Trollsey · Apr 30, 2017

i am about to convert my 2001 90 to a convertible but I am also considering changing the wheels but don't know if I can, given that its been lifted. I wonder if anyone knows it's safe to put narrower wheels on, rather than shorte, as occasionally it's like wrestling with a two ton rhino (although, its great off-road). I bought it lifted so if it cant be done, oh well, I still love it. The wheels are 33 x 12.50 r15 (I think) currently. Photos below. Ange.

Marmaduke · Apr 30, 2017

You can put whatever you want on it, just might look a bit strange being lifted and having small tyres on. What size have you got in mind?

blue beasty · Apr 30, 2017

There's no problem putting narrower on, the lift is usually done to allow a taller tyre to improve ground clearance and a wider rim with a greater negative offset to allow a wider tyre

Turboman · Apr 30, 2017

Trollsey said:
i am about to convert my 2001 90 to a convertible but I am also considering changing the wheels but don't know if I can, given that its been lifted. I wonder if anyone knows it's safe to put narrower wheels on, rather than shorte, as occasionally it's like wrestling with a two ton rhino (although, its great off-road). I bought it lifted so if it cant be done, oh well, I still love it. The wheels are 33 x 12.50 r15 (I think) currently. Photos below. Ange.
View attachment 122592 View attachment 122593

Narrower tyres are no problem. I have 7.50R16 Fedima Maxima on my Ninety. Norfolk Bird has 7.50R16 Michelin on her Td5 Def.

With a lift you could run 9.00R16 if you want. Good enough for the SAS!

Trollsey · Apr 30, 2017

I'm thinking of regular Land Rover alloys (my 110 has 235/85 R16). Here it is from the front. I may keep these as they're barely worn down but on regular roads (I drive it to work three days a week but that's only as 12 mile round trip) it feels all over the place. I coiuld be imagining it.

Turboman · Apr 30, 2017

Trollsey said:
I'm thinking of regular Land Rover alloys (my 110 has 235/85 R16). Here it is from the front. I may keep these as they're barely worn down but on regular roads (I drive it to work three days a week but that's only as 12 mile round trip) it feels all over the place. I coiuld be imagining it.View attachment 122596

Wide tyres make the steering heavy. And put extra load on the TREs and other steering components. Try a check over the TREs and panhard bushes with a small crowbar.

Trollsey · Apr 30, 2017

Ah ok. Thank you everyone. Other half says the reason it feels like its all over the place is the tread. I just prefer a narrower wheel and I'll either sell the others or keep 'em. The most off-road I do is fields as i run a flock of sheep.

Trollsey · Apr 30, 2017

Trollsey said:
Ah ok. Thank you everyone. Other half says the reason it feels like its all over the place is the tread. I just prefer a narrower wheel and I'll either sell the others or keep 'em. The most off-road I do is fields as i run a flock of sheep.

Turboman said:
Wide tyres make the steering heavy. And put extra load on the TREs and other steering components. Try a check over the TREs and panhard bushes with a small crowbar.

Thank you. It does feel like I know why when i watched all those movies where they're wrestling with the steering wheel, i now know why!

Turboman · Apr 30, 2017

Trollsey said:
Thank you. It does feel like I know why when i watched all those movies where they're wrestling with the steering wheel, i now know why!

With narrowish tyres, and all TREs and Panhard bushes good, and the steering box set up properly, the steering on a Defender should feel pretty good on a good surface.

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blue beasty

Leaks an prone to bits dropping off

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