Tyre widths and spacers

Hello,
I am a new member to the forum (and relatively new to Land Rover ownership) but have visited and collected loads of helpful info in the past. I am hoping for confirmation of what I "think" I have managed to pull together.
I have a Defender 90 puma 2.4. We do some off roading once a month and a low amount of road miles. Approx 3K per year
I want to put some off road bias tyres on. I am looking at the Cooper discoverer pro stt. Reviews seem to suggest the increase in road noise is negligible and provide good performance off road.

I currently have 235/85/16's. I am thinking of putting on 265/75/16s. I'd be grateful for any confirmation or comments on the following:

• The 265 are 30mm wider than the 235 tyres. In terms of impact on turning circle and bump stops adjustments....looking at the middle line of the tyre when its fitted, 15mm of this extra width is on the outer half and 15 mm is on the inner half ..........so my tyres will be 15mm closer to the radius arm ?
• If I fit 15mm spacers that will put it back to the same as I currently have ?
• And if I used 30mm spacers should give me a bit better turning circle once the bump stops have been adjusted ?
• From what I have read 265 wide tyres and 30mm spacers will bring the tyres to the edge of the arches but give Ok clearance. Any views ?
• Is there any potential for seal damage anywhere (e.g swivel hubs etc) by moving the wheels outwards and adjusting bump stops?
• I have read lots of info about possible extra strain on other steering parts as a result of spacers and there seems to be a lot of conflicting info from people who say they have them and there is no impact and others who say they add wear. Any views would be appreciated. Any guesses how long any possible additional wear would be say with 30mm spacers doing 3k ish per year ?

Any help would be much appreciated

You’d be better putting 255/85/16 on. Taller than the 275’s but narrower as well and fit without spacers

I'd agree with @johnlad , 255 85's will work better (my opinion) from both a rolling resistance/grip POV but also fit better for steering etc.

Thanks for the responses. If I am understanding the logic.......So the increase in width with the 255 is marginal which means I wont have problem with hitting the radius arm and messing up turning circle ?

Dexterdog said:

Thanks for the responses. If I am understanding the logic.......So the increase in width with the 255 is marginal which means I wont have problem with hitting the radius arm and messing up turning circle ?

Click to expand...

You may have to adjust the lock stop bolts but that’s about all.