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Balfour



Member Since: 27 Aug 2024
Location: Lancashire
Posts: 1
 
Tyre Size Question
Hi all,

Have just rejoined the forum after a five year Landy-free period (it was hell & heaven!) and its nice to see the community going strong still.

I've just picked up a TD5 90 and am going to fit 1" lowering springs. The current wheels and tyres are coming off and I'm putting on 16 x 6.5" wolf steels.

I previously lowered a 90XS I had but I left the sawtooth wheels that it came with originally on and I can't remember what tyres were on it.

My initial thought was to fit 235/85 tyres but I'm not sure if this will look right... Has anyone else lowered theirs by 1" and if so, what tyre size would you recommend?
Post #1044009 27th Aug 2024 1:50pm
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jst



Member Since: 14 Jan 2008
Location: Taunton
Posts: 7979
 2011 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 USW Stornoway Grey
The saw tooth most likely had 235.85s on them. Cheers

James
110 2012 XS Utility
130 2011 M57 bespoke Camper
90 2010 Hardtop
90 M57 1988 Hardtop
Post #1044011 27th Aug 2024 2:54pm
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revd



Member Since: 20 Apr 2024
Location: England
Posts: 101
United Kingdom 
235/85 are the widest recommended tyre for 6.5" rims
Post #1044015 27th Aug 2024 3:22pm
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Chicken Drumstick



Member Since: 17 Aug 2020
Location: Near MK
Posts: 707
United Kingdom 
Re: Tyre Size Question
Balfour wrote:
Hi all,

Have just rejoined the forum after a five year Landy-free period (it was hell & heaven!) and its nice to see the community going strong still.

I've just picked up a TD5 90 and am going to fit 1" lowering springs. The current wheels and tyres are coming off and I'm putting on 16 x 6.5" wolf steels.

I previously lowered a 90XS I had but I left the sawtooth wheels that it came with originally on and I can't remember what tyres were on it.

My initial thought was to fit 235/85 tyres but I'm not sure if this will look right... Has anyone else lowered theirs by 1" and if so, what tyre size would you recommend?

What are you trying to achieve?

I assume by lowering you have no intention to use the vehicle for its core purpose off road?

A smaller tyre might suit better. A smaller sidewall will have less tyre roll in the corners. Although a narrow tyre is likely to “handle” and drive better with better steering feel and better mpg.

If you want max lateral grip on dry tarmac a fat tyre should work better.

Lots and lots of potential sizes. You may want to hold off on the rims though. A 6.5” width may limit options.
Post #1044071 28th Aug 2024 6:34am
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Chicken Drumstick



Member Since: 17 Aug 2020
Location: Near MK
Posts: 707
United Kingdom 
revd wrote:
235/85 are the widest recommended tyre for 6.5" rims

Not exactly. You can certainly get wider such as a 255/85.
Post #1044072 28th Aug 2024 6:35am
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revd



Member Since: 20 Apr 2024
Location: England
Posts: 101
United Kingdom 
Land Rover engineer of long-standing I spoke to last week said go 7" rim if you want to fit wider than 235. He signed off the Defender tyres back in the day after extensive testing on Michelin's track at Clermont Ferrand

Last edited by revd on 28th Aug 2024 9:52am. Edited 1 time in total
Post #1044073 28th Aug 2024 6:48am
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custom90



Member Since: 21 Jan 2010
Location: South West, England.
Posts: 20265
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255/85 is okay, (what I have on boosts) but they are the limit really.
Post #1044078 28th Aug 2024 8:21am
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blackwolf



Member Since: 03 Nov 2009
Location: South West England
Posts: 17310
United Kingdom 2007 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 DCPU Stornoway Grey
Many people have run 285/75 MTs on Boosts without problems (at least, the only problem is finding someone prepared to take on the struggle of fitting them).
Post #1044083 28th Aug 2024 8:59am
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rallysteve



Member Since: 10 Feb 2014
Location: Cumbria
Posts: 2222
United Kingdom 2002 Defender 110 Td5 DCPU Keswick Green
Generally it is the tyre manufacturer who defines the necessary rim width for their tyres rather than the vehicle manufacturer.

Vehicle manufacturer's interest is normally concerned with clearances (not an issue for Defenders as you can adjust the steering lock stops) and economy figures/NVH (definitely not a concern for a Defender Rolling with laughter ) 02' 110 TD5 Double Cab Rebuild Thread
Post #1044091 28th Aug 2024 9:49am
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custom90



Member Since: 21 Jan 2010
Location: South West, England.
Posts: 20265
United Kingdom 
There was a struggle with the 255’s so that is a very good point.
Post #1044102 28th Aug 2024 11:51am
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Chris86



Member Since: 15 Jul 2014
Location: South Yorks
Posts: 787
United Kingdom 2005 Defender 110 Td5 USW Chawton White
ETRTO
If you aren't sure about compatibility of rim/tyre size- have a look online for the ETRTO (European Tyre and Rim technical Organisation) standards and guidance for rim and tyre fitting compatibility.

Chris
Post #1044103 28th Aug 2024 11:54am
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revd



Member Since: 20 Apr 2024
Location: England
Posts: 101
United Kingdom 
rallysteve wrote:
Generally it is the tyre manufacturer who defines the necessary rim width for their tyres rather than the vehicle manufacturer.

Vehicle manufacturer's interest is normally concerned with clearances (not an issue for Defenders as you can adjust the steering lock stops) and economy figures/NVH (definitely not a concern for a Defender Rolling with laughter )


I think you sell LR short, extensive testing goes well beyond the basic parameters you listed, which could well be arrived at by testing on UK roads. Part of the reason there are so many badly modified Defenders out and about is because so many folk jump to the conclusion, 'it's only a Defender - anything goes'. In reality the vehicle underwent constant development throughout its life and with the huge availability of aftermarket parts it is easy to undo the best efforts of the engineers who designed and built them.
Post #1044106 28th Aug 2024 12:02pm
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custom90



Member Since: 21 Jan 2010
Location: South West, England.
Posts: 20265
United Kingdom 
There certainly is a lot of aftermarket parts that are a downgrade that’s for sure, and can cause more problems than they are worth.
I’m surprised LR didn’t offer better spec tyres of different types from the factory though, but I expect that’s based on tyring to keep MPG figures upwards for certification etc.

I really don’t miss road bias General Grabber TR’s that’s for sure, very skittish and prone to damage as well.
Post #1044108 28th Aug 2024 12:07pm
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Chicken Drumstick



Member Since: 17 Aug 2020
Location: Near MK
Posts: 707
United Kingdom 
revd wrote:
Land Rover engineer of long-standing I spoke to last week said go 7" rim if you want to fit wider than 235. He signed off the Defender tyres back in the day after extensive testing on Michelin's track at Clermont Ferrand

Clearly he is wrong and doesn't know jack s*** then.... Laughing Either that or companies like BFG have no idea.... Whistle


Click image to enlarge

Rim width is also dependant on sidewall height, not just section width.
Post #1044119 28th Aug 2024 1:35pm
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revd



Member Since: 20 Apr 2024
Location: England
Posts: 101
United Kingdom 
Difference between what fits and what works. Rather than choose tyres solely based on the fitment chart of the tyre manufacturer I would go with the advice of a guy who has lived and breathed LR all his working life.
Post #1044126 28th Aug 2024 2:37pm
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