Still think i should drive a little first?

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Socialseb83

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You've had a lot of good feedback from everybody on multiple threads. The major responses have been: 1) get some training and 2) put real tires/wheels on it (ideally 18" with good sidewalls, and probably LT (light truck) E-rated, high load index, 10 ply).

You could probably get away with putting some sort of 19" tires on there but you'll run into all the issues you've already heard - not enough tire selection, most of them are SUV/passenger rated, most of them will not survive long in real off-road conditions because of their weak sidewalls and you'll likely end up having to buy $1000 worth of tires now and then another $3K worth of "real wheels and tires" later.

Personally I like to "buy once, cry once" vs. keep buying replacements. I've tried going the cheap tire route and it cost me multiple tires, delays in my trips, and extra repair expenses. I won't make that mistake again.

I find it interesting that your initial starting list was probably $10K-15K worth of modifications (front and rear bumper, sliders, wheels / tires, and other stuff), yet you're balking at spending the first $3K on the most important thing of all. This is really the critical first step.

If you really didn't want to spend any money, then throw 19" tires on, be careful, hope for the best and get out there and don't spend any more money on it until you feel like you're really committed to this vehicle. That's my 2 (12?) cents.

Then it’s settled. Get training on trails that my current tires can handle, and i’ll know that based on the opinion of my instructor. Meanwhile, i’ll save up for some great 18” wheels and tires.
Should i get that GAP tool asap, or get those tires first?


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Socialseb83

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Troy A

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I know of a couple that I've seen in various posts as being high quality enough that they are at least worth considering:

https://www.lucky8llc.com/products/terrafirma-lr4-alloy-wheel-spacers

http://www.motorsport-tech.com/wheel_spacers.html

I just purchased a set of 30mm spacers from Motorsport based on the fact that Scott Brady had good success with them on his Expedition Portal Special Project Vehicle. If you want to burn 2 hours of your life, read this entire thread: https://expeditionportal.com/forum/...nal-project-land-rover-discovery-4-lr4.87155/

I am installing the Motorsports with some refurbished 18" tomorrow or Friday and will let everybody know how it goes. I went with LT265/60R18 because I wanted tires that were 1) LT rated; 2) as tall as possible while still being able to fit in the spare wheel compartment; 3) being as skinny as possible (the myth is that wide tires have more grip but that's not true and often contributes to rubbing on the frame horns and wheel wells).

I'm HOPING that the 30mm spacers + the LR stock 10 spoke 18" wheels are indeed plug and play and will not require any grinding of the brake calipers or wheels...... Please keep your fingers crossed for me!

Allegedly Scott Brady (from Overland Journal / Expedition Portal) spoke with Jaguar Land Rover engineers about the spacers and they assured him that the bearings on the LR4 would support the slight added stress. Admittedly I'm counting on that story and the large number of other LR4 owners before me to hope that's true.
 

Socialseb83

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I know of a couple that I've seen in various posts as being high quality enough that they are at least worth considering:

https://www.lucky8llc.com/products/terrafirma-lr4-alloy-wheel-spacers

http://www.motorsport-tech.com/wheel_spacers.html

I just purchased a set of 30mm spacers from Motorsport based on the fact that Scott Brady had good success with them on his Expedition Portal Special Project Vehicle. If you want to burn 2 hours of your life, read this entire thread: https://expeditionportal.com/forum/...nal-project-land-rover-discovery-4-lr4.87155/

I am installing the Motorsports with some refurbished 18" tomorrow or Friday and will let everybody know how it goes. I went with LT265/60R18 because I wanted tires that were 1) LT rated; 2) as tall as possible while still being able to fit in the spare wheel compartment; 3) being as skinny as possible (the myth is that wide tires have more grip but that's not true and often contributes to rubbing on the frame horns and wheel wells).

I'm HOPING that the 30mm spacers + the LR stock 10 spoke 18" wheels are indeed plug and play and will not require any grinding of the brake calipers or wheels...... Please keep your fingers crossed for me!

Allegedly Scott Brady (from Overland Journal / Expedition Portal) spoke with Jaguar Land Rover engineers about the spacers and they assured him that the bearings on the LR4 would support the slight added stress. Admittedly I'm counting on that story and the large number of other LR4 owners before me to hope that's true.
Please post a mini version of your results on here. At least a few sentences and as pic. I'm very curious about this.

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Socialseb83

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I know of a couple that I've seen in various posts as being high quality enough that they are at least worth considering:

https://www.lucky8llc.com/products/terrafirma-lr4-alloy-wheel-spacers

http://www.motorsport-tech.com/wheel_spacers.html

I just purchased a set of 30mm spacers from Motorsport based on the fact that Scott Brady had good success with them on his Expedition Portal Special Project Vehicle. If you want to burn 2 hours of your life, read this entire thread: https://expeditionportal.com/forum/...nal-project-land-rover-discovery-4-lr4.87155/

I am installing the Motorsports with some refurbished 18" tomorrow or Friday and will let everybody know how it goes. I went with LT265/60R18 because I wanted tires that were 1) LT rated; 2) as tall as possible while still being able to fit in the spare wheel compartment; 3) being as skinny as possible (the myth is that wide tires have more grip but that's not true and often contributes to rubbing on the frame horns and wheel wells).

I'm HOPING that the 30mm spacers + the LR stock 10 spoke 18" wheels are indeed plug and play and will not require any grinding of the brake calipers or wheels...... Please keep your fingers crossed for me!

Allegedly Scott Brady (from Overland Journal / Expedition Portal) spoke with Jaguar Land Rover engineers about the spacers and they assured him that the bearings on the LR4 would support the slight added stress. Admittedly I'm counting on that story and the large number of other LR4 owners before me to hope that's true.
Here is what that website says about the Terrafirmas:
"TERRAFIRMA LR4 ALLOY WHEEL SPACERS

Terrafirma 30mm aluminum billet wheel spacers give an additional 60mm track width to LR3, Range Rover Sport and and L322 Range Rovers. The improvements are in handling, cornering and stability as well as increased steering lock.The opportunity to fit larger tyres due to the increased steering lock is a bonus not to mention the improved 'stocky, planted' look to the vehicle.Alloy wheel spacers do not effect wheel balance like steel ones can and please note these quality wheel spacers include the important wheel location spigot.Supplied with nuts.These wheels are not DOT approved and are for off Road use only."

That last line. For off-road use only. I do a lot of highway driving. Would I have to remove the spacers l, and therefore the wheels, each time I'm going to drive on the highway? And fire this mean I would have to drive with my 18s in the trunk to the off-road site, then swap them in once there since those spacers are not meant for highway?

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Troy A

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Here is what that website says about the Terrafirmas:
"TERRAFIRMA LR4 ALLOY WHEEL SPACERS

Terrafirma 30mm aluminum billet wheel spacers give an additional 60mm track width to LR3, Range Rover Sport and and L322 Range Rovers. The improvements are in handling, cornering and stability as well as increased steering lock.The opportunity to fit larger tyres due to the increased steering lock is a bonus not to mention the improved 'stocky, planted' look to the vehicle.Alloy wheel spacers do not effect wheel balance like steel ones can and please note these quality wheel spacers include the important wheel location spigot.Supplied with nuts.These wheels are not DOT approved and are for off Road use only."

That last line. For off-road use only. I do a lot of highway driving. Would I have to remove the spacers l, and therefore the wheels, each time I'm going to drive on the highway? And fire this mean I would have to drive with my 18s in the trunk to the off-road site, then swap them in once there since those spacers are not meant for highway?

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That's lawyer speak for "if your wheels fall off on the highway and you **** somebody, it's your fault, not our fault."


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avslash

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I definitely will. Stay tuned.


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Don't be surprised if you still have to take a grinder to your front calipers for a light shave when going this route. Myself and several others did back when this was the best setup around the 2013-2014 time frame.

You will also want to guide your tire balance guy on where to attach weights so they don't contact the calipers at any point.

It is a very workable setup. I drove all over the trails in southwest CO running that setup without a single issue.
 

Troy A

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Don't be surprised if you still have to take a grinder to your front calipers for a light shave when going this route. Myself and several others did back when this was the best setup around the 2013-2014 time frame.

You will also want to guide your tire balance guy on where to attach weights so they don't contact the calipers at any point.

It is a very workable setup. I drove all over the trails in southwest CO running that setup without a single issue.

Yeah I read your note elsewhere and thought "DAMN IT". I am really hoping to avoid the caliper grinding business. I'll post here for sure to share my experience.

On this note, I'm currently compiling what I've learned into a sort of definitive LR4 guide that I'd like to share out and give credit to all who came before and who have the scars to prove it. More on that soon. Would like to rope you all into the effort...


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jlach993

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Dude, back to your original question....you shouldn't drive the truck in wet weather at all. I had the stock contis when i first got my truck and it was worn like yours in the pic. I hydroplaned like crazy driving down the 95 towards florida! I was only doing like 45ish! Deff not cool esp if you have family in the car. It was super scary, but thank god the Landy got itself out of it as soon as i left off the gas. Just a warning to you brother.
 

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