Disco II - Tires?? Suggestions?

[Flounder]

Being a greenhorn with this 4 wheeled transport stuff, I'm really in the dark with regard to what tires I should run on my Disco II. I recently ordered 16" wheels to replace the high-rollin' 18"s that have no business on a Rover. I'm now shopping tires. I have a couple questions:

What is the preferred size for a DII with a OME HD lift? Some have suggested 235/85/16 and many seem to run 265/75/16.

What is a preferred tire? I do very modest off roading. I like aggressive looks, but also need a tire that behaves on the road. My mileage and power already stink, so those are concerns as well.

Oh....and if I can NOT drop $190 per tire, that would be super. My wife is nearing the breaking point, not that I blame her.

[Sharky]

Hi Flounder,

I am running Cooper Discoverer H/T 265x70R16 on one of my Discos and my Defender, great tyres although I use them mainly on sand when off roading, but have done a mountain trail recently in Oman with very little problem, excellent grip

[lacrits68]

Hi!

I just bought an set of greneral grabber AT2's 245-75-16 and after 2 weeks of use :) i have only positive to say! They were cheap about 30% than BFG.

surpricingly quiet, good grip (only light offroading tested), no negatives to say! but we see after a few months how the situation is then!

cheers

jan

[PCRover]

I would suggest BFG AT tires for you in 265/75-16 size. They work great off road, are a nice fit and look great on a DII. My DII felt unstable on the highway with 235/85-16's as they are a narrow tire.

[Dirty Harry]

Scott Brady has an excellent page on the benefits of narrow tires.

http://www.expeditionswest.com/research/white_papers/tire_selection_rev1.html

The 235s will likely have less rubbing issues, particularly when articulated and/or at full lock. The downside to the narrower tires is that many are E load range rated and as a result they may have a rougher ride or not work as well when aired down on the trail.

[stevenmd]

I would suggest BFG AT tires for you in 265/75-16 size. They work great off road, are a nice fit and look great on a DII. My DII felt unstable on the highway with 235/85-16's as they are a narrow tire.
x2

Hey Gary!:bike_rider:

[Flounder]

While I'm picking your brains...

Can I even mount 235s on my factory 16" wheels? They're 8" wheels, yes? I see most 235s are suggested for 7" rims. I admit I gravitate towards narrower tires, but I'm such a rookie with this stuff i could easily go afoul here. I'm drawn to the improved mpg over 265s. However, I really don't want the lumber wagon feel an E range tire might offer.

[Scott Brady]

265/75 R16. Perfect size for the weight of the truck. The 255-265 width is perfect for the heavier Disco's. 265 works with the stock rims too. Light rubbing on the front bumper.

[PCRover]

I wouldn't put 235's on 8" rims. I had 235's on 7" steels. 265's are way better IMHO.

Hey Steven!:wavey:

[Flounder]

Okay. 265s it is. Thanks for your contributions to my off road education.

[FourByLand]

Keep the 18's
:shakin:

[Ruffin' It]

Ditto that on the Generals. Last August I did 5 soaking wet days on some tough trails in the back country of Colorado with them on my 18"ers. I was able to do everything the BFG shod rovers could do with the exception of a set of puddles, but that was a clearance issue - and everyone else had at least a rear locker and I was without. I was with Bill Burke for three of the days sloughing through the mud and water and he was really impressed by them. Really great tire, really great price.


Hi!

I just bought an set of greneral grabber AT2's 245-75-16 and after 2 weeks of use :) i have only positive to say! They were cheap about 30% than BFG.

surpricingly quiet, good grip (only light offroading tested), no negatives to say! but we see after a few months how the situation is then!

cheers

jan