Michelin XZL - Land Rovers Only

ini88 · 07-12-2007, 08:37 PM

I have a 'guy' who i am sourcing some Michelin tires from.

My question is would the Michelin XZL 9.00 (36.5 inch) fit a Defender with a 3 inch Rovertym lift with to LR rubber isloators (might give me .5 inches more)? or would I need a 4 inch lift?

TerryS · 07-13-2007, 05:07 AM

9.00x16 will fit with a 3" lift, but barely. You will need to readjust your steering lock bolts. The guys in Iceland cut out their rear wheel opening, which won't show after you replace your spats (to stay leagal). To buy XZL in that size, you must have hit the lottery.

chrisvonc · 07-15-2007, 01:14 PM

Personally I would go 4" or 5" springs. You will also need to replace and beef up just about everything with the drivetrain. The 9's are huge and heavy. Remember it is almost a 37" tire.

KevinNY · 07-15-2007, 04:39 PM

Do you really want or need them or are they just sexy? For the $$ I'd get some Q78's which are probably a lot more useful and a lot lighter.

roverandom · 07-15-2007, 10:31 PM

As above, the issue with tires that big is not just do they fit, it's will they work? Sure, with front and rear dana 60s, atlas 2 xcase, 5.45:1 gear ratio etc. etc. etc. it may turn out the tires will be the least $$$ of all the mods you will need to make.

01001010 · 07-15-2007, 10:36 PM

For the money, I'd get some Simex ETs mounted and call it a day

ini88 · 07-16-2007, 08:33 AM

yeah I was thinking the mods needed to run those is way to much for a tire that I could get that is similar, less expensive and way lighter.

hell, I even think I would need to upgrade my rear tire carrier to hold the spare!