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NH

Member Since: 23 Mar 2021
Location: Redhill
Posts: 2

2015 Defender 90 Puma 2.2 XS CSW Santorini Black

Smaller tyres to reduce height?

The original 235/85/16 tyres on my 2015 Defender 90 need replacing. Because of planning restrictions my garage has restricted height, and the roof of the Landy grazes the beam over the entrance when I drive in. I'm therefore thinking of using 235/75/16 tyres (on the same rims) instead. If my thinking is correct this will give me an inch of additional headroom. Obviously my ground clearance will be reduced, and I'm guessing my speedo will be out by a few percent, and my gearing (and fuel economy) likewise. Has anyone else done this? Am I missing any other ill effects? Or for that matter benefits?

23rd Mar 2021 1:55pm

Dinnu

Member Since: 24 Dec 2019
Location: Lija
Posts: 3424

2012 Defender 90 Puma 2.2 CSW Santorini Black

According to https://tiresize.com/comparison/

235/85R16 tyres are officially 31.7" in diameter
235/75R16 tyres are officially 29.9" in diameter

So that gives a 1.8" diameter difference, or a height difference of 0.9".

But if your current 235/85 are worn, you may not see this much of a difference, as typically they can wear close to an inch in diameter before they get into the legal 1.4mm thread limit (assuming new thread height of about 12mm).

Older Defenders used to come in 205R16 tyres which in my opinion looked badly proportioned.

Another option is to get lowering springs (can add comfort), -1", personally think that makes a Defender look still good. Yes, it will loose 1" ground clearance. 1988 90 Hard Top, 19J Diesel Turbo, Shire Blue - Restoration ongoing
2012 90 CSW, 2.2TDCI, Santorini Black

23rd Mar 2021 2:19pm

NH

Member Since: 23 Mar 2021
Location: Redhill
Posts: 2

Thanks for such a quick and thoughtful response - it's a good point about the existing worn tyres being smaller diameter than when they were new. Definitely food for thought.

23rd Mar 2021 2:35pm

JOW240725

Member Since: 04 May 2015
Location: Suffolk
Posts: 7906

2012 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 XS CSW Orkney Grey

If you want to spend a lot of money you could look at air suspension.

Or you could fit the old school 90 tyres 205/80R16, but they look very small! James
MY2012 110 2.2TDCi XS SW Orkney Grey - http://www.defender2.net/forum/topic43410.html
MY1990 110 200TDi SW beautifully faded Portofino Red - https://www.defender2.net/forum/post743641.html#743641
MY1984 90 V8 Slate Grey - https://www.defender2.net/forum/post744557.html#744557
Instagram @suffolk_rovers

23rd Mar 2021 3:21pm

Birdy

Member Since: 07 Oct 2011
Location: Côte d'Azur
Posts: 867

2011 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 XS CSW Santorini Black

Lower the floor by one inch? NOT such a throw-away, facetious comment, think about it...

Peter

23rd Mar 2021 6:09pm

htb2

Member Since: 02 Nov 2018
Location: Carmarthenshire
Posts: 531

Is the garage for everyday use or only occasional like servicing, if the later let the tyre pressures down if you have compressor to blow them up again.

23rd Mar 2021 6:25pm

GREENI

Member Since: 22 Aug 2010
Location: staffs
Posts: 10383

I had similar issues and fitted the -1” springs.

23rd Mar 2021 6:26pm

jimbo55

Member Since: 15 Jul 2020
Location: Midlands
Posts: 399

I have a similar issue, albeit my 90 is lifted on 33’s and doesn’t fit in the garage at my new house

I’m fitting air suspension as it was the only way to get the usability I wanted without compromise. It’s low enough to fit in the garage, better on road handling especially with a trailer but I still get the lift and can keep the large tyres for when I go off-road

23rd Mar 2021 6:31pm

Dinnu

Member Since: 24 Dec 2019
Location: Lija
Posts: 3424

I did not suggest air suspension as I was afraid of liability in case NH forgets to lower it before driving into the garage

1988 90 Hard Top, 19J Diesel Turbo, Shire Blue - Restoration ongoing
2012 90 CSW, 2.2TDCI, Santorini Black

23rd Mar 2021 6:34pm

boxoftricks

Member Since: 06 Feb 2019
Location: Home Counties
Posts: 747

2011 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 USW Zermatt Silver

Lower the garage floor would be my suggestion as above.

23rd Mar 2021 7:19pm

markb110

Member Since: 22 May 2010
Location: Guildford
Posts: 2644

Have you thought about a few bags of pea shingle to throw in the back. Not too expensive, and yes i know will be a pain but if you have standard springs it might be enough to drop the height.

On my up and open garage door i moved the frame up as far as i could, cut the very top edge off the fibreglass door, shorten the inside door handle shaft, then added a strip along the bottom to stop the leaves blowing in.

Mine is a 90, 2 inch lift and an external Safety Devices roll cage just to make things as fun as possible.....

When we first moved here i had a 110, 2 inch lift on 33's. Before modding the garage door i bought at Sodbury a set of Discovery 1 205 wheels and tyres. Then changed them to use the garage. Again a pain, but both do-able and kept the truck out of sight.

Good luck.

23rd Mar 2021 7:49pm

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