Better tyres on which axle (heavy, asphalt mostly)?

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navigare

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Hi all, the question is this. Conventional wisdom dictates to put your less-used tyres (ATs in this case) on the rear axle, as that's where our LR4s are heavier. But I've also heard that, when on asphalt, 70% of the effort goes to the front axle. I'm not sure if that applied to "your usual 4x4" or specifically to our LR4s. I have a camping trip in view that will be 90% asphalt and 10% light offroad - and I have a set of Cooper ATs where one pair is less worn out than the other (but both still perfectly roadworthy, I also have a pair of spares). For true offroad, I would have no doubt and put the better pair in the rear. But what about a trip like this? Notwithstanding the "light" character of the trip, I will be heavy: tent, awning with side walls & lots of camping gear. Your opinion?
 

ktm525

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I think the heavy in the rear is assuming full tongue weight of a trailer. Does anyone have real world weight distribution (F/R) on a LR4?
 

djkaosone

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Technically in any 4x4 you want even wear and similar diameter tires. Otherwise, you can put strain on the transfer case and ultimately in the transmission with different tire rotations. Luckily, the Rover is smart enough to compensate minor differences.

Here's my 2 cents, if you have the HD version with the rear lockers it doesn't matter which set goes up front or rear. In a normal rover, you only have front lockers and that's probably where I'd put them if you know you're going to need the extra grip crawling. But sounds to me like your 10% off road will be light off road and you're most likely rear heavy with the extra load from gear, so I'd put the beefier tires in the rear.
 

navigare

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Thanks for your 2 cents! It is the same diameter in my case, and I have a full set of diff locks - OEM central and rear plus ARB front (which I don't use on asphalt, of course). And you're correct, it will be light offroad this summer, though no trailer. So rear axle it is (unless someone proposes a convincing argument otherwise:)).
 

ktm525

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I do, I've actually had it weighed at some point, and it's roughly 1/3 front and 2/3 rear.

That seems wrong. A 33/66 weight distribution seems very odd. Did you weigh the front , then the back and then the whole vehicle? Do you have the slip?
 

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