rangerovers.pub
The only place for a coil spring is up Zebedee's arse
Member
Joined:
Posts: 101

Tyres leak, so I'm guessing this is the correct category?

I've just got a really good deal on a set of 235/85r16 AT tyres, same size on the Defenders, so I took them.
The idea is to try fit them to the P38, and if they simply don't play ball then they can be passed on to a Defender.

Any advice on getting them fitted? Mudguards off etc? Spacers on the bumpstops?
I am also planning to recalibrate the EAS heights in the near future (I already have the delrin, just neet to cut it), so I guess I could tweak the suspension heights to give a bit more clearance if required.

Collecting the tyres on Wednesday, so I'll have to start thinking of what to do with the spare in the meantime aswell.
I'm leaning towards a swingarm above the rear bumper. I can design and manufacture this myself.

Member
avatar
Joined:
Posts: 8105

From https://tiresize.com/tyre-size-calculator/

This gives you the overall diameters so you will be able to get your tape measure out, check it at different heights and see when/if they are going to foul against anything.

enter image description here

Member
Joined:
Posts: 101

Yep, I'll have a fiddle with those dimensions and the tape measure sometime this weekend. Thanks!

My big concern initially is an EAS fault dropping the vehicle to the bumpstops, where I expect the larger tyres to deform the wheelarch, which is why I'm thinking of extending the bumpstops.
I'm expecting loads of interference at access height, but I don't really drive around at access height so this shouldn't be a big issue.

Extended bumpstops should sort clearance in the rear under full articulation, but clearance on the front with the steering at full lock might be an issue. I'm hoping that the narrower tyre might mitigate this somewhat.

Member
avatar
Joined:
Posts: 8105

Being narrower I wouldn't expect them to foul the wheelarch other than maybe hitting the plastic inner wing when at Access height. Looking at mine, there's easily over an inch of clearance front and rear of the tyres to the bodywork (might get a bit close to the mudflaps though) so they shouldn't touch anything at standard or motorway height.

Member
Joined:
Posts: 101

So Gilbert you were right!
The tyres are fitted and the fronts only rub on the inside of the mudflap at access height and only lightly at that. Rears seem to clear everything.
In terms of clearance I think these fit without needing any modifications.

I do think my rims are a little wide for the tyres though, the sidewalls are too stretched for my liking. Will look around for a 7J set from a D2 instead of the 8J's currently fitted.

Pic:

I'll go find a rock to drive up this weekend and give the suspension a bit of a workout to see of there is any rubbing while articulating.

Member
avatar
Joined:
Posts: 8105

7J should be fine. My car is on 7J x 16 wheels (which were an option on early base spec cars and obviously ordered by plod) and the standard tyre size is 235/70 x 16 which gives the same rolling circumference as 255/65 x 16 and 255/55 x 18 if fitted with 8J 16 or 18 inch wheels.

Member
Joined:
Posts: 39

Will the type 2 tyre fit into spare wheel well?
My tyres are 265/70x16 and can't put into spare wheel well.

Member
avatar
Joined:
Posts: 8105

Not sure what you mean by type 2 but the standard size is 29.1" diameter whereas yours are 30.6". So obviously the extra 1.7" makes them too big to fit in the hole.

All the standard sizes, 235/70 x 16, 255/65 x 16 and 255/55 x 18 all have the same diameter.

Member
Joined:
Posts: 39

Type 2 is 255/55x18 one.
Anyway, got the point , it's not the rim diameter but the whole tyre diameter.