By fred on Friday, June 08, 2001 - 11:29 pm: Edit

I am looking for some new rubber to replace my worn out 235/70-16 Michelins. I want something slightly bigger with a lot more traction. The sizes that I am looking at are the 245/70-16, 225/75-16,255/65-16. Is there another size that I can fit without a lift? I want something like the Dunlop Radial Rover RT or BFG Trac Edge tire. Any suggestions?

By Chris Browne on Saturday, June 09, 2001 - 07:27 am: Edit

Try 215/85-16 tracedge same overall height as 245/75 without the width and fits stock cars well.
225/75 is not higher than stock and from personal experience ground clearence is a key to damage free off road

By James S. (Shack) on Saturday, June 09, 2001 - 09:13 am: Edit

Caution,

I used to run the 215/85-16 tracedge, and you will have to do some very minor trimming because it will rub at full articulation. VERY minor, you need to clip some of the sheet metal that extends in from the back wheel arch near the rear bottom.

In addition, they don't drive that well on the highway. They like to wonder a bit. Other than that they are great.

James

By Jeff Bieler (Mrbieler) on Saturday, June 09, 2001 - 09:31 am: Edit

Ditto to the above comments on the 215/85's. I have the Dunlop Radial Rover R/T's. I had to trim a bit in the rear as it would grab sheet metal when the tire is stuffed. It's not visible unless you poke your head in the wheel well. Dremil Tool to the rescue.

Being a relatively narrow tire, they have a tendency to oversteer. This was largely cleared up with a new OME steering damper and new panhard rod bushings.

I have been very very happy with the performance otherwise.

By Eric N (Grnrvr) on Saturday, June 09, 2001 - 10:03 am: Edit

I think that the 225/75 16's are a half inch taller then stock 235/70. I'm pretty sure that the 235/70's are considered 29s where as the 225/75's are considered 29.5's. However I can't tell the difference when they are on the truck other then they look narrow.. I have the 225/75 Rover RTs.

By fred on Saturday, June 09, 2001 - 11:18 am: Edit

does anybody have any pics of their discos with 215/85-16,225/75-16 or other sizes? Is 215/85-16 size tire narrower then stock?

By Jeff Bieler (Mrbieler) on Saturday, June 09, 2001 - 11:35 am: Edit

I will have pics soon. I took them earlier this week and need to develope the film.

The 215/85 and 225/75 Dunlop Radial Rover R/T's are both 8.7" tread width. The 225/75's are 29.3" tall. The 215/85's are 30.5" tall.

The stock 235/70R16 Michelin 4x4's should be 9.8" wide and 29.5" tall.

By fred on Saturday, June 09, 2001 - 12:25 pm: Edit

225/75 is actually smaller then stock in all dimensions, right? 215/85 is too skinny, I need more contact patch. Maybe 245/70 is good(a little taller, a little wider), but there are not that much tires available in that size. The only one I can think of is the BFGoodrich All-Terrain ta ko.

By Blue Gill (Bluegill) on Saturday, June 09, 2001 - 04:06 pm: Edit

225/75 literally means "225 millimeters wide and sidewall height is 75% of 225mm"

the 225/75 is 4.25mm larger in diameter than the 235/75. Since the Disco is attached to the tire in the exact center, you realize half of the increase in diameter, or a nominal 2.125mm. Not much to write home about...

I have a really cool and simple tire width/diameter calculator program - I'll have to dig it out and post it...

When I had stock suspension, I went with 245/70/16. The right rear started to just barely rub in the passenger rear when fully stuffed towards the very end of the stock suspension's life. I didn't trim anything, the tire just rubbed a little paint off the inner fender lip. If you can, upgrade suspension, then go with 245/75 or 235/85 - it's worth it.

By Eric N (Grnrvr) on Saturday, June 09, 2001 - 04:33 pm: Edit

Yes, Blue Gill is correct that the 225/75s are taller (4.25mm) then the stock 235/70s..Which is what I think Blue Gill meant to type 245/70 would be 7mm taller and 10mm wider then stock.

By Jeff Bieler (Mrbieler) on Saturday, June 09, 2001 - 04:54 pm: Edit

Actual physical size varies manufacturer to manufacturer. Not all tires are the same size regardless of what the size says. Variance can be pretty large at times.

By fred on Saturday, June 09, 2001 - 05:10 pm: Edit

Bill Gill, are you the one with Big O Big Foot XT tires on your Disco? I am probably going to get those tires. I went to my local Big O tire shop today and looked around. The tread on the XT's seemed really aggressive. How do they handle on the street? Are they noisy? I can't afford a new suspension, I just spent all my Disco fund money on lockers and skidplates. Later down the road I will get the RTE 2". Right now I am looking at 215/85-16 Big O Big Foot XT tires. I don't think that they make any other size that would fit.

By Jeff Bieler (Mrbieler) on Saturday, June 09, 2001 - 06:45 pm: Edit

Without a lift, the 215/85R16 will probably not work. They're too tall (about the same height at 245/75R16).

By fred on Saturday, June 09, 2001 - 08:18 pm: Edit

HUH!?!? Didn't you say that they will fit and that you were very pleased with them???

By Jeff Bieler (Mrbieler) on Saturday, June 09, 2001 - 09:13 pm: Edit

Yes. After I put on OME shocks and springs....

If you go ride stock height (which is actually low as your springs have probably sagged), you will have to trim much more then the little bit I had to with the lift. I did not say they would fit a stock ride height truck.

I would also argue against the 215/85's unless you've got your front bushings and steering damper are up to snuff.

By Eric N (Grnrvr) on Sunday, June 10, 2001 - 10:40 am: Edit

Fred, you could get the Big O 245/70 R16... that should fit with out a lift. I believe that is the size that Blue Gill was running before his lift. I don't know if they were Xt's or not but I think that they were.

By Gabe Isham (Jet992000) on Sunday, June 10, 2001 - 11:30 am: Edit

I just bought some md OME supension and shocks I havent installed them yet but when I do I want to go with the super swamper trXus tires theyre new you guys need to check them out,but any way they make them in 235/85 I believe you need to trim a bit and that worries me since Ive never done it before any comments or tips would be great

By Moe on Sunday, June 10, 2001 - 12:05 pm: Edit

Gabe, in the tech section, click on tyres and wheels and you will find a couple of articles (by Mike Peters and Terry West) on installing bigger tyres. Read both to get a good idea of the work involved and go buy your swampers today.

Ian

By Blue Gill (Bluegill) on Sunday, June 10, 2001 - 07:04 pm: Edit

Eric is right - I meant to type 235/70, not 235/75.

I was running 245/70/16 Big O AT Dual Grooves on sagging stock suspension.

One thing to consider is the fact that rubbing is a big deal with more aggresive tires. The lugs on MT's or Big O XT's will literally chew on your fenders leading to brittle failure. If you have reverse when stuffed and rubbing, forget about the fender (happenned to me). When the 245/70 Big O AT's rubbed, there were no big lugs to chew on the fenders, they simply....rubbed the paint off the fender.

Jeff's also right about size variance between manufacturers...there is quite a bit of variance regardless of what the tires say on the sidewall. Loose tires (unmounted) are also different in size than mounted & inflated tires. Have your tire dealer mount whatever tire you want on the rim and measure it while it's on the truck with the pressure you plan on running on-road and off. If the dealer thinks you're a pain in his ass, then take your hard-earned $$$ elsewhere. With today's technology, you'll be riding on these tires for 40-50,000 miles, you better make sure you like them!

I'll send Ho some pix of rubbing, trimming, etc. on Monday. Right now it's Dos Equis time...see ya.

By Eric N (Grnrvr) on Sunday, June 10, 2001 - 08:29 pm: Edit

The only thing that I have to add is that the 225/75 R16 Dunlop Rover RTs do look a little taller then the stock tires. Not sure if they are as tall as they are supposed to be based on the side wall marking but, they are taller then the stock tires with 46psi front and 54psi rear. When I was out putting anti-squeak on my brakes I got to take a long look at them and they are a little taller. Not much but, enough that I noticed it.

By Mike B. on Sunday, June 10, 2001 - 09:31 pm: Edit

Here is a picture of my Disco with 245/75/R16 GoodYear Wrangler MT/Rs on American Racing 16x7 steel rims. These are 2" taller than stock and a little over 1/2" wider. I am pretty happy with this size, but taller will get you through more 'stuff'.

By Ryan on Sunday, June 10, 2001 - 10:27 pm: Edit

Looks good, how much did your power plunge down? Are those MTR's noisy on-road?

By Mike B. on Sunday, June 10, 2001 - 10:35 pm: Edit

No noticable power loss at all. The MT/Rs are quieter than my old XPCs (which were pretty pitted). I cannot believe how quiet they are. Also, they handle great on wet and dry pavement. The have a tendency to wonder on the road (above 50 mph), but that might be tire pressure or my lack of anti-sway bars.

Thanks,
Mike B.

By Ryan on Sunday, June 10, 2001 - 11:17 pm: Edit

WOW, sounds good. I am debating on which tires to get for my OME lifted Disco.

By Ryan on Sunday, June 10, 2001 - 11:23 pm: Edit

Maybe I should go for some 235/85-16, but I am still concerned with power loss(I need power to climb steep hills and to pass Ford Explorers). More clearance is always a good thing to have!

By Jeff on Monday, June 11, 2001 - 10:38 am: Edit

Here is the tire size calculator

tire size: 235/85 16

235mm/25.4=9.25" (this is the width of the tire in centimeters devided by millimeters per inch)

9.25"x.85=7.86" (this is the width of the tire in inches multiplied by the sidewall ratio 85% of the tires width)

7.86"x2=15.73" (the sidewall height times two, "top" and "bottom")

15.73"+16"=31.73" (the combined sidewall height plus your rim size)

This is from the tirerack web site. Funny enough, I found that a lot of guys at tire stores didn't even know how to convert tire sizes. I believe all they knew was, "Sir, that size is not recommended by the manufacturer." or "Can you please come look at this, I don't believe you will be able to even turn out of the garage, these tires do not fit this vehicle." My response, "Get back to work!" jk

By Jeff on Monday, June 11, 2001 - 10:40 am: Edit

Sorry, 235/25.4 is width in MILLIMETERS devided by millimeters per inch.

By Jeff on Monday, June 11, 2001 - 10:50 am: Edit

Also, you will find that the 235/85's will make a power difference mostly when you are trying to gain considerable speed. For instance, I stick with the truckers when entering the highway, and if you don't pay attention to approaching hills then you will find yourself a third of the way up the hill and dumping it into third and putting your foot into it. I characterize it as poor performance from about 50-70 mph, that is going from 50-70. However, once you get to highway speed you can drive 70-75 without having your foot to the floor.

A few weeks ago I went camping and had four guys and gear for about six in and on top of my disco. It has 235/85's and I was impressed that it performed well considering the load. Actually, I was very impressed, it was no slower than if I was driving by myself to work and it got no different gas mileage, no worse that is, than when I drive it by myself down the highway.

I should also note that we were driving through the hills of Arkansas, up and down for miles. And we were able to run the AC without a problem.

By Ryan on Monday, June 11, 2001 - 11:01 am: Edit

do you have the 5-speed or the automatic on your Disco?

By Jeff on Monday, June 11, 2001 - 12:01 pm: Edit

automatic

By Jeff on Monday, June 11, 2001 - 12:03 pm: Edit

and OME HD with 1/2" spacers all around

By Ryan on Monday, June 11, 2001 - 12:42 pm: Edit

how does your Disco flex? Does it flex to the suspensions limits?

By Jeff on Monday, June 11, 2001 - 01:20 pm: Edit

Oh yeah, just yesterday I was flexing on a retaining wall at a friends. Back tire tucked all the way under with no rubbing, I trimmed the corner in the back with a dremmel when I put the tires on. And the other rear tire was loosing contact with the ground.

I won't change from the HD's as long as they continue to perform well. However, I have seen a lot of guys using the RoverTym springs and I would defenitely try these, I just wonder what the weight load capacity is. I tend to use my Disco in situations which I am caring people and gear, not rock crawling with no payload. John, at RoverTym is great and can answer any questions, I just don't need springs so I haven't looked into them.

Also, I have my sway bars off. I found that the truck handles better than it did stock.

The only suspension mods I will make is a drop kit in the rear and I would like to change to Series II shock towers in front. The shock towers will gain about 2" of travel in the front and the rear is like 3" or 4", correct me if I am wrong. Each of these is fairly cheap in the sceem of things. I will probably change each when it is time for new shocks.

Blah,blah,blah

By Jeff on Monday, June 11, 2001 - 01:22 pm: Edit

215/85's dang that is skinny! 8.5"

By Peter Matusov on Monday, June 11, 2001 - 01:40 pm: Edit

245/75R16 Futura Enforcers on steel rover wheels,
with OME HD springs all around:

http://t-r-j.com/Auto/LandRover/lc001.jpg

They do rub at the max stuff in the rear, haven't noticed any rubbing in front. I don't disconnect the sway bars, though.

The tires were $80 a pop at PepBoys, they had them in stock, and mounted in no time. I found the best tire pressures to be 28f/38r for highway stability, but i take them off when no off-roading is expected in a week or so, and put stock michelins on alloys back in.

Peter

By warrenl on Monday, June 11, 2001 - 02:00 pm: Edit

on the topic of tires, I'm still running on stock tires and suspension, I've been getting uneven wear on my front tires. I've brought this up with my dealer but they just rotated the 4 wheels. any suggestions on why this is happening? the wear is on the inside of the tire.

By Blue Gill (Bluegill) on Monday, June 11, 2001 - 02:10 pm: Edit

tires are "cupping"? is every other shoulder lug worn (looks like black and white alternating pattern if you look at tire at an angle)? If so, this always happens with the stock Michelins on these full-time 4wd Disco's. I believe that the front tires are being "scrubbed" when you turn. Other than attentive rotation/balancing/alignement/etc. there isn't anything I could do to stop this (other than buy different tires). The same thing is probably happening to my new tires, though - just not as apparent as on the Michelins.

for what it's worth...

By warrenl on Monday, June 11, 2001 - 02:14 pm: Edit

Blue Gill, thanks for the response. from what I see it looks like a pretty good even wear, I've seen the cupping effect that you were talking about and it doesn't appear that way.

By Mike B. on Monday, June 11, 2001 - 09:39 pm: Edit

Jeff:

I need to do a little trimming with 245/75/R16s on. Do you have any pictures?

Thanks in advance,
Mike B.

By MTB on Monday, June 11, 2001 - 10:14 pm: Edit

Mike
Go to www.discoweb.org/discus/messages/9/1072.html
Blue Gill posted a pic. where his tires were rubbing Hope this helps

Michael B

By Mike B. on Monday, June 11, 2001 - 11:34 pm: Edit

Ouch! It looks like I am going to have to do some major cutting. I have my 245/75/R16s on American Racing steel wheels! My wheels are sitting 1" further out than BlueGills. Looks like I will be cutting several inches from my fenders! I am going to have to find a ramp to play on in order to get a better fix on a solution. I don't want to end up with a 'hack job' if I can avoid it.

Thanks,
Mike B.

By Blue Gill (Bluegill) on Tuesday, June 12, 2001 - 01:55 pm: Edit

here's some of those trimming pics I promised (245/75/16 on stock alloys = no offset!):
rubbing passenger side:

damage from rubbing:

trim passenger side:

another shot of trim passenger side:

much cleaner trim on driver's side (no damage to sheet metal so I didn't have to butcher the fender!):

another shot of driver's side:

By Blue Gill (Bluegill) on Tuesday, June 12, 2001 - 02:01 pm: Edit

I've since cleaned up the rough sawzall cuts with a metal file - looks much better now. Even the frankenstein job on the passenger side is not noticeable unless you stuff your head in the wheel well along with the tire . A little white touch-up paint, and I'm back in business...

By Mike B. on Tuesday, June 12, 2001 - 08:12 pm: Edit

Thanks for the pictures. I'm looking for a ramp to see how bad I am rubbing. Both fenderwells are bent up a bit, but I should be able to straighten them.

Thanks,
Mike B.

By fred on Tuesday, June 12, 2001 - 08:12 pm: Edit

Will Dunlop Radial Rover RT tires keep up with Goodyear Wrangler MT/R tires off-road? Should I spend the extra money going for a mud-type tire?

By Mike B. on Tuesday, June 12, 2001 - 09:29 pm: Edit

The Goodyear MT/Rs are fantastic! One of the 4x4 magazines rated the top 10 tires for mud and the Goodyear Wrangler MT/Rs came in 3rd. They were the only tire in the top 4 that were not SuperSwampers! I've got about 300 miles on mine and they are very quiet and really pull in the mud. The only downside to these tires is that the rubber seems to be very soft. That makes them handle great on dry and wet pavement. However, they will probably only last about 35K miles.

Thanks,
Mike B.

By Norm Orschnorschki (Norm) on Tuesday, June 12, 2001 - 09:42 pm: Edit

Jeff --

I noticed from one of your posts that you were motoring in the Arkansas hills (Ozarks or Ouachitas?).

Do you live in the area (I'm in Ft. Smith)? If so, did you have your suspension installed locally?

I'm looking at installing a medium OME package with slightly larger tires than stock. I'd be interested in checking out your rig if you're in the area.

---Norm

By Ryan on Tuesday, June 12, 2001 - 10:43 pm: Edit

Where is the cheapest place to buy the MT/R's. My local Discount Tire wanted $169 a piece and my Goodyear shop wanted $165 a piece!!

By Jeff on Tuesday, June 12, 2001 - 11:30 pm: Edit

Norm

I was around Harrison, we went canoeing on the Buffalo and then ran down to Sam's Thrown to hike a little.

What do you know about the Ozark Highland Trail, a hiking trail that starts at Lake Fort Smith?

I installed the OME springs and shocks myself, very simple. The secret is jacking the truck up high enough so that you don't need a spring compressor. Pretty strait forward, let me know if you have any questions.

P.S. Don't forget to go back and tighten up all your bolts after about a week, I found that my shock bolts had all loosened slightly.

By Eric N (Grnrvr) on Wednesday, June 13, 2001 - 09:59 am: Edit

Ryan, Tirerack.com has them for around $149 I think..

By nick on Wednesday, June 13, 2001 - 03:19 pm: Edit

Have a stock 96 DI do very lite offroad(mainly beach and upstate new york) want to put on Pirelli 255/65-16 ST,any comments or suggestions?
I am new to this and would appreciate your comments.

By Ron on Wednesday, June 13, 2001 - 03:38 pm: Edit

Ryan, Tirerack.com has them for around $149 I think..

At my wal mart it was 129 for 235 85 R16 although I have heard others say more at theirs

Ron

By nick on Wednesday, June 13, 2001 - 05:18 pm: Edit

Has anyone run the Pirelli S/T ,is it any good
for lite off-road and mostly highway?

By Gil Stevens (Gil) on Wednesday, June 13, 2001 - 05:23 pm: Edit

for lite off-road use go with the Scorpion A/T. its a bit more aggressive than the S/T (although still not aggressive enough for serious wheelin)and it is silent on the highway. I commute 50 miles a day on them and have no problems. if the trail is the least bit muddy...well...make sure you bring a tow strap....