cackalak han

I've been wanting to get some new tires, as the stock BFG Rugged Trails were the WORST tires I have ever EVER driven on. Any slight hint of moisture on the pavement, and they will slip. Anyway, I was going to go with the traditional upgrade size of 265/75/16, but with the gas crunch (not so much anymore) and the economic status, I searched for something a bit more wallet-friendly.

I saw a few reviews on the 235/85/16's. Now, these are generally used on dually's and 3/4 ton trucks. 99.9% of them only come in load range E, so that was a little bit of concern. However, many Land Rover people run them and love them, so I thought I'd give them a try.

I bought some used stock wheels on craigslist for DIRT cheap. All the clear coat was coming off and there were some scratches, so I decided to paint them.



Black primer (I wish I could find paint in this color, as it looked pretty cool)






Before measurements to the fenders (I marked it off with masking tape to get the same location both times).

Driver's side


Pass side


After lift:

Driver's side


Pass side


Height difference between stock and new. Note that the stock rubber is worn down, so the difference will not be a completely fair comparison.





Tread difference.


Misc.









So far, I really like these tires. They are not harsh at all and just a bit firmer than the stockers, from what I can feel. I'm hoping the MPG will not go down too much, if at all. I'll report back after a few hundred more miles.

bgmac

Looks really good!!

bankerkys

Looks great! Nice work.

freeridethis206

looks good! what kind of paint did you use for your rims? is is holding up well so far?

Fo_SheeZy

Looks good, the rims turned out great!

cackalak han

Thanks guys. I am wondering how they will hold up. I used the Dupli color wheel paint (from Autozone) in flat black. On the two wheels on the passenger side, I clear coated them. On the other side, I left out the clear coat, because I really didn't like the shiny effect it had. I wanted to see how they will do without the clear coat. I am guessing it will chip easily, but we'll see I guess.

I'll report back after a few hundred miles on the durability of the paint and MPG's from the taller tires. So far, so good, though.

Fo-Sheez - Off Topic - Honestly, I wasn't a big fan of your 3rd Gen with the 22's, but the 4th Gen looks much much better. And I think it would look a bit better lowered? Are you planning on this?

pius222

Turned out very nice cackalak. Now did you paint the entire wheels or just the front face with newspaper covers the tires? Looks like the newspapers are in between the wheels and tires.

cackalak han

Just the front face. No use to go painting the whole wheel, IMO. Yeah, I just covered up the tires with masking tape and newspaper.

84RNR

Looks really good. Now ya just need to paint those fender flares. Maybe it's just the pic but they are looking faded. Nice job on the wheels.

MunkeyTX

How much did you buy the stock rims for? I've got a set exactly like that sitting in my garage and I'm trying to figure what price to set them at..

Fo_SheeZy

I'm actually going to go with a 2" Front/ 1" Rear Confred lift with 22" XD Rockstars or Monster (Haven't decided yet). With a 45 series Cooper Zeon LTZ... I think it will look good.

cackalak han

Yeah, I need to get those flares done. However, I don't want to paint them. Is there some kind of plastic dye or restorer?

I got them DIRT cheap. $10/rim. You should hang on to yours. For just in case.

84RNR

Not sure, but somebody probably makes a restorer. But still looks good though.