Fitting monster tyres to my beast

[snezza69]

Hello all, I have aquired a set of brand new 900's on offset 16 inch rims to go on my 1983 110 diesel pickup.  At the moment I do not have enough clearance at the front end, and probably not at the back off roading, without cutting the wheel arches.  I am looking at probably lifting the suspension by about 3 inches.  Has anyone done this for 900's?  Anyone got any suggested suppliers of springs and shocks for this?  I don't have a massive budget but would like some options.  I bought the thing to have some fun off road so this is the primary role for it but it still needs to get me to work.

Thanks all.

[Bobtail]

when i had my 110 van i ran 900's without any problems
but did not venture off road all that much so do
not know how they will catch off road
but on road it was no problem

[snezza69]

I have done a visual check by placing the tyres along side and allowing for the raised hub the rear axle should be OK but the front end is quite a bit lower and will not work especially with steering.  Don't really know if the front springs need replacing anyway.

[Bush Tucker Man]

I've seen an article in an earl issue of 'LRO' (mid 94?) where the owner took a (presumably fairly standard) 110 around Africa on 9.00's

Steering was compromised, if I remember

[snezza69]

Yes I was told that my turning circle would be reduced however the rims are offset to minimise this.  I would like to get a little extra height though is 3 inches too much realistically, I realise I may need to cut a little off the wheel arches anyway.  Anyone recommend lift kits?  Would love to hear of any experiences!

[Budgie]

All my experience has been with Discos & Rangies but the same goes for 90s & 110s as well.

When you lift a vehicle then the lift will affect the steering, the turning circle is the easy bit! With a 2 or 3" lift then it effects the caster angle on the front and makes the steering light and it will have the tendency to wander and "tramline".  You can alter this back to normal by fitting caster correction radius arms, radius arm bushes or swivel housings but these all add to the cost.  If you go for the caster correction radius arms this will increase the angle of attack in the transfer box end of the front propshaft causing a bad vibration, meaning a Carden type front propshaft, again increasing the cost.

Going from 750's to 900's will also change the overall gearing and with a 2.5 N/A Diesel then you may find you're changing into 4th or even 3rd on some hills that you could take in 5th with the 750's. Having said that, it won't be as bad for the 110 as the transfer box gearing is higher than on the Disco so may not be as noticable.
The 900's will also mean your speedo will read approx' 5-7mph slow so you need to watch it in those 30mph limits!!  

I know it all looks grim, but it's better to know what can happen before you start, it makes it easier to plan ahead.  :D

[snezza69]

Thanks for all that info, I may try the tyres on with the standard springs for size, I do anticipate having to adjust the front wheel arches a little, and I suppose with the natural increase in ride height of the 900's these factors will still be in effect (but not as drastic), so could you recommend a dealer who could provide me with the goods?

[beast5680]

just popping in for a quick question save me starting another tyre thread :roll:
are 265/75x16,s bigger than 235/85x16,s?

[Jim-Willy]

just popping in for a quick question save me starting another tyre thread :roll:
are 265/75x16,s bigger than 235/85x16,s?

Wider but slightly shorter.  Don't like em myself but plenty of folk use em, higher flotation, like you can float a landy!

[Jim-Willy]

Hello all, I have aquired a set of brand new 900's on offset 16 inch rims to go on my 1983 110 diesel pickup.  At the moment I do not have enough clearance at the front end, and probably not at the back off roading, without cutting the wheel arches.  I am looking at probably lifting the suspension by about 3 inches.  Has anyone done this for 900's?  Anyone got any suggested suppliers of springs and shocks for this?  I don't have a massive budget but would like some options.  I bought the thing to have some fun off road so this is the primary role for it but it still needs to get me to work.

Thanks all.

The lad that balanced my 235's at ATS said i could fit 900's on the 90 without moddin' the suspension, cos I thought 235 was as big as i could go, he should know, its his job.

[snezza69]

Thanx all for your input, I will try them out as is and post an update as to whether they work or not (if anyones interested that is).....

[Jim-Willy]

We are interested, 900's could look most cool, piccys would be nice too!

[Budgie]

so could you recommend a dealer who could provide me with the goods?

There are quite a few, at the cheaper end M&M 4x4 & Paddocks do the Bearmach kits, make sure you tell them if you have (or intend to put) a winch or other heavy items on the motor as this will effect what springs your supplied with.
Explorer ProComp do their own kits.
Devon 4x4 sell Old Man Emu (OME) kits, these are very good but like everything else, you get what you pay for!
Famour Four also do their own springs with a choice of shocks but they only seem to make +1" springs.  :?

Most of these advertise in the 4x4 mag's and all have websites so I'd grab a mag and start scanning.  

[snezza69]

so could you recommend a dealer who could provide me with the goods?

There are quite a few, at the cheaper end M&M 4x4 & Paddocks do the Bearmach kits, make sure you tell them if you have (or intend to put) a winch or other heavy items on the motor as this will effect what springs your supplied with.
Explorer ProComp do their own kits.
Devon 4x4 sell Old Man Emu (OME) kits, these are very good but like everything else, you get what you pay for!
Famour Four also do their own springs with a choice of shocks but they only seem to make +1" springs.  :?

Most of these advertise in the 4x4 mag's and all have websites so I'd grab a mag and start scanning.  

Thanks Budgie, I will consider all those options.  I have just got the new wheels today and they are actually 255/100 R16's (they do also have 900 on the tyre)  They fit on OK if a little tight at the front.  I have had to cut the back of the front arches for turning but I still get a slight rub on cornering.  A lift kit may be the only option.  They dont half look good though........Mmmmmmmm.