Tire Size

[mick968]

I have a chance to get some Pro Comp M/T's(almost new) for a really good price.The only reservation I have is that they are 285/75R/16's.I have 97 Disco1(with 2" lift) but other than that it is basically stock.Am I extending the limit of logical tire size and will this lead to other problems as well?I have read the "basic tire info" section above and am aware of the( trimming/HD axles,ect.) recommendations but is anyone running that size with my basic set up and what issues are they incurring?(or is it as simple as these tires are too big for my application!).Thanks,looking forward to some advice.

[Thor]

Build the rig then go for the tires. Sounds like a headache the other way around.

Tire deals come up all the time.

I got 5x steelies 15x8 and 5x 35x12.5 Goodyear MT/R's with 1000 miles for $900 a few months back.

[Disco Mike]

I agree, they won't fit with your set up, build the truck then go for the tires.
Are you ready for a 2plus MPG loss plus a huge low end loss?
Mike

[mick968]

Thanks for feedback.The tires were good and price was right but I knew they were going to be a little beyond the limit and create more issues than enhancements.Glad I didn't bite on the offer.

[mick968]

Since I didn't get the 285's(I've got new tires stuck in my craw) I am having 265/75/16's mud terrains put on tomorrow morning.I know that I may have a little trimming to do but this should have me set.

[cellulararrest]

good size. Doubt you'll have to trim much. They fit fine on my Range Rover without any trimming and a little less than 2" or lift. They stuff perfectly.

[mick968]

I have the (265/75/16) radial mud terrains installed and really like the ride and look.I was pleasantly surprised with the improvement in handling and smoother ride(previous set up-255/70/16 GoodYear Wrangler R/T S had kind of squirrelly feel).I can tell a little difference in performance-especially getting going(anyone with any suggestions for performance upgrades-short of changing gear ratios?)Haven't had it off road yet so don't know where the rubbing will occur.I will take a few picks and post.Starting to look like a off road machine now.

[Ben Rover]

Handy guide for what to expect when going for bigger tires: Disco Tire Fitting Guide

As for performance upgrades, anything under 33" doesn't really require any modifications of that caliber. HD axles, CVs and gear ratios are only worth considering if you've decided you're turning your truck into a dedicated trail rig.

Wheel spacers might be a good idea to give you a bigger footprint and help potential rubbing inside of the fenders. On the upside, spacers will always be good if you decide to go a bigger size up. Check for legal issues with them in some places though, especially if the tires exceed the wheel arches.

[p76rangie]

Originally Posted by Ben Rover

Handy guide for what to expect when going for bigger tires: Disco Tire Fitting Guide

Good link. You will note that, under the modifications required to fit the tyres, it never mentions spring lifts. But does mention that you need to drop the bump stops. That is, spring lifts do not necessarily allow bigger tyres to be fitted. You have to limit the upward movement of the wheel by dropping the bump stops.

[Ben Rover]

Originally Posted by p76rangie

it never mentions spring lifts.

Good call, I never noticed that the chart is all about putting tires on a truck without a lift. I guess that makes it even more useful in a sense

[p76rangie]

Originally Posted by Ben Rover

Good call, I never noticed that the chart is all about putting tires on a truck without a lift. I guess that makes it even more useful in a sense

What it means it that a spring lift does not allow you to fit bigger tyres, only restricting the axle movement upwards allows bigger tyres to be fitted.

[mick968]

The wheel spacers is a good idea.The new tires look great from the side but head on still a little thin(wider stance would be good).Also,I don't want to sound stupid here but the factory lug nuts(do they have caps or is that the lug?) the factory lug wrench doesn't fit and my heavy duty 4 way gets stuck on them and they move around.Are they suppose to pop off before getting to real lugs?Looked in manual and it didn't allude to the lug nuts.

[Ben Rover]

No, those stupid, annoying, retarded things ARE the lug nuts... can you tell I hate them?

Go to a hardware store and get a 1-1/8" socket and you should be able to get them off. The aluminum caps that is press fitted on top of the lugs proper expand and crack over time making them bigger.