Tire size

[knightracer_08]

Hey guys, was thinking about tires for Jess, and was wondering what the largest tires are that will fit under a series 2a with parabolic springs? Thanks.

[Greg S]

The biggest? How big do you want to go? They run 44's in Iceland and you could probably do that with para's and a few other changes.

Try 235 85 16. They are a good fit and keep things stock. Is your motor stock or a V8? You can easily fit 255 85 16 and I have them, but having them, I council you to stay with 235 85 16. (My opinion.)

[knightracer_08]

It has the stock engine, but I plan on using it for a fair amount of back road and offroad use, I was originally thinking the 34/9/16 tsl swamper but have been told they arnt planning on producing any in the near future, so I was looking at the simex, however the centipede only comes in either 32 or 35. I havent got a price in them yet so this may be pointless anyway and I'll be stuck with a standard mt.

[ANDYD]

You don't mention if your wheels are 15" or 16"?
I had 33 x 9.5 x R15 on my Series 2 SWB and they just fit without any mods.
This is from our Technical Tab and gives you some BFG recommendations...

Series Landrover BFG tire sizes:

15" rims = 33 x 9.50 x R15 Mud-terrains, 8-ply sidewall

16" rims = LT255/85 x R16 Mud-terrains, 8-ply sidewall

16" rims = 7.50 x R16 Track-edge, 4-ply sidewall

Old Landrover Rims need tubes best results with Michelin heavy-duty truck tubes.

[Morgan]

Greg,

Why do you recommend the 235/85 over the 255/85? Reduced turning radius?

[red90]

....8-ply sidewall...

8 plys is the tread. Sidewalls are 3 ply.

With LT tires, the load range equates to the tread plys. C = 6 ply, D = 8 ply, E = 10 ply....

[Greg S]

Why do you recommend the 235/85 over the 255/85? Reduced turning radius?

Stock motor, manual steering, non power brakes and fuel consumption and cost a lot less $. The 235 85 16 tire (metric equivalent of the original 7.50 16 tire) at 32 inch nominal diameter is large enough for most applications, fits well, looks good compared to many other options. It fits the rim with no questions, fits in the wheel wells, doesn't bump or rub, assuming the turn stops are adjusted accordingly. It doesn't rob you of acceleration, and still allows for a good top end speed of over 70 mph, allows you to go slow when needed, you aren't under powered when pulling away from a stop sign on a hill (big consideration). Speedometer isn't far off and if a 109 speedometer is fitted, is calibrated for this tire diameter. Larger diameter tires effect braking ability, steering geometry and steering effort. It has been argued the larger tires adversely effect wheel bearings and break axles more (Do they? I don't know.). 235's are narrow enough to give good traction in snow and mud and wide enough to allow pretty good flotation, it airs down well and you can buy them ANYWHERE. I think 255 85 16 comes from only two different manufacturers, BFG and Toyo, even the dealers for those tires recommended I steer away from them due to replacement difficulties if out of town and damage a tire. Probably have to wait a day or two to get a replacement shipped in.

Turning radius? It but it must unless there were a different wheel used. I've never been too worried about that one.

Don't get me wrong, I like my 255 tires, but I also now have them mounted on a coiler with power steering.

A Jeep TJ, XJ, CJ etceteras have to put in 2 to 3 inch suspension lift kits to fit a 235 85 16 tire. Other makes have to put in suspension and body lift kits to fit them. Be happy with the Land Rover that takes this size as stock fitment.

Nuff?

[franko]

255 is only an extra inch taller and wider, so ask yourself do you really need that size.
I'll be looking for a set of 235's for my disco soon,I have the OME 2" heavy lift so it should clear easy : )

[Morgan]

Thanks Greg. Great summary. I'm running the 235s now, and am quite happy with them.

[Bill E.]

For what it's worth I agree with Greg's summary in support of 235's. I'm running 255/85 currently on my 90 and I can attest to all of the negative effects of the extra rolling mass that come along with a 33 inch tire. The extra clearance that the bigger tires give is nice, and for me the performance trade-off is worth it but if I was buying boots for a series truck I'd definitely stop at 235. I ran the 33x9.50 r15 BFG Mud-Terrains on my series one, very narrow and tall and they looked cool but were way too much rubber for a series one's power and brakes. They are no longer made anyway, nor are the BFG trac-edges mentioned by Andy.

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