Defender Tyre Sizes....

[hrh_dave]

Hi all...

Having only recently joined league of defender owners, what's the best tyre size to go for on a bog standard 90...

Now I have sticky'd this as I thought wee could try and put together a list for not just standard but lifted and various offsets....

Cheers

Dave

[Jake]

There are two sizes that suit it best.
The 235/85/16 and the 265/75/16
These are both 31" tall tyres and are standard fit on Defenders for the last few years now.
My old 110 was on 265's and 8" wide modulars and they filled the arches nicely but i didn't like how they would allow mud to spray up the side of the vehicle.
If I was doing it again i'd go for 235/85's.


 

[Saffy]

wasn't the 90's originally all on 6.50  (235/75/16) ?

Out of 235/85/16 and 265/75/16, I'm in the 235/85 camp for personal choice though do have 256/75 on there at the moment. 
Looks wise the width and offset of the rims make a big difference. I occasionaly run on 7.50 tyres which i rather skinny, on steel disco rims on defender they look very skinny but some people like the bog standard look. But I have shod the same tyres on to other rims and they filled arch better....

couple pix on same truck with different tyre wheel combo which might help ? ...

265/75 on large offset modulars, like Jake says lots of mud spray which get tiresome as it cakes the treesliders too and thus backs of legs getting in and out of truck...


7.50's on 8spokes with offset which brings the tyre out to the edge of the arch, I quite liked these for 'skinnies'.


same 7.50 tyre again but on standard steel disco rims... very inset offset - make it look waaaaaay to skinny for my book, but was a nice drive up to Scotland.



These are 235/85 on 8 spokes bit of offset, get some mud splatter up truck sides.


standard 7.50's on standard defender steel rims (yes same truck  )

[lambert]

Hi, I have 2 sets of tyres for mine both are michelin 750's my at's are xpc from a stock 07 110  they are 31 inches tall and are fitted to stock 5.5 rims and I like the indented look the mt are xcl and are 32 inches tall. For my next set I will be looking at some 900's as they will fit under stock suspension if you loose some steering lock.

[Jake]

wasn't the 90's originally all on 6.50  (235/75/16) ?

Your absolutly spot on.
IIRC They switched to the 31" tyres on 300Tdi

 

[muddysteve]

33x12.50R15 on 15x8 modulars



standard springs/shocks on 110 but you might need a small lift to fit them on a 90 depending how tired your suspension is

no rubbing but yes they do fling it up the side a bit 

[gnasha]

ours on 33/10.50x15 Silverstone Extreme MT-117 on Black Modular's but are closer to 31 1/2"
Not sure on springs/shocks as they came of our disco

[mass199]

If you want to use the Defender off roading and the sites you go to are rutted, i would think about using some 285/75R16's because you will have better clearance. It may not be much but i've seen very similar spec'd trucks to mine fail on 7.50's and 31" tyres when ruts get deep.

[lambert]

A very good point that. My 750's are 32 inch but I have bent my steering on rocks before so after advice I am now looking at 255/85/16 as a 33 inch. The advantage being you can get at's as well as mt's from the likes of maxxis and bfg. Ideal as a compromise for rocky lanes and on road gearing.

[LandRoger]

For me 235/85/16s with 60mm spacers  not found a situation they dont exel at, not bothered about looks its what works best the priority for me,

[Trug]

On a 2" lifted 90, id definately go for the 35" bfg mud terrain again. Excellent in ruts filled with mud / not bad on tarmac, optimal ground clearance. On a standard 90, definately stick with 265/75 (just my opinion) .. Nice to have mud club back by the way.

[wizard]

here is my 110 on 35, as you can see they are getting a right stuffing.





wizard

[Saffy]

For me 235/85/16s with 60mm spacers  not found a situation they dont exel at, not bothered about looks its what works best the priority for me,

Why the spacers Roger?

[lambert]

It's amazing how things change, now because I don't ever seem to have time to go laneing I am changing my tyres down to 205r16s firstly to improve access for my dad, secondly to improve towing torque and lastly to improve the road handling. Very odd.

[Saffy]

And i'm looking to go stupid and big for the fun of it and those tesco trips.

[Range Rover Ron]

Hi all happy new year 2014!
this topic is dragging on a while now.....
I suppose it all depeends on your use when it comes down to tyres, it's a major subject for all 4x4 owners as it is the tyres that contact the ground!
My 110 is a greenlaner and I'd want a bit more clearance than my 235/85/16 give me at the moment.
the 235/85/16 is a good choice if your not off road much.
My grabbers are great for most things but let me down a bit when on greenlanes, I'm thinking of going for 255/85/16 or 265/85/16 just to give me a bit more ground clearance. I may have to lift the suspension a bit for the 265's.

[Range Rover Ron]

265's look the best and are great off road.