Tire size question for new LR3...

[jwest]

Thanks for the words of wisdom.

So is the 18" wheel the best choice?
Then, I plan to buy 265/65/19 tires...could I go any bigger or wider? Or is that a bad idea?

-Josh

I think you meant to say 265/65 x "18" .

That's what are on mine in the photos. even if more aggressive 19" tires were available, you're better off with more air space/sidewall gained in the 18. Put summer, highway or snow tires on the 19's and swap 'em when needed.

 

[Lyon]

hey, jwest, have you had any rubbing problems with the 265/65 18s? I'm getting a set of 18" wheels and was going to put on the BFG AT KOs.

 

[josh]

You are correct...I meant to type 265/65/R18 (not 19). That is so crazy that LR uses 19" wheels...why even do that when you can't get a good AT tire for it. I think you're right that the 18" is probably the best choice.

My dilemma now is that I hear that my spare really needs to be the same size as the rest - otherwise, the full-time 4WD with a different size on the spare can mess up the transmission. Thus, I'll need to buy 5 18" wheels and 5 tires.

-Josh

 

[richpike]

That is so crazy that LR uses 19" wheels...why even do that when you can't get a good AT tire for it.

I think it is probably due to the fact that the rest of the world can get tires in 19" like this:

Goodyear Wrangler MTR in 255/55/R19.

Not sure why we don't get them in the US

-Rich

 

[Lyon]

I think it is probably due to the fact that the rest of the world can get tires in 19" like this:

Goodyear Wrangler MTR in 255/55/R19.

Not sure why we don't get them in the US

-Rich

Damn, those things are hot.

 

[Houm_WA]

My dilemma now is that I hear that my spare really needs to be the same size as the rest - otherwise, the full-time 4WD with a different size on the spare can mess up the transmission. Thus, I'll need to buy 5 18" wheels and 5 tires.

-Josh

I'm not sure about this...anyone? While I've heard this before myself (though not from an expert source) I have to wonder about the non-fullsize spare that they put on LR3s that do not have the HD package...how would that work without messing up the transmission?

Also, I'm guessing that if you had a "get out of dodge" spare and you used it to limp home and got your bad tire fixed or replaced as soon as possible you'd probably be okay.

 

[AdvRide]

The small spare on the non HD equipped models is the same diameter as the stock tires. When you move to a different diameter tire from stock you need to have a spare with the same diameter. Not sure of the exact damage if you used a smaller diameter spare but I would not take the chance.

 

[Houm_WA]

Well, I bought 18" rims and put Coopers on them; I only have 4. I am not all that motivated to get a 5th. The Zeon's are 1.45" diameter larger than my 255/55R19 stock tires. While I wouldn't drive a long distance like that, I'm not going to sweat it too hard. It can get me home and from there I can get a new tire and be good to go.

 

[josh]

What size Coopers?

What size Coopers did you put on your 18's? I think that sounds very reasonable. I have searched and searched...there are no 19" tires available. I've heard rumors of Pirelli and Nitto making some AT tires for the 19" wheel - I called both companies and they had no idea what I was talking about. Thus, if it's going to happen it is no time soon.

Thus, I've come to the conclusion (that most of you already have long ago) that you need 18" wheels. Why did LR do the 19"s in the first place - that is ridiculous!

Anyway, I'm planning to do the 18" wheels....then I'll bug ya'll once again about optimal tire size. I'm thinking of the 265/65/18 but maybe considering the 275/65/18 or 285/60/18. Does anyone have any opinions or input on this. There seems to be no other expert advice so I would be appreciative for some strong opinions on the matter - that is the expert advice at this point.

I would like to have a spare the same size so I'm interested to know if anyone knows that biggest size or any sizes that do fit as a full size spare underneath.

As always, thanks for the input.

-Josh

 

[richpike]

The small spare on the non HD equipped models is the same diameter as the stock tires. When you move to a different diameter tire from stock you need to have a spare with the same diameter. Not sure of the exact damage if you used a smaller diameter spare but I would not take the chance.

I believe it has to do with the center differential. Have you ever taken a cup and rolled it - notice how it rolls in a circle? That is because the outside and inside are turning at different speeds due to them being different diameter circles or "wheels". When you are driving straight with two different sized tires, the differential has to make up for those differing speeds - that is where the damage can come in to play over time. That is why most cars that are AWD have a center differential - it allows you to turn. Without it, the tires would try to fight you turning (they wouldn't want to turn at different speeds).

Someone please correct me if I misspoke.

BTW - I was at CostCo the other day to see how much BFGs in 265/65/R18 would cost. Their "manager" told me that they weren't allowed to install non-factory sized tires on cars because they affect ABS systems, traction control, etc. I started to explain to him that as long as they are the same size all around it shouldn't matter (within reason) - he continued to tell me that I was wrong and that I would have serious problems. I started to ask him what happens when you wear that 12/32 of tire tread down to where you are at the treadbars and have lost over 1/2" of diameter, but I decided it wasn't worth it, especially after already having to help another employee when someone came in and asked for the "BF Goodrich" Silent Armors. The employee was like "sure, we can order those". At which I had to explain the Silent Armors are really Goodyears (which CostCo doesn't carry). He looked at me like I was nuts and then said "oh yeah".