Anyone running 255/85/16 on their series 1 or 2

[franko]

As the post says, new tires in the works and can't decide on 235/85's or 255's
I really want 255's but is that the best choice.
Cheers
Ps running paribolic springs.

[Greg S]

Hi Franko.

I put 255 85 16 Toyo Open Country MT's on my 109 SW. They look good and grip really well. I have a military chassis with the springs located on the high ground clearance setting and with the extended shackles. This gives me a bit more clearance for the tires when turning but the steering stops still need to be set in a bit. With parabolics the tires don't rub on full articulation but do rub on the chassis and spring just before full lock.

I recommend against it. 235 85 16 are as large as I would suggest.

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5263/5662090887_5acc92732f.jpgTires 10 10 006 by VanIsle Land Rover Network, on Flickr

255 85 16 vs 245 75 16
https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5023/5662092819_9323ba5544.jpgTires 10 10 002 by VanIsle Land Rover Network, on Flickr

[franko]

Thanks Greg, I can't see the pics, but it's as I figured.

235/85 is the smart choice, would running a spacer be such a bad idea to get more track width?

[Greg S]

Fixed the photos.

I've never run spacers but they sound okay. More strain on bearings but they aren't something you often hear about failing. I'd be concerned about keeping spacers done up but there are thousands (hundreds?) of people out there running with them. Make sure the tire doesn't hang out past the fender.

[red90]

With parabolics the tires don't rub on full articulation but do rub on the chassis and spring just before full lock.

But that is fixed by adjusting the steering stops, which need to be adjusted with any tire.

A lot would depend on what rims you are using. Stock rims are not really wide enough for a 255.

[HeadDamage]

Wolf or 130 rims are needed to properly mount 255/85/16 tires, they are 6.5" wide with more offset.

[franko]

Is Greg not running stock rims and 255's looks that way to me.
Anyway as much I would LOVE 255's I think 235's are the best option with stock rims and what not.

[red90]

Wolf or 130 rims are needed to properly mount 255/85/16 tires, they are 6.5" wide with more offset.

On a series, will this make the tire stick out past the bodywork?

[HeadDamage]

It would be close, not sure how close but 255 on a 5.5" rim is too pinched.

[shawn doherty]

I bought 255 85 16 tires for my stock series 111 109 back in 2003 they were mounted on stock rims and I have since sold the truck. The tires are still on the truck and I never had any issues except a higher cruising speed and higher ground clearance.

[Peter Knowles]

I've run BFG MT 255/85/16's for years.
I have 1 ton rims and 1-1/4" spacers.
EX-MOD chassis on the lifted holes.
Rubber is just barely proud of the bodywork.

Love Em!
Love Em!

Peter

[franko]

Hey Pete, did you flip your rims around. Maybe it's just the picture, but it kinda looks like it.

[Rob]

Here's a good thread I found about series tires (this topic is often discussed... maybe it is time for a forum sticky?). http://www.landroversonly.com/forums/f4 ... 0-a-38185/

Here's a calculator that shows the differences between the tires http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/tireca ... -255-85r16

Personally I've had 750-16s on most of my series trucks and have been happy. I run 235-85R16s MTs (very close to a 750-16 in dimension) on my Defender 130 and the truck does fine. Series trucks in their original configuration are light and don't have a lot of horsepower and while it is possible to fit bigger tires I question if there is enough improvement in performance to make the expense and effort worth it...

I did a quick check, you'd save over a $100 for a set of 4 BFG MTs at Crappy Tire if you went for the 235's instead of the 255s... not to mention how much you'd save by not having to buy new rims to fit the tires.

Anyway, there's my 2 cents worth.

[Peter Knowles]

Hi Franco,

No, they're 130 rims, ANR 1534, terribly pricy but 6.5" wide with a very deep offset.



Peter

[franko]

Well back to square one, looks like I have the stock 15" rims on my series.

So unless I can find some cheap 16" rims ( maybe disco steel) then I'll look for a 31x9.5x15