Wheels for Defender

[N!GE]

What would be the biggest tyres I would be able to fit to a standard 90 ? Any advice would be appreciated,thanks.

[barmiebrumie]

I,ve got 235/85x16 insa turbo special tracks on my 90 with no lift & have no problems, BUT I haven't taken it off road yet & will be puting a 2' lift kit on before I do


Hope that helps



John

[N!GE]

Thanks John,I was looking at getting the same tyres ,if you didn't add the lift would that size be OK ,or would I have to go a size smaller say 235/75x16

[Artwigwa]

I've got 265/75/16 on standard 90 with no problems  :dance:

[N!GE]

Thanks, Artwigwa :dance:

[topless matt]

235/85R16 will be fine on your defender, with the special tracs you may get some cntact with the arches on articulation.
If you just get a less aggressive mud terrain, you could have 265/75R16 which is slightly wider but the same height.
Or to confuse things even more, if you trin some bodywork, 33" tyres will fit with no lift  :-#

[N!GE]

Cheers,Topless :thumbup:

[tack43]

I have 265/75R16 Insa special tracks on modular rims. get slight rubbing on extreme articulation - no damage as yet! I'm using standard front springs and 20mm HD bearmach rears with standard shocks. It goes places lifted discos can't!

Rich

[kevinf]

hi there

just wondering what are the benefits of 265/75x16 as opposed to 235/85x16 other than appearance i.e road holding, off-road performance,road noise and comfort. it would be nice to get some opinions before i spend my hard earned cash


cheers kevin

[tack43]

Flotation! In effect a bigger "footprint" so reduces the pressure on the ground and reduces sinking into the surface.

Rich

[300TDi Disco]

I've got 265/75/16 on 8j rims and havent had any problems off roading, don't get me wrong they are about 2-5mm off the arches.

[topless matt]

AAAh, but bigger tyres that have a greater flotation effect do not give as much traction as a thinner tyre that is able to utilise the weight of the vehicle on the tread block surfaces.  :doh:
If the grund is not able to support the weight of the vehicle then the wider the tyre the better but there will be less traction available, however, if the surface is able to hold the weight then the thinner type of tyre should be used to increase traction.

[Saffy]

AAAh, but bigger tyres that have a greater flotation effect do not give as much traction as a thinner tyre that is able to utilise the weight of the vehicle on the tread block surfaces.  :doh:
If the grund is not able to support the weight of the vehicle then the wider the tyre the better but there will be less traction available, however, if the surface is able to hold the weight then the thinner type of tyre should be used to increase traction.

The theory of fat vs skinny floatation vs cutting is good to go when comparing a tractor tyre to a bicycle (extreme example ) but with 265/75x16 opposed to 235/85x16 is the difference *really* going to come into play in the real world, it's an insignificant difference surely? *shrug* I don't know the answer, but I bet there is some maths out there to prove it either way which I'd like to be spoon fed. All I know is that more height under my diff the less I get stuck in Wiltshire mud ruts, and it's that figure I'd be more concerned about (235/70 = no chance, 235/85 = drive most places)

[topless matt]

I whole hartedly agree with you, its just a can of worms i like to open up seeing as i work on a farm, drive a landrover and race downhill mountainbikes.  I seem to spend all my time comparing tyres and pros and cons to sizes  :?

[tack43]

 Each situation could mean a different size and/or different tread pattern so really it's just a case of compromise all round. In mud my special tracks are awesome, however, on snow (its classed as an M & S tyre) they're only alright, and over rocks they are downright scary (going to Stanage Edge again this weekend  :-k )! On snow and ice (over tarmac) narrower tyres are better. Over deep snow, sand and mud wider are again better. Certanly most people seem to use 235/85 or 265/75 which as said above generally clear ruts with smaller diameter tyred vehicles left stuck on the diff pan. Tread patterns also play a big part, I know mine are too aggressive for what I do most of the time and I now know something like a BFG MT or dakar would have been better. Decide what you want to do with your vehicle ie road, green lanes or P&P. Approach guys who do your chosen thing and ask their opinions. For me special tracks are great for P&P but as I mainly do green laning I would  rather have a "normal" MT tyre - they're on the christmas list!

Rich

[N!GE]

Thank you all for your advice and comments,I have now got my new wheels and tyres,265/75 R16 Insa Turbo Special Tracks .They look awesome and give  the 90 another 2" of lift.I am going out  tomorrow to a P&P site so will let you all know how it goes.Thanks again :dance:

[Artwigwa]

Thank you all for your advice and comments,I have now got my new wheels and tyres,265/75 R16 Insa Turbo Special Tracks .They look awesome and give  the 90 another 2" of lift.I am going out  tomorrow to a P&P site so will let you all know how it goes.Thanks again :dance:

Pls post some pics of your new tyres