The Rover-Landers of BC

Anyone know if 9.00 x 16 tires can fit a stock 11a rim and will they fit the wheel wells of a 109? I'm told by fairey that an overdrive is pointless with the weight of our amby and I'm concerned about driveline failure (off the road) in my attempt for lower highway revs. The larger tire will give a reasonable rpm change (not going for increased speed because of wind drag) not to mention I wouldn't mind the added clearence. Any advice would be appreciated.
Drew from salmo.

If you want to put bigger tires on your best bet is likely to get some wolf or 130 rims (both are the same dimensions at 6.5x16) and fit 255/85R16 tires. You would also need these rims to fit 900x16 tires if you can find them. You could also consider fitting 3.54 diff gears in place of your 4.7 ones but this might over gear you too much.

If I understand you they would fit the wheel wells? The rear axles' a salisbury and if I went with gearing would I need a special diff to hold the gears? Thanks for the info on the rims. With larger wheels my biggest concern is that steering radius isn't going to be a problem.

I think they'll fit the wheel wells on your 109 — in the front, but may rub during articulation while steering is in any position but straight ahead, and you would have to adjust your steering stops as they'll definitely rub the frame during tight turns, even if you use the significantly outset wolf wheels.

I'm not sure in the back with the ambulance body, but if I recall correctly, there's a fair bit of clearance under there.

255/85R16 is the size of tire I run on my IIa, but I did a fair bit of fender trimming to ensure they didn't rub under full articulation. I also moved the spring hangers downward to increase the height by 2" — something that has already been done at the factory on the ambulance... as a result you may be able to get away with it if you're keeping the truck on basic trails and gravel and aren't planning to get into situations of high articulation.

Dave

The wolf/130 rims have the same back space as the 5.5" 109/110 rims, but they are 1" wider on the out side.

basic trails and gravel, that cuts straight to my aluminum steel heart dave. It's true I don't wish to thrash it (which would be easy to due as it is HEAVY). I need to be able to cruise a little better than now though or I'll never get to any events without shipping the darn thing. Headdamage and yourself have got me thinking that maybe I need to shoot for middle of the road in my goals here due to the limitations in choices I have. Cutting metal is out of the question. I see from reading some threads that michelin makes a tire xzl 8.25x16 with steel sidewalls. If the threads right they're 33.8 diameter. 3.5 inches more than present. I figure around a 10 percent increase in road speed (or lower rpm) so instead of 4000 I'd be reving 3400 rpm. I may go with this route. If I spend money on tires instead of a overdrive so be it. Any thoughts?

For your use I'd look at the Toyo M55 in 255/85R16 mounted on wolf rims or maybe the BFG MT in the same size and on the wolf rims. The 8.25x16 XZL is crazy expensive, hard to get, and wears out fast on the hwy.

I have wolfe wheels on my 109. and run 235/85 r 16.s. almost 33 in tires. and it is a sweet ride, i have parabolics, from PAUL HYSTE IN HOLLAND, and military shackles. , i am running a 1.5 in alum, spacer, , and power steering.[scout]. it rolls along fine, i have a 10 ply tire so it stands tall for the road, and no metal is trimmed, all the best, rick.m, must weigh the rig so i can know the weight, it is laoded all the time, .and i have a new FAIREY IN now as well,. rick.m. let me know if you would like a few pics,

You've all been a great help. I'm going to go the tire route for sure now. It's the simplest and least intrusive and should look sweeeet. Next stop, shopping for rims and tires. Thanks again.
Drew from salmo

I run 255 85 16 BFG MT on my stock MOD 109 I have had this for the last 60,000 K the truck is used mostly off road and has rubbed on full articulation a few times but did not cause me any concern.

just found this tonight on my hunt. Great examples of it being done allready with the 255 85 16s. Really set me at ease regarding clearence. Interesting axle change out too.(blasphemy)

woops. sorry. just found this tonight on my hunt. Great examples of it being done allready with the 255 85 16s. Really set me at ease regarding clearence. Interesting axle change out too.(blasphemy)http://landrover109.blogspot.com/

At a website called maple leaf up theres a link to another tire brand. They say there's a 9 x 16 tire designed for a 6 inch rim (which I have) with a 0 bead angle if anyones interested. Apparently the issue is usually with split rims and the bead not sitting flat if the rims too narrow?

Are you still considering a 9.00x16 for your ambulance? Do lots of research. From what I recall a typical 9.00x16 is somewhere around 35" tall. You'll be looking at extended shackles at the least and lower gearing than I think came standard in the ambulances.

John wrote:...From what I recall a typical 9.00x16 is somewhere around 35" tall.....

For whatever strange reason, I happen to have a copy of the British Tyre standard. I put together a page with the sizing information for British tyre sizes, which may be of use.

http://members.shaw.ca/jbarge/britishtires.html