Bfg km2 235/85 16 Vs 255/85 16

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callisr

callisr

Well-Known Member
Posts
615
Location
Burton-on-Trent, Staffs
Hi all.
At the risk of getting flamed for another tyre question, i need to ask if any one has any first hand advice regarding the use of 255/85 16 BFG KM2 on a 300tdi 90.

I have searched but all i get back is that the 255/85s fit, and stand roughly an inch taller than 235/85.

Nobody has mentioned the effect on gearing with the bigger tyres. I don't want to pod out all that wedge only to find that my land rover can't propeller itself along a motorway or up a hill, or pull a loaded Sankey!

As mentioned, my Landy is a 300tdi (transplanted from a disco) ex mod 90, with lt77 gear box and 1.4 transfer box. Current tyres are 7.50 Michelin's.

I am liking the theory of the 255/85 as it lifts the diff slightly (it all helps!!)
As much as anything, the larger tyres fill the arches quite nicely too!

I don't want to start a tyre brand debate!! I know i am going to buy bfg km2's!!

Any first hand experiences though will be greatfully received!!

Cheers

Rich
 
Well, you're only going to make the gearing higher by about one thirtieth, so it's unlikely to make a dramatic difference to acceleration in top gear or going up a hill towing a trailer etc. A lot less difference than opting for 1.22 gearing in the transfer box and a lot of people mange quite well with that, even going on holiday with a caravan and a roofrack load of bikes and canoes. It'll be fine.
 
Thanks for taking the time to reply so quickly!!
I have been thinking about this for ages and hadn't even considered that people run the 1.2 transfer boxes with no issues :confused:!
I'll get them ordered!
Cheers
Rich
 
I run 285/70 16 BFG M/Ts on my 300tdi,I think they are slightly taller than the 255/85s & I have no trouble with the motor turning that gearing.

Marc
 
By calculation, 285/70 has a side wall height of 195.5mm as opposed to 216.75mm for the 255/85's so the 255/85's are actually taller but skinnier.
The 285/70's are similar in height to a 7.50 i believe, but about twice as wide :)

Thanks for taking the time to reply
 
285/75 side wall height is 213.75mm by calculation therefore much closer to 255/85, and is a far more common size than 285/70 ( although it does appear to be a size - I checked!!)
 
My previous tyres were 235/85R16 BF ATs. They weren't 32" even when new. Closer to 31,7"
I switched to 255/85R16 KM2 last year. Nothing but good things to say.
On Wolfs they are very tall, mine measured close to 33,5" (could be sold as 34" tyres).
IMG_20160811_204540875.jpg

IMG_20160813_153025174.jpg

IMG_20160813_153126522.jpg


Gearing is spot on, even better on the motorway,more diff clearance, more sidewall to air down, better roll over obstacles, better flotation and nearly the same width/drag. Win/win for me
 
i run 255x85 on my 300 and would say it perfect makes the gearing just that bit longer than standard without ditching performance

i also ran 255x85s on a 1.2 tbox and was ok good for cruising but the stock defender gearing is better al round and towing.
 
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