Making the LR3 trail ready

[jwest]

Third mod: 30mm wheel spacers

I think you have your list out of order. You can't put the right tires on unless you have the lift part done.

The options listed on the Todco site are interesting.

 

[MilehighLR3]

I think you have your list out of order. You can't put the right tires on unless you have the lift part done.

The options listed on the Todco site are interesting.

Not sure I understand what you mean. I have the Nittos and the 30mm wheel spacers already installed. The 2" Toddco is a suspension lift.

 

[Houm_WA]

In short, he is calling your choice of tires "wrong."

 

[jwest]

Not sure I understand what you mean. I have the Nittos and the 30mm wheel spacers already installed. The 2" Toddco is a suspension lift.

What size tires then. I like the Nitto and had them on my first lr3. I would have done the lift part first, which would then allow larger tires, presuming that's part of your reasoning for the 2" spacers.

That spacer idea is intriguing added to the now available steel spring conversion but also to the air springs. I'd love to see someone's lr3 with that whole set up installed and also drive it to see how it handles at 70 mph down an interstate mountain road like I90 in Idaho or I70 in western Colorado with a full load.

If all this cool stuff to make the lr3 more trail capable requires driving it like it's a D90, then what's the point.

 

[jwest]

In short, he is calling your choice of tires "wrong."

Not really. On my Discos I first put in springs and shocks, then larger tires, otherwise the tires wouldn't really clear properly.

These 2" spacers I presume will allow use of a Nitto or BFG in at least 32.5" and probably one step larger but I'd love to have the 285/65x18" on my lr3 except they definitely would be goofy prior to a permanent lift of some sort.

I have to say that I love the versatility of our air suspension but I equally hate how this vehicle handles due to the air suspension and steering design. Mine was over 8200 lbs last trip, alone, and with only one extra 5Gallon fuel can.

 

[Houm_WA]

I think the point of the spacer is due to the extra width of the 285 series tires...

 

[jwest]

I think the point of the spacer is due to the extra width of the 285 series tires...

285/60x18" nitto TG does not require 30mm spacers though. I had that same exact tire on my first lr3. It was close but just cleared the upper suspension flange. If on some it touches, it's only ever so slightly and the metal can be ground or bent just enough to clear.

That spacer is going to swing the tire into the front fender more easily at full lock due to the larger arc diameter, at least it would when using an ARB bumper. Not sure about that bit of metal that sticks out behind the tire where it's also already tight clearance.

That spacer in the rear is going to cause more contact between the tire and inner fender liner at full articulation as well, especially with the already wider 285.

 

[tlt]

I concur no spacers are needed for the 18". The 19" may be a different story, I do not know.

 

[Houm_WA]

I also ran 285s with no spacers (Zeons) and I wouldn't choose to use spacers. ....but some may be worried about rubbing the wiring sensors and see the spacers as a solution. Still others might feel that it looks better....I don't know? Milehigh?

...and just as you don't need spacers to run this size tire, you don't need the lift either.

 

[tlt]

There is a TSB relating to rerouting the wires to prevent rubbing. If the inner fender well and outer bumper cowl is properly installed, tight and secure it should not rub anywhere else. On the tires, for what it is worth, here are my thoughts.

The tires are the Nitto Terra Grappler 285x60x18. These are excellent tires, and very resistant to thorns and rocks out in the desert. They do well in the snow as well. There are several options on this size, I opt for the extra tread depth version, they will serve you well. It sounds like you will be passing by this area on your trip. You will note the preferred model chosen here has maximum tread depth as well as maximum plies. I also run nitrogen, and do not find I need to worry about airing down.

They do make a narrower one now, if you prefer it. Here is my choice, with part number followed by a couple of other size options.

size model tread depth, diameter rim width max load / psi
LT285/60R18 E123S 200-880 15.6 31.50 11.50 8.0-(8.5)-10.0 3415 @ 80

*255/55R18 109S 200-440 12.7 28.98 10.35 7.0-(8.0)-9.0 2271@50
*255/60R18 112S 201-180 12.7 30.00 10.28 7.0-(7.5)-9.0 2469@50
P265/70R18 114S 201-080 13.1 32.64 10.67 7.0-(8.0)-9.0 2601@35
*275/65R18 120S 200-930 13.5 32.05 11.06 7.5-(8.0)-9.5 3086@50
LT275/65R18 E123R 200-940 15.6 32.01 10.83 7.5-(8.0)-9.0 3415@80
LT275/70R18 E125S 200-910 15.6 33.27 10.94 7.0-(8.0)-8.5 3640@80
*285/60R18 120S 200-410 13.6 31.30 11.5 8.0-(8.5)-10.0 3086@50
LT285/60R18 E123S 200-880 15.6 31.50 11.50 8.0-(8.5)-10.0 3415@80
LT285/65R18 E125R 200-810 16.5 32.52 11.22 8.0-(8.5)-10.0 3640@80

LT tires with a "C" load range have a 6-ply rating. LT tires with a "D" load range have an 8-ply rating.
LT Tires with an "E" load range have a 10-ply rating.
*Indicates Extra Load (XL)

Due to the fact the gallery image sizes here are too small, you can check out a few pictures here. Substitute . for / disco3 / co / uk /gallery/thumbnails.php?album=21898