265 / 275 or 285 width tyres ??

[Riff Raff]

CROTCHROCKET--- You didn't mention how tall O.D. of tire you wanted, nor if you wanted A/T or M/T. However, by the Photo's you included I would assume you are more interested in an aggressive M/T tire.

In addition, your replacement wheels of 16x9 are a bit wide having a width of 9", which is at the width spectrum end of a 285 series tire. You can easily go with a wider tire in the 295, 305, 315 series that also fit perfectly on a 9" wide rim.

Since the OEM tires on the VX only weighed 34 lbs, I also wanted to focus on the most "lightweight" versions of LT-series M/T tires in an effort to minimize the negative effects of unsprung weight on the VX launch, MPG, and braking distance. The specific tire brands/models were listed due to either their unique tire size or extreme lightweight. As you didn't mention desired O.D. height, I've listed the below tire sizes in O.D. groupings, in an effort to help you pinpoint your search:


32" O.D. TIRE:

A. LT285/70R16 (32" O.D./61 lbs) - TOYO "Open Country" M/T (size in M/T only).


33" O.D. TIRE:

B. LT285/75R16 (33" O.D./52 lbs) - Yokohama "Geolander M/T" (OWL).
C. LT305/70R16 (33" O.D./57 lbs) - Yokohama "Geolander M/T".


33.5" O.D. TIRE:

D. LT295/75R16 (33.5" O.D./57 lbs) - TOYO "Open Country" A/T (size in A/T only).


35" O.D. TIRE:

E. LT315/75R16 (35" O.D./65 lbs) -Yokohama "Geolander M/T".


Conclusion--- What's my recommendation??? I would pick either "B", "C", or "E" above. The Yokohama Geolander M/T is a very aggressive looking "directional tread" tire and is also extremely lightweight for an M/T.

If you want OWL, then go with choice "B" which is also specific LEFT-SIDE and RIGHT-SIDE due to being both directional tread and outlined white letters (not interchangable side-to-side).

If you want standard Blackwall, then go with choice "C", as this is a wide 305 series tire that fits perfectly on the 9" wide rim and will give the VX a very mean-n-stout looking appearance while still being extremely lightweight at only 57 lbs each for a wide M/T.

If you want a tall-n-wide 35" O.D. tire, then go with choice "E". Yes; it is heavy at 65 lbs, but it is extremely lightweight when compared to any other 35" O.D. M/T tire on the market!!!

If you don't like any of the example tires I've suggested, then try to search for LT-series tires in either C or D "Load Range". Stay clear of all LT-series tires in E - Load Range, as E's are extremely heavy and well beyond practical tire weights for the small, sporty & agile VX. Riff Raff

[pbkid]

just a note on the yoko geolandar....

when i bought my wrangler MTR's i talked to the guys at BIG O about the geolandar because i LOVE the way they look...but they told me that they are having a ton of people trying to return them or sell them.
they claim they have bad tire wear issues, (they wear unevenly). so, just a heads up, do your research

[crotchrocket]

CROTCHROCKET--- You didn't mention how tall O.D. of tire you wanted, nor if you wanted A/T or M/T. However, by the Photo's you included I would assume you are more interested in an aggressive M/T tire.

In addition, your replacement wheels of 16x9 are a bit wide having a width of 9", which is at the width spectrum end of a 285 series tire. You can easily go with a wider tire in the 295, 305, 315 series that also fit perfectly on a 9" wide rim.

Since the OEM tires on the VX only weighed 34 lbs, I also wanted to focus on the most "lightweight" versions of LT-series M/T tires in an effort to minimize the negative effects of unsprung weight on the VX launch, MPG, and braking distance. The specific tire brands/models were listed due to either their unique tire size or extreme lightweight. As you didn't mention desired O.D. height, I've listed the below tire sizes in O.D. groupings, in an effort to help you pinpoint your search:


32" O.D. TIRE:

A. LT285/70R16 (32" O.D./61 lbs) - TOYO "Open Country" M/T (size in M/T only).


33" O.D. TIRE:

B. LT285/75R16 (33" O.D./52 lbs) - Yokohama "Geolander M/T" (OWL).
C. LT305/70R16 (33" O.D./57 lbs) - Yokohama "Geolander M/T".


33.5" O.D. TIRE:

D. LT295/75R16 (33.5" O.D./57 lbs) - TOYO "Open Country" A/T (size in A/T only).


35" O.D. TIRE:

E. LT315/75R16 (35" O.D./65 lbs) -Yokohama "Geolander M/T".


Conclusion--- What's my recommendation??? I would pick either "B", "C", or "E" above. The Yokohama Geolander M/T is a very aggressive looking "directional tread" tire and is also extremely lightweight for an M/T.

If you want OWL, then go with choice "B" which is also specific LEFT-SIDE and RIGHT-SIDE due to being both directional tread and outlined white letters (not interchangable side-to-side).

If you want standard Blackwall, then go with choice "C", as this is a wide 305 series tire that fits perfectly on the 9" wide rim and will give the VX a very mean-n-stout looking appearance while still being extremely lightweight at only 57 lbs each for a wide M/T.

If you want a tall-n-wide 35" O.D. tire, then go with choice "E". Yes; it is heavy at 65 lbs, but it is extremely lightweight when compared to any other 35" O.D. M/T tire on the market!!!

If you don't like any of the example tires I've suggested, then try to search for LT-series tires in either C or D "Load Range". Stay clear of all LT-series tires in E - Load Range, as E's are extremely heavy and well beyond practical tire weights for the small, sporty & agile VX. Riff Raff

Thank you for putting so much work into your answer!!!!!!

I am wanting around 32" diameter so that the ground clearance is better but the tyres aren't going to rub so much! Especially with just 2" lift. I'm guessing with a 2" lift i will struggle with 285 75 16 tyres?

If i use the standard 7" x 16" rims can i even use 285 tyres?
If i can use the 9" wide rims can i fit anything smaller than 285 tyres?

I love the idea of the 305 tyres!! But just not sure they will fit? Anyone know? Basicaly what im getting at is i want the biggest tyres i can fit on a 2" lifted VX with 7" or 9" rims

[Riff Raff]

CROTCHROCKET--- I just did a "world-wide" search for ANY tire made in 285/70R16 (32" O.D.). Currently, there are only two(2) tires manufactured in the world in this rare specific size; one is an M/T, and the other is a "street tire", they are:

285/70R16 (32" O.D./61 lbs) - TOYO "Open Country" M/T
285/70R16 (32" O.D./57 lbs) - Yokohama AVS S/T

The TOYO "Open Country" M/T is item "A" in my previous tire review write-up. It is the only "MUD" Tire made in the world in this specific size and seems to be your only choice for a 285 series, 32" O.D. M/T tire. The Yokohama AVS S/T (S/T = Street Tire) is rated M+S, but is primarily intended for on-road use only.

Regarding wheels--- I realize you recently purchased your aftermarket 16x9 (used) wheels on eBay, as I remember your postings related to them here on this forum, but you should NOT use them on your VX if at all possible. Conversly, I highly recommend the specific use of your factory OEM Stock 16x7 wheels because they have the OEM correct offset and backspacing you will want to maintain in order to keep the front tires neatly tucked within the severely cramped front wheelwells with minimal and/or no rubbing issues.

A 285 series tire is at the very narrow spectrum width to be able to fit on your 9" wide rim. That's why wider 295, 305, 315 series widths were listed, as they are also capable of fitting on a 9" wide rim. Yes, you are absolutely correct in your thinking that a 295 series or wider tire may/will cause extreme rubbing issues within the very cramped front wheelwells of the VX. It is pretty much a given that a 295 series tire or wider will require extensive modification in order for them to fit on the front of the VX.

The recommended rim width range of a 285 series tire is 7"--9", with the "ideal" rim being an 8" wide wheel. The 285 series tire is the widest tire you should mount on a 7" rim, and the narrowest tire you should mount on a 9" rim.

Bottom Line--- The TOYO "Open Country" M/T in LT285/70R16 (32" O.D./61 lbs) is a very meaty and aggressive true "MUD" tire and still has great on-road characteristics, where you don't feel like you're riding in a tank when on normal streets. This tire mounted on your factory OEM Stock 16x7 rims will provide you the maximum traction off-road with relative comfort on-road, and will cause minimal rubbing and clearance issues while having the 32" O.D. you desire.

Check 'em out at the TOYO Tire website. Get 'em & mount 'em on your OEM 16x7 rims and never look back!!! Riff Raff

[crotchrocket]

im struggling to find that size tyre here to be honest! There is no Yokohoma Geolander here

Check out this site... if you hold your mouse over the 16" option you can see alot of what i can get. There are loads of 265 tyres.

theres the Kumho tyre?
http://www.4x4tyres.com/index.php?sh...profile=285/75

i like the look of the bronco grizzly claw but it only comes in 265 or 305 sizes. Theres also some mean looking re-molds!!

[WiSDoM]

Just a suggestion but if you are going to lift it and wheel it. You should real get some 1.5' or 2" Diff drop brackets. I just install a set because I have had to replace my drive side half-shaft twice and my passenger side once. The half-shafts can be hard to find and are expensive to installed so I would strongly recommend the brackets. Another thing to think about is the bigger the tire the slower ride, unless you change your gear ratios. I have 265/75/17 which is around 31.5" +/-.

[Hotsauce]

I have 285/55/18's on 18/9" rims. I had to trim the corner of the plastic ever so little.




John C.

[don moore]

im running 265/70/16 they are great

[Riff Raff]

im struggling to find that size tyre here to be honest! There is no Yokohoma Geolander here

Check out this site... if you hold your mouse over the 16" option you can see alot of what i can get. There are loads of 265 tyres.

theres the Kumho tyre?
http://www.4x4tyres.com/index.php?sh...profile=285/75

i like the look of the bronco grizzly claw but it only comes in 265 or 305 sizes. Theres also some mean looking re-molds!!

CROTCHROCKET--- Thank you so much for providing the "link" to your UK tire supplier. Frustrated in my dire quest to help you; I sent an E-Mail to the UK tire "link" supplier you provided and inquired about the lack of selection in the LT285/75R16 tires. Consequently; due to my aggravated E-Mail inquiry, they have immediately updated their website with additional choices for you to select from.

Apparently, the UK overall has a severe "logistical" problem with obtaining tires manufactured in other countries (like the USA). Thus; your available choices are extremely limited to just a few, but have now been somewhat expanded due to my proding initiative with your UK tire supplier.

I realize your ultimate goal in tires is three-fold:
(1) First, you would like to have a wide 285 series tire that will still fit on your existing rims.
(2) Second, you would like to have a true "MUD" tire with a very aggressive tread.
(3) Third, you would like a taller O.D. in the 32"--33" range.

Since the rare TOYO M/T (32" O.D.) & the lightweight Yokohama Geolander are both not available near you in the UK, then we must "re-focus" our size primarily on the LT285/75R16 with an O.D. of 33".

Please re-visit your "link" UK tire supplier and consider the following tires in tire size LT285/75R16 (33" O.D.):

INSA - SPECIAL TRAK: An all-out true "MUD" tire with an extremely aggressive tread pattern that will absolutely destroy any terrain in its path and will make your VX look very mean!!! This tire is inexpensive and is a lot of tire for the price. It is my #1 choice for you.

KUMHO - MT 834: This tire is a more traditional mud tire with a very common M/T tread pattern and will perform well off-road. Kumho's are a good quality tire and have been around for a long time. It is a bit more expensive, and doesn't have the eye-popping tread pattern like the Insa-Special Trak. Thus, this is my #2 choice for you.

GENERAL - GRABBER AT2: This tire is my most absolute favorite "A/T" tire in the entire world. It is an all-around proven performer in any environment and can keep up with many true mud specialty tires. It is very quiet on the highway; providing a very smooth comfortable ride, and is a hands-down winner in Snow with its Snowflake/Mountain rating. If you were after an A/T version tire, then this would be my primary choice. When I replace my tires on my VX, it will be the lightweight P-Metric version of this tire. However; you're specifically in the market for a true "MUD" tire (not A/T), and so this is my #3 choice for you.

Again, check out the "link" of your UK tire supplier, as the site has just been updated with additional choices. The tire size of LT285/75R16 (33" O.D.) mounted on your factory OEM Stock 16x7 rims (to minimize rubbing/fitment issues) is my very best advice for you. Riff Raff

[crotchrocket]

RiffRaff...... i can't thank you enough ! !!!!!!

I was looking at the Insa Stecial track and it seas the tyre treads are so thick that i'd need to go down to a 265 tyre! Lots of people testing them have fount the OD to be alot larger than expected. Also i hear the Kumho's wear quickly and un-evenly. The new Kumho KL71 tyre looks great though and is aparently alot better (link to to another 4x4 tyre place i could go to next saturday http://www.ajstyres.co.uk/tyres/kumho/kumho.htm )


Just to let you know where i am!!
I am lifting the VX on this saturday and poss doing the ball joint flip if necessary. I will be getting my new wheels delivered on Friday so i will test fit a rim and take a photo for you

That then gives me a week to decide, order and get the new tyres before off roading on the 15th March

I'd like to fit 285 75 16's to the new wheels but If the 9" rim is too wide ( i am happy to enlarge the bump stops to stop arch rubbing and extent the arch (fender) to allow for a wider tyre if they aren't too agressive) then i have further options;

1) Fit 285 75 16 M/T tyres like the BF Goodrich or a similar re-mold to the standard wheels ( pushing the 7" rim a bit do you think? )

2) Fit 265 75 16 M/T tyres same as above and add 30mm spacers making a +8mm offset on the standard wheel and giving a more aggressive stance but enabling a better choice of tyre and less arch modification.

3) Fit some cheap steel wheels with a 0 offset with some 265 or 285 M/T tyres like these http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/265-75-16-INSA...742.m153.l1262

4) fit some cheep steel wheels with a 0 offset and the Insa Specials like these http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/265-75-16-INSA...742.m153.l1262

5) get some 285 / 75 16 M/T tyres on the stock wheels for now (if they fit?) and search for a nice 16 x 8 wheel with a +12mm offset (or there abouts) to get the look i want ?

[Riff Raff]

CROTCHROCKET--- You're welcome, glad to help. Thanks for the additional "link" to the other tire supplier which carries the awesome KUMHO - MT KL-71. I knew about this fantastic tire and was really dissappointed when your other tire "link" only had the older version KUMHO MT-834. That's why I orginally recommended the INSA - SPECIAL TRAK.

However, now that I know you can actually get the KUMHO - MT KL-71 in size LT285/75R16, then that tire mounted on your factory OEM Stock 16x7 wheels is by far my #1 choice for you!!! Basically, option #5 (in your previous) thread.

You mentioned "lifting" your VX this weekend prior to fitting your new wheel/tire set-up. I believe you've got your priorities backwards in reverse order. It is always better to first "test-fit" your new wheel/tire set-up BEFORE doing any kind of body "lift". Why??? Because the new wheel/tire set-up will "dictate" exactly what is required to be modified to the VX in order to fit the larger tires. You may even discover that the new wheel/tire set-up fit on the stock VX without "lifting", or may just require a few minor cranks on the front torsion bar to be able to clear the front tires.

Remember, additional vehicle ground clearance can only be gained by larger O.D. tires, not "lifting". The only thing "lifting" does is allow larger O.D. tires to fit without rubbing. Like I said, if you mount your new tires on your factory OEM Stock 16x7 rims, you may find that no "lift" is required at all. Maybe just some minor cladding trimming and/or possible torsion bar cranks. However, you won't actually know until the new wheel/tire set-up is "test-fitted" on your VX first!!!

There are many forms of "fitting" larger O.D. tires on the VX. Here they are in "graduated degree" order:

A. PERFECT FIT -- larger tires fit without any rubbing.

B. TRIMMING OF CLADDING REQUIRED -- larger tires fit with only minor front cladding trim.

C. FRONT TORSION BAR CRANK -- larger tires fit with minor front torsion bar crank and possible cladding trim.

D. FRONT TORSION BAR CRANK & OME 912 REAR SPRINGS -- larger tires fit only after major vehicle lift.


Thus; having said that, here is what I highly recommend and in the "sequence order" to be accomplished:

(1) Get the KUMHO - MT KL-71 tires in LT285/75R16 and mount them on your factory OEM Stock 16x7 rims.

(2) "Test-Fit" the wheel/tire set-up on the VX and determine if they rub or not.

(3) If wheel/tire set-up does rub; then take the bare minimal action required in order for the tires not to rub (as described above). Your very "last resort" should be a full body lift, only after all previous options have been utilized.

So, "hold-off" on the VX lift for now. Get the new KUMHO - MT KL-71 in LT285/75R16 and mount them on your factory OEM Stock 16x7 rims, and then "test-fit" them on your VX and determine exactly what needs to be done (if anything). Who knows, the new Kumho's might fit like a glove with maybe only require a little cladding trim. The LT285/75R16 will fit just fine on the factory OEM Stock 16x7 rim without any problems.

Using any aftermarket wheel on the VX is the primary cause to rubbing and fitment issues. Remember, the true "secret" in preventing any tire rubbing issues is to mount your new tires on your factory OEM Stock 16x7 rims, without spacers. The factory OEM Stock 16x7 wheels have the proper OEM offset and backspacing that you will want to maintain to help keep the tires neatly tucked within the severly cramped front wheelwells; I can't stress that enough!!! Riff Raff