Can I swap my standard 6-branch 17" alloys for 5-branch 16" (L/R) alloys in order to have a second set for snow tyres? 16" gives a better, cheaper choice range, and 2 sets are quite normal out here in the Alps. Freelander TD4 HSE 2004. Pictures below.

Thanks in advance, R


17" standard alloy as currently fitted:



16" set for sale close by:

Yes but you will need to keep in mind that the Freelander had its brakes uprated circa 2000. As a result, newer Freelanders have a larger drums. Because of this, Land Rover modified the wheels so that they could accommodate for the change. Therefore, look for wheels which were fitted to Freelanders built in the year 2000 or later.

Have you considered using All Terrain tyres (AT) instead of Summer/Winter tyres? That way you don't need 2 sets... (Unless the law in your country requires otherwise) If you decide to do this, you will need 16" wheels as there's none suitable for a FL with 17" wheels. (sadly!)

Many thnaks for that info. I think I've seen those particular 5-branch 16" alloys on loads of Freelanders, in fact I thought it was the standard fit since conception, so they must be pre-brake change. Did they just change the rear drums, or was it front the calipers as well? Either way, it seems they might not fit. Snow/ ice is funny stuff tyre-wise - needs supple rubber with plenty of sipes for low temperature and large deformity - and they tend to wear out quite fast in warm, dry conditions. As snow comes and goes it's so much easier just to change whole sets of wheels for a month or so at a time. The AT's look great, but I think they'd be too mud-type grip orientated.

I'm thinking of doing the same things and getting a set of 16" for winter!!

However, I called Nene Overland for some advice and they have some 17" AT's for my '06TD4.

I'm still going down the 16" route though!!!