By Chris S. on Wednesday, September 05, 2001 - 07:34 am: Edit

Just wondering what the largest size tire I could put on a stock Disco II SD with the coil spring suspension. I don't want any rubbing but I think a bigger tire could fit. I will probably get BFG AT's. Thanks in advance.
Chris S

By David on Wednesday, September 05, 2001 - 10:17 am: Edit

Chris,
I too am in the market for BFG AT's or similar for my DII. I'm in the process of deciding and balancing my decision. Here is what I've found:

Reasonable, slightly larger tyres:
30in 245/70-16
30in 245/75-16
30in 255/70-16
31in 265/70-16
31in 275/70-16


Very reasonable alternatives. Often used on stock suspension, without problems. However, people interested in these sizes tend to also change the suspension for lift and improved ride.

I'll publish more info as soon as I have it.

By Barry on Wednesday, September 05, 2001 - 06:54 pm: Edit

Chris,

I started with the BFG AT/ko 255/70 before going with the OME spring/shock kit. The fit and look was perfect. With the OME kit ride was firmer with much less body roll around turns. slightly more tire noise. Dare I say BMW like road feel?

However, the 255/70's looked a little small with the OME lift. Sliced a tire on a particularly rocky trail and used that as an excuse to upgrade to 265/70's.

My DSII now has the perfect balance between lift and tire size...looks just right. Surprisingly, the extra 1/2" of tire diameter has noticeably diminished uphill power. Not a problem...but now I downshift to 3rd to keep up with traffic on two sections of my daily commute. Also, ride is more truck-like with the 265/70's.

265/75's will work if you trim the fog light valance and remove portion of fender liner. You will need to adjust steering stops for all tires mentioned. For me, the 265/75's would have required a gear change, so not worth it for another 1/2" of clearance under the diff.

Regards,
Barry

By Chris S. on Thursday, September 06, 2001 - 05:10 am: Edit

Barry, how many inches did you raise your disco II by? I am considering doing this in the future and I know I don't want anything drastic, like more than 3 inches. What did you do? I am just looking for better clearance off road as well as improved look and room for larger tires. Thanks a million. Also, David, would the 265/70 fit on the disco II without rubbing? I would love to fit a 31 incher on there, I just want to make sure I understand you right before I purchase anything. Thanks
Chris

By David on Thursday, September 06, 2001 - 08:16 am: Edit

Chris, from what I understand, you will get some rubbing fully stuffed in the rear. However, it really depends on the brand of tire you choose. I;ve hear the Dunlop Rover's run small (relatively), while the BFG are a spot big. I'm probably going to go with 30 inches myself. I still want my rig to handle the road in relatively the same way.

By Barry on Thursday, September 06, 2001 - 03:13 pm: Edit

Chris,

My goal was to get a minimum of 17 inches of clearance under the Trek Sliders. That number was based on experience with my previous truck which handled many trails in the Sierras and Death Valley.

The Old Man Emu kit is designed so that the shocks compliment the spring rate. OME springs give 40mm lift over stock. Most people that run OME claim "two inches of lift" In reality, 40mm converts to a 1 1/2" lift.

The factory tire is 29 inches tall. Going two sizes larger with a 265/70/16(approx. 30.7") gets you an additional 3/4 inches of lift. That 3/4 inch in tire height may not sound like much, but it certainly comes in handy under the differentials.

40mm OME lift combined with 265/70/16s will raise your DSII approx. 2 1/4 inches. On my particular set up (Bull Bar, Winch, Sliders, Trek steel rear bumper, Fuel tank guard) I have 17'' under front of slider, and 17 1/2" under rear of slider.

Ride is still fine...for a truck : ) and levels out about even with a full load of camping gear. I had no trouble at MOAB this past spring.

Keep in mind that the closer you build toward 3 inches of lift, the more you will compromise the daily ride quality, not to mention the added stress to drivetrain components.

By wturner on Friday, September 07, 2001 - 09:49 am: Edit

Will the 255/70-16's work on a '97 disco I?

By Barry on Saturday, September 08, 2001 - 09:53 am: Edit

BFG lists the Rim Width Range for their 255/70/16 All-Terrain k/o as 6.5" - 8.0"