suspension, only rubbed back spring mounts when I fitted longer travel Gwyn Lewis kit.

255/85's are a popular fit........

it all depends what your plans are

my rig is more of a tourer and 235/85/16 have met my need....i have ad the sals hang up a couple of time but not enough to warrant going taller

255's would knock your gearing around a little

most people find the speedo reading on the R380 gearing to be 5% out on 235/85's. The 255/85's correct the gearing to match the speedo. For a 300 Tdi you might find any wider tyre sluggish off the line until you get momentum. Wider tyre will adversely affect fuel consumption. Can't avoid the fact that more rubber equals greater rolling resistance. i found a 10% increase in fuel consumption from my old 235/85 AT to 255/85 MT.

a 255/85 on a disco 1 rim with +33 offset will likely rub your upper spring mount on the rear at full articulation (mine did). It's not ideal but would take alot of time crossed-up to cause damage to the tyre.

The front tyre will rub your radius arms on full lock to lock. The steering lock bolts can be wound out for the front but that reduces your steering lock.

You will find your Sals diff will get caught up even with the 255/85's. The thing is bullet proof but geez it occupies some realestate below the diff. Beauty about 4wd'ing is that there is 99.9% of the time an alternative line should the first line catch you out.

the 265/75's are a smidge smaller (rolling circumference) than the 235/85 and comes with the rubbing issue more so than the 255/85 (assuming you retain the disco 1 rims). The 265/75's fit the 7" rim but is at it's limit.

285/75 is a smidge smaller (rolling circumference) than the 255/85 and requires an 8" rim. If you change rims you open options for a change in off-set to suit. Not sure if they catch the guard. The offset will have a bearing on that problem.

The daddy, 315's (35"), be prepared for a lift and trimmed guards.

While i haven't specifically looked, it's my understanding that the 255/85's are available only in the MT category. The exception to that might be the BFG AT's.

255/85's are a low volume import so expect to pay between $340 at the low end of the scale to $390 at the normal retail price for the BFG KM2's. Maxxi is cheaper, as are Kumho, and most other brands bar Mickey T's and Coopers.

265/75's are common on toyotas and some other car brands so you will find them cheaper than the 255/85's (generally) and in a wider variety of tread patterns.

MLD

Thanks for the info!

I had been leaning towards the 265 75's so I think I'm on the right path.
Fuel consumption and initial cost being the biggest factor for me at present. I don't want to give up any of my 900 od km per tank!

All this information should help me should I go for something else though.

Thanks again
Bryce

Have a look on evilbay or its 1/2 spawn gumtree, the 255 maxxis bighorns are as low as $265, bfg's are more.
Bighorns, $300 each for 4 : 255 85 16 Maxxis Bighorn MUD Terrain A SET OF 4 | eBay
Bighorns for less at $265: 255 85 16 Maxxis Bighorn | eBay

BFG 255's for $325: BFG MUD Terrain KM2 Tyre 255 85R16LT 4x4 255 85 16 MT 4WD BF Goodrich Muddies | eBay
$334 in vic BF Goodrich MUD Terrain T A KM2 255 85 R16 Tyre NEW M TTF THE Tyre Factory in Melbourne, VIC | eBay

As MLD said the 265 will rub MORE than the 255's, give less clearance but a touch quicker off the line(its a defender not a WRX) and they cost about the same as Bob Jane has a price guarantee. Personally I found no difference in fuel use between 235 and 255 , the change was with a lift and carrying stuff on the roof a few times but the lift was less than 1L/100k's. (Td5, 110 wagon)

I have been looking at these bad boys
4 X LT265 75 16 2657516 123R Bridgestone Dueler D697 A T | eBay

I think I will steer clear of anything more aggressive at this stage since most of my driving will be on road with a little mud and a lot of beach.

Still looking though...

Bryce,

Subject to budget, give the BFG AT's and the Pirelli Scorpion ATR a serious think. Both have scored well in the 'all round' stakes in the balance between wear qualities/grip/road manners. Both are at the top end of the budget.

2 items on your truck you should never never never compromise on: brakes and tyres. Amortised over 80,000 kms the difference between a budget priced (not questioning quality) set of tyres and the higher priced set is not that much.

If you are leaning towards the 265/75's budget for a new set of rims with a 0 offset or modifying the disco 1 rims. You will loose about 30% (no science to that statement) of lock to lock. If you think a 3 point tun into a car space in the local shopping car park is a pain, try thinking of a significant reduction to that. You will also experience more rear spring mount rub than the 255.

If you are on the 265/75 wagon, stick with your 235/85 standard size. You won't have the rub issues and maintain the same rolling circumference. What you spend extra on the 235/85 over 265/75 will be far cheaper than the mods required to overcome the shortcomings and inconvenience of the wider tyre on the standard defender.

MLD

Originally Posted by bryco

Hi Guys

I am looking to upgrade the tyres on my 96 Defender 110. At present I have a set of disco 16x7jh233 rims of it.

My problem is that I am unsure how big I can go! At present I have no lift work done (although that will happen but only AFTER new tyres)

I am keen to get the most out of the vehicle but don't want any issues with tyres that are too big.

I am getting information overload so please help before my brain explodes!!

Cheers!

Get some Toyo Open Country MTs in 235/85r16. If you're prepared to pony open for some greater offset rims, get 255/85r16 BFG KM2s.

Ding, next!