Tires. & Skid Plate

[MysteryTheatre]

my question is the factory recommends 205/80/16's and thats just peachy. but that size is basically unavailable , except some ... anyway the 225/75/16 on there now work fine but i want a little more height. can i put 235/85/16's on there? are there any clearance issues? I would also like to take the fog lights and fairing off the front and replace them with a skid plate ,any sources?

[ArmyRover]

you'll need a lift of 2 in to clear the 235/85/16 with no lift a 255/70/16 fits with no issues if you take the valance off the front.

[Thor]

I went this exact road.

In 1999 I bought a 1995 RRC with the well worn stock Mich XPC. Replaced with Mich LTX M/S in 225/75. Replaced EAS bags once. EAS pump died. OME MD lift, sway bars off, sold full EAS set up. ARB bumper (never got to the skid plate). Lastly, Goodyear 235/85 MT/R's. Wonderful set up if you go in to it knowing you will have more body lean, and will need to corner slower and get used to the new set up for a bit. Very nice articulation for a easy and inexpensive set of modifications.

[Funrover]

You can fit 235 85's with no lift,.... But you will need to trim off metal. For that size tire army was right a 2" lift is the best way to go!

For skid guards just start looking at places like Atlantic British - Land Rover Parts & Accessories | Range Rover, Discovery, LR3, LR2, Defender, Freelander and Land Rover Series Parts & Accessories www.roversnorth.com and Rovertym Engineering

[ArmyRover]

sorry forgot to mention that you had to do the lift to avoid using the saws all on the body panels. FunRover is correct on that

For me that isn't really an option I consider. I just can't bring myself to start cutting into her like that. If it comes to cutting I just need more lift.

[MysteryTheatre]

yeah it appears the previous owner has lifted it a bit already. i have michelin ltx's m/s on there maybe i'll just hunt for some 205 85 16's (like to keep em narrow)
anyway thanks for the input...
how bout a skid plate?

[Thor]

Originally Posted by MysteryTheatre

yeah it appears the previous owner has lifted it a bit already. i have michelin ltx's m/s on there maybe i'll just hunt for some 205 85 16's (like to keep em narrow)
anyway thanks for the input...
how bout a skid plate?

I've known some to use 215/85's

Don't worry about narrow too much, I'm currently running 285's (11.2") and going to 12.5"

[MysteryTheatre]

I drive in a lot of snow and on Icy roads all winter in the high sierra, i know from experience a narrower tire bites and tracks much better than a wide tire, i would love to go 215/85 but will not go wider than 225 or 235. 285s turn the rover into pontoon boat great for crossing rivers , now all you need is a propeller driven off the rear diff!!

[ArmyRover]

my 255/70's do great in the snow up here in new england. but that is just my experience.

[GreatDivide1]

i have 235 85 16 good year mt on my rrc .I do need to trim the body for full art. but hey i got mine super cheap and am not afraid on the sawzall But for now no lift and 235 85 16s have been great in the snow and ice not too narrow and but wide enough to float on the snow and ice they doo rub a bit at full lock but no biggie

[MysteryTheatre]

i think i am going to get Michelin LTX A/T's in a 215/85rr16 i don't think i should need to tamper with anything to make those work, but i will take the front airdam off and route the factory fog lights wires to some new ones mounted on the brush gaurd. any suggestion on after market lights. I'll make a skid plate made what did you fasten your to? thanks for the input and by the way tirerack is selling closeout Michelin LTX A/T's for 99 bucks a tire in your choice of: 235/85 rr16 or 215/85rr16 and you can save on the shipping if they have a warehouse near you. i drive up to reno and pick em up. the michelins on this now i can sell for half ofwhat i'll pay for new ones. i guess that tire last 90,000 miles. the old ones i have have a ton of tread life left but the sidewalls are starting to check and i don't want to chance it in the desert. i figure nows a good time.

[ArmyRover]

Shouldn't run into any problems except for a little rubbing possibly on the front valance.

here is a link that will help you figure out the tire height if you need it

Tire Size Calculator - tire & wheel plus sizing

[Thor]

Originally Posted by MysteryTheatre

I drive in a lot of snow and on Icy roads all winter in the high sierra, i know from experience a narrower tire bites and tracks much better than a wide tire, i would love to go 215/85 but will not go wider than 225 or 235. 285s turn the rover into pontoon boat great for crossing rivers , now all you need is a propeller driven off the rear diff!!

No floating problems yet. Maybe with the 35x12.5!

[ArmyRover]

one of these days I want to see some pics of your rig thor and what you had to do to mount up the 285's

[Bwana]

285/75/16 is still a narrow tire. Just wide enough to keep your Rover from looking like a fat guy with skinny legs. That's only for those of us who are willing to trim up.



Here's one with 245/75/16 Dunlops, no trimming, no lift:


And, just for the hell of it, a pic of it before I bought it with 205/80's: