Tire questions for D1..pics?..I have researched ahead of time!

slowfiveo

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Jun 26, 2014
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Elizabethtown
Just to go ahead and set the tone...I have reviewed the tire size chart many times and have spent the last couple of days surfing google for info and pics. I have my tire brand dialed in (bfg at ko2s) but, I'm struggling with deciding a tire size. With this being a pricey purchase I really want to get this right and feel good about it.

So, with that being said, my 99 D1 is on a stock suspension which at some point has been replaced. Very stable, no sag that I can tell, and easy to handle. I'm probably going to keep it that way for awhile because it's my daily driver which spends 50 miles a day on a freeway. At this point I'm really at 90% road/10% trails (wish it was more like 10% road, ha!) so, I've ruled out a lift.

I've narrowed down my search to 2 tire sizes 245/70/16 or 245/75/16. I'd like a bit more meat on my tires so that when I do hit the trails I perform well but, still have a tolerable tire for the daily commute. Now, there is loads of threads on multiple sites about guys throwing 245/75's on their stock D1 because its the biggest that will fit on a stock suspension. What I can't find is pictures or any info on folks with 245/70's.

What's the performance differences between the 245/70 and the 245/75 tires on a stock disco?

Do you really gain anything from having the 245/75 over the 245/70?

Anyone have any pictures of a 245/70/16 on stock suspension? I can find plenty with the 245/75 but nothing with the 245/70's.

Thanks!
 

p m

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Apr 19, 2004
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Here's some info for you.

Most tires in 245/70R16 size are going to be C-load rated (with load index around 106-107). It doesn't mean they will be inadequate in load-carrying capacity, but they will have softer sidewalls -> higher chance of sidewall damage. Some may have max inflation pressure around 40psi, which means you'll have to take your corners slightly less aggressively.

Most tires in 245/75R16 size are going to be D- or E-load rated (load index 111-123). You can beat the crap out of these - and they will beat the crap out of your back while aired up to 40-45psi. Your truck will feel like a dog - noticeably slower off the line, and not as good under braking as well. Nowhere as bad as with 235/85 or 265/75, though.

On stock rims, both tires are likely to fit - but you may still have to hack the rear corners of rear wheelwells.
 

slowfiveo

Well-known member
Jun 26, 2014
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Elizabethtown
Here's some info for you.

Most tires in 245/70R16 size are going to be C-load rated (with load index around 106-107). It doesn't mean they will be inadequate in load-carrying capacity, but they will have softer sidewalls -> higher chance of sidewall damage. Some may have max inflation pressure around 40psi, which means you'll have to take your corners slightly less aggressively.

Most tires in 245/75R16 size are going to be D- or E-load rated (load index 111-123). You can beat the crap out of these - and they will beat the crap out of your back while aired up to 40-45psi. Your truck will feel like a dog - noticeably slower off the line, and not as good under braking as well. Nowhere as bad as with 235/85 or 265/75, though.

On stock rims, both tires are likely to fit - but you may still have to hack the rear corners of rear wheelwells.

Great info! The 245/70's I was looking at are D-load rated. http://bigotires.com/Tire-Detail/BFGOODRICH/ALL-TERRAIN-T-A-KO2/32347
 

MM3846

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Feb 18, 2014
1,221
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LI, NY
mN9iHfz.jpg


245/75-16, camel cut rear. Stock springs/shocks. No reason to try and find the 245/70.
 

slowfiveo

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Jun 26, 2014
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Elizabethtown

Blue

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Mar 26, 2004
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AZ
This guy (original poster) is solid. I like your style.

Go 245/75. Also consider a "lift". I use quotes because the goal is not necessarily increased height, but increased usability for your D1. A heavy duty or even medium duty suspension upgrade is such an improvement on these trucks. A side benefit is a bit more clearance, and a side benefit of that is comfortably fitting a slightly larger tire.

Go with a higher load range too. Don't necessarily need E but why not?

I think I have photos of my old D1 on my photo page or profile page or gallery or whatever the fuck it is. 245/75's were perfect on my D1.

Or just do whatever Matusov says. He knows his shit. I crossed to the dark side of D2's years ago.

Either way, enjoy.
 

Blue

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Mar 26, 2004
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AZ
Also, a little nip & tuck on the rear quarter panel is all you need. Not noticeable at all, and not an insult to the truck.
 

slowfiveo

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Jun 26, 2014
107
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39
Elizabethtown
This guy (original poster) is solid. I like your style.

Go 245/75. Also consider a "lift". I use quotes because the goal is not necessarily increased height, but increased usability for your D1. A heavy duty or even medium duty suspension upgrade is such an improvement on these trucks. A side benefit is a bit more clearance, and a side benefit of that is comfortably fitting a slightly larger tire.

Go with a higher load range too. Don't necessarily need E but why not?

I think I have photos of my old D1 on my photo page or profile page or gallery or whatever the fuck it is. 245/75's were perfect on my D1.

Or just do whatever Matusov says. He knows his shit. I crossed to the dark side of D2's years ago.

Either way, enjoy.

Also, a little nip & tuck on the rear quarter panel is all you need. Not noticeable at all, and not an insult to the truck.

Insulting the truck with a snip has actually been something on my mind. Upon further research, like you said, it's hardly noticeable. Plus, with the 245/75, if I decide down the road that I'd like to go ahead and get that "lift", I'll already have tires that fit nicely with that lift.

Thanks for the help guys, going to make an appointment today.

BTW Your d1 looked nice with those tires!
 

MM3846

Well-known member
Feb 18, 2014
1,221
161
LI, NY
To make you feel [even] better about the tires - one very old-time DW member drove a D1 with 245/75s on Pritchett, Golden Spike, Rubicon, and Dusy Ershim. I am still envious.

Looks like a little lift on there. You can do a lot with a little in Moab, but the bit about Dusy is impressive. I've never been there but from what I've read online and seen in pictures is that it's a pretty serious trail.

Those are some cool pictures. I love seeing that stuff.