Replacements - Land Rovers Only

01001010 · 03-14-2007, 08:31 PM

So my current MTs are showing their age and with the upcomming move, I'll need to make several round trips between Miami and Atlanta, wearing them out further. To replace them, I have three options in mind...

255/85 BFG MTs in the new tread pattern
If I can find them, Michelin XZLs (7.50s)
Super Swampers

The thing about the super swampers is that I'm not sure which one to get and there are TONs of reviews on each to compare. From the reading I've done I think the 34/10.50/16 LTB would suite me best. I'll be in GA by the time I get the new tires, where there are boulders, and clay. Are the LTBs the best choice for this terrain?

The XZLs are an option due to their strength. I plan to do A LOT more driving than I do now and plan to attend more events and wheel even more than I do now.

My MTs have handled everything I've thrown at them and the only time I had a puncture wasn't even off road.

rmuller · 03-14-2007, 08:39 PM

Are you going to lift the truck yet?

I vote 255/85 BFG MTs ... almost a 34" tire, skinny.. and it'll give you a lot of driving before it wears down.

01001010 · 03-14-2007, 08:43 PM

haha... I plan to finally lift before my next outting April 1st with RTE 2" springs...so I'll have some OME springs for sale soon...its been so long since i got them I forgot which ones I got.

rmuller · 03-14-2007, 08:56 PM

Did you order the RTE 2" yet? I know they are out of at least 3" springs until April 22nd ... at least the ones I wanted.

01001010 · 03-14-2007, 09:03 PM

Havent ordered yet but will with the next deposit.

300bhp/ton · 03-15-2007, 03:30 AM

Think I'll say super swampers.

You've already had MT's so I'd go for something different. Don't know much about the XZL's accept they where a flop here in the UK. The XCL, the predecesor was THE tyre to have, it was so good it was almost banned from competition and there was outrage when it was discontinued with people bulk buying them.

There was a lot of hype about the XZL, I even had a set pre-ordered. Some friends got them and where very dissapointed and didn't run them for long. Since then I can't even recall seeing anyone using them.

This may be unfair on them, but it seems strange that nobody ever seems to really speak of them.

SCSL · 03-15-2007, 03:37 AM

Of the tires you listed, I think the Swamper wins hands-down. However... you did say you would be doing "A LOT" more driving... but does that mean to the trails you want to run & the events you want to attend? Or does it mean more road driving? If you'll be doing a lot more road driving, I would shift my vote to the BFG as the LTBs will wear too quickly.

Regarding your lift and tire sizes, you may want to reconsider and go with the 3" lift. The 34" LTB is a fairly small tire, but you'll still have to do some trimming on a DI, especially with a 2" lift (specifically, rear quarter panels). I have 3" RTE springs on my DI to clear 32/1150/15 BFG MTs at full articulation. I think you're going to run into problems with 2" springs running the 34 LTBs. The 3" springs may require some add'l mods, but it'll be worth it if you want to run larger tires.

p76rangie · 03-15-2007, 03:46 AM

As you seem to be doing a few miles on the road, I would stick to the Muds. Swampers are not good on the roads and are certainly not as safe on the roads as MTs.

300bhp/ton · 03-15-2007, 05:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SCSL

Regarding your lift and tire sizes, you may want to reconsider and go with the 3" lift. The 34" LTB is a fairly small tire, but you'll still have to do some trimming on a DI, especially with a 2" lift (specifically, rear quarter panels). I have 3" RTE springs on my DI to clear 32/1150/15 BFG MTs at full articulation. I think you're going to run into problems with 2" springs running the 34 LTBs. The 3" springs may require some add'l mods, but it'll be worth it if you want to run larger tires.

+ 1 on the lift

Although with the right amount of trimming you can run much bigger tyres than you may think.

rmuller · 03-15-2007, 06:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 300bhp/ton

+ 1 on the lift

Although with the right amount of trimming you can run much bigger tyres than you may think.

with stock suspension and some trimming you can run tractor tires if you really wanted to.

300bhp/ton · 03-15-2007, 08:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rmuller

with stock suspension and some trimming you can run tractor tires if you really wanted to.

lol, guess it depedns on the tractor.

But I only trimmed enough to make use of the wheel arch kit I bought else it would have looked silly, but 33.11.50R15's with agressive lugs fit pretty much no problem.

01001010 · 03-15-2007, 11:48 AM

Well I will definitely be doing a lot more road driving as this is the vehicle I will be using for not only Rover events, but for my own travels, In addition to an increased amount of 4x4 action.

toyota_jon · 03-15-2007, 01:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 01001010

Well I will definitely be doing a lot more road driving as this is the vehicle I will be using for not only Rover events, but for my own travels, In addition to an increased amount of 4x4 action.

that pretty much seals it go with the BFG's, they'll take the road miles well, and won't wear down very fast. they will work well in the mud.

Buddy Lee · 03-15-2007, 03:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 01001010

255/85 BFG MTs in the new tread pattern
If I can find them, Michelin XZLs (7.50s)
Super Swampers

This is sort of like comparing Apples to Oranges. I can't say much about the Swampers but comparing a 7.50/16 XZL to a 255/85/16 is not a real comparison one is 10" wide and 33" tall and the other is 7.5" wide and 31.5" tall. Not that you could find them but a 9/16 would probably be a better comparison at 9" wide and 34" tall.

But with the amount of road driving you'll be doing I would probably go with the MT's especially if you consider the price difference. I had XLZ on my Series IIA and I absolutely loved them. But it's a lot smaller and light then a disco and I think 7.5" wide is just too narrow for a Disco. (appearance wise)

I put 235/85-16's on mine with a 2" RTE lift and I think that's a great look for the truck but looks are a personal preference. Will the 34" work better off road Probably but depending on your driving style you might also break more stuff. If you're considering the 7.50 why not consider the 235?

01001010 · 03-15-2007, 10:39 PM

Buddy,

I guess I jumped gun with the XZL size. Haven't done the amount of research I normally do to support why I chose that size. If they did become a more serious option, maybe the 8.25s would suit my needs better.

I've seen the tires work well on work trucks on my dad's construction sites. I would like to see or hear more about these out on the trail.

According to the info Matt has shared, maybe I should be looking into XCL's? Weren't those the ones used throughout the Camel Trophy?

View Poll Results: What tires should I get next?
288/85 BFG MTs in new Tread Pattern	4	33.33%
Michelin XZL 7.50R16	2	16.67%
34/10.5/16 Super Swamper - LTB	6	50.00%
Voters: 12. You may not vote on this poll

03-14-2007, 08:31 PM	#1 (permalink)
01001010 Moderator Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Lawrenceville, GA Posts: 4,526 Gallery: 15	Replacements So my current MTs are showing their age and with the upcomming move, I'll need to make several round trips between Miami and Atlanta, wearing them out further. To replace them, I have three options in mind... 255/85 BFG MTs in the new tread pattern If I can find them, Michelin XZLs (7.50s) Super Swampers The thing about the super swampers is that I'm not sure which one to get and there are TONs of reviews on each to compare. From the reading I've done I think the 34/10.50/16 LTB would suite me best. I'll be in GA by the time I get the new tires, where there are boulders, and clay. Are the LTBs the best choice for this terrain? The XZLs are an option due to their strength. I plan to do A LOT more driving than I do now and plan to attend more events and wheel even more than I do now. My MTs have handled everything I've thrown at them and the only time I had a puncture wasn't even off road. __________________ JC... 1996 Discovery SE - The Blue Marlin - gone =( 1965 Series IIa 109 RHD 2.25L Dsl - Wilks 1965 Series IIa 88' LHD 2.25L Petrol - Fionna

03-14-2007, 08:39 PM	#2 (permalink)
rmuller Moderator Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Northern NJ Posts: 2,398 Gallery: 0	Are you going to lift the truck yet? I vote 255/85 BFG MTs ... almost a 34" tire, skinny.. and it'll give you a lot of driving before it wears down. __________________ Ryan :: Off-Road/Accessories Moderator :: Gallery 2001 Discovery II \| 1994 Defender 90 #416

03-14-2007, 08:43 PM	#3 (permalink)
01001010 Moderator Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Lawrenceville, GA Posts: 4,526 Gallery: 15	haha... I plan to finally lift before my next outting April 1st with RTE 2" springs...so I'll have some OME springs for sale soon...its been so long since i got them I forgot which ones I got. __________________ JC... 1996 Discovery SE - The Blue Marlin - gone =( 1965 Series IIa 109 RHD 2.25L Dsl - Wilks 1965 Series IIa 88' LHD 2.25L Petrol - Fionna

03-14-2007, 08:56 PM	#4 (permalink)
rmuller Moderator Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Northern NJ Posts: 2,398 Gallery: 0	Did you order the RTE 2" yet? I know they are out of at least 3" springs until April 22nd ... at least the ones I wanted. __________________ Ryan :: Off-Road/Accessories Moderator :: Gallery 2001 Discovery II \| 1994 Defender 90 #416

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03-14-2007, 09:03 PM	#5 (permalink)
01001010 Moderator Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Lawrenceville, GA Posts: 4,526 Gallery: 15	Havent ordered yet but will with the next deposit. __________________ JC... 1996 Discovery SE - The Blue Marlin - gone =( 1965 Series IIa 109 RHD 2.25L Dsl - Wilks 1965 Series IIa 88' LHD 2.25L Petrol - Fionna

03-15-2007, 03:30 AM	#6 (permalink)
300bhp/ton The Best 4X4XFar Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: England, home of the Land Rover Posts: 598 Gallery: 0	Think I'll say super swampers. You've already had MT's so I'd go for something different. Don't know much about the XZL's accept they where a flop here in the UK. The XCL, the predecesor was THE tyre to have, it was so good it was almost banned from competition and there was outrage when it was discontinued with people bulk buying them. There was a lot of hype about the XZL, I even had a set pre-ordered. Some friends got them and where very dissapointed and didn't run them for long. Since then I can't even recall seeing anyone using them. This may be unfair on them, but it seems strange that nobody ever seems to really speak of them. __________________ Land Rover Discovery (3 Door) 200Tdi 5-speed Mods:Allisport LARGE FMIC \| Allisport Tuned \| Simex Jungle Trekker II 33.11.50R15 Tyres \| 15x8 8 Spokes \| Heavy Duty Uprated Suspension (shocks & springs) \| Wheel arch Flares \| 1" Wheel Spacers \| Custom Straight Thru Exhaust \| Custom Trimmed Front bumper with twin NATO Hooks \| Custom Rear Bumper with single Large NATO Hook 360˚ Swival \| Front Light Guards \| Custom Aluminium Rear Floor \| Bonnet Straps \| 100w Spot Lights \| Upgraded Headlights The Best 4X4XFar

03-15-2007, 03:37 AM	#7 (permalink)
SCSL Wheeler Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 1,841 Gallery: 0	Of the tires you listed, I think the Swamper wins hands-down. However... you did say you would be doing "A LOT" more driving... but does that mean to the trails you want to run & the events you want to attend? Or does it mean more road driving? If you'll be doing a lot more road driving, I would shift my vote to the BFG as the LTBs will wear too quickly. Regarding your lift and tire sizes, you may want to reconsider and go with the 3" lift. The 34" LTB is a fairly small tire, but you'll still have to do some trimming on a DI, especially with a 2" lift (specifically, rear quarter panels). I have 3" RTE springs on my DI to clear 32/1150/15 BFG MTs at full articulation. I think you're going to run into problems with 2" springs running the 34 LTBs. The 3" springs may require some add'l mods, but it'll be worth it if you want to run larger tires. __________________ 2001 DII - "Molly" 1995 DI - "Mary"

03-15-2007, 03:46 AM	#8 (permalink)
p76rangie Ian Matthews Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Melbourne Australia Posts: 2,067 Gallery: 0	As you seem to be doing a few miles on the road, I would stick to the Muds. Swampers are not good on the roads and are certainly not as safe on the roads as MTs.

03-15-2007, 11:48 AM	#12 (permalink)
01001010 Moderator Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Lawrenceville, GA Posts: 4,526 Gallery: 15	Well I will definitely be doing a lot more road driving as this is the vehicle I will be using for not only Rover events, but for my own travels, In addition to an increased amount of 4x4 action. __________________ JC... 1996 Discovery SE - The Blue Marlin - gone =( 1965 Series IIa 109 RHD 2.25L Dsl - Wilks 1965 Series IIa 88' LHD 2.25L Petrol - Fionna

03-15-2007, 10:39 PM	#15 (permalink)
01001010 Moderator Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Lawrenceville, GA Posts: 4,526 Gallery: 15	Buddy, I guess I jumped gun with the XZL size. Haven't done the amount of research I normally do to support why I chose that size. If they did become a more serious option, maybe the 8.25s would suit my needs better. I've seen the tires work well on work trucks on my dad's construction sites. I would like to see or hear more about these out on the trail. According to the info Matt has shared, maybe I should be looking into XCL's? Weren't those the ones used throughout the Camel Trophy? __________________ JC... 1996 Discovery SE - The Blue Marlin - gone =( 1965 Series IIa 109 RHD 2.25L Dsl - Wilks 1965 Series IIa 88' LHD 2.25L Petrol - Fionna

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