Larger tyres and clearance question - D1

I've got an opportunity to buy some Cooper STT's in 235/85R16...atm the suspension on my 1996 300TDi is stock height, with the shockers and springs replaced by the previous owner a few months ago just before I bought it. In other words, no sagging or age-related issues.

Atm, I've got Bridgestone A/T's in 245/70/R16 fitted and these fill the wheel arches out pretty well, but switching to the Coopers makes me think I'll require some spacers (30mm), and possibly trimming the rear wheel arch a fraction at the rear. Does this sound about right?

Asides from the issue of clearance and the speedo being a fraction out, are there any other things which could present a problem with my idea?

Ive got that size on a D1 in BFG Muds.

I had to cut the back of the rear arch very slightly and wind out the steering stops a small amount.

Del.

A lot will depend on the offset of the wheels you're using. Pretty likely you'll need to slash chunks out of your rear wheel arches though. And the front bumper corners. Do a search it's been covered here at least a million times.

mbikeboy said:

I've got an opportunity to buy some Cooper STT's in 235/85R16...atm the suspension on my 1996 300TDi is stock height, with the shockers and springs replaced by the previous owner a few months ago just before I bought it. In other words, no sagging or age-related issues.

Atm, I've got Bridgestone A/T's in 245/70/R16 fitted and these fill the wheel arches out pretty well, but switching to the Coopers makes me think I'll require some spacers (30mm), and possibly trimming the rear wheel arch a fraction at the rear. Does this sound about right?

Asides from the issue of clearance and the speedo being a fraction out, are there any other things which could present a problem with my idea?

Click to expand...

Like the other poster says, it does depend on wheel offset. If the tyres are a sensible price I'd snap the sellers hand off. You shouldn't have to do much trimming. I've got 265/75R16 on standard alloys, I do have a 2" lift but there was very little body trimming needed. Anyway If push comes to shove you can always put some spacer blocks under your springs.

30 mm blocks ant big enough your need the 50 mm blocks then it,ll be touch and go weather they will fit , ive got the 50mm blocks fitted on mine and 235/85 wont fit on mine disco

235/85's will look like this...


and you'll need to trim the bodywork like this...

Just cut up the face of the bodywork, cut the flange 11/2" further down from where your first cut meets then cut between the two cuts on the corner to remve the bit of metal you dont want. Then just bend the flange bit back inside the body to tidy up.

Thanks for the quick replies fellas, greatly appreciated...keep 'em coming!

The tyres were at a price FAR too good to go past tbh...$200 for a set of 5 near newbies in extremely good condition! These tyres average retail price is roughly $285 each here , hence why I pounced on the opportunity!

Below is a side-on pic of my Disco atm running Bridgestone 245/70R16 A/T's...as some of you with a keen eye may have noticed, it's got an ARB bull-bar fitted. I did a search and haven't been able to find out whether this needs triming also or not, so am really needing your help. I've got a mate with a Disco1 who's got the same size tyres but not the bullbar. He's got a 50mm lift (as was suggested by Robint), and found no issue...but like I mentioned, he hasn't got a bullbar. He's going to be helping me with cutting and fitting of spacers, but we'd like to know what we're up against before making the 1st cut.

Just wanted to say that despite being on the other side of the globe from you all n a fairly recent member to the forum, I've been amazed at how helpful many of you have been with questions I've had from the start...easily the best Landy forum I've found.

I always do my 'searches' before asking, and have never once been dissed for any question, no matter what. I always try to provide as much detail as possible with good pics, and you fellas have always done the exact same in return. This thread is typical of why I enjoy spending time here. Kudos for your input!

Btw, you can follow the build-up here:
http://www.landyzone.co.uk/lz/f20/hello-australia-100067.html

oh, you will have to wind the steering stops out a bit too - which reminds me... haven't done mine yet! BTW, mine is on OLD standard suspension which is ready for replacement

The front bumper did need around 1" trimming from the rear edge, but this might not be necessary with yours (i assume the sides are metal?)

and heres a comparison for you...

The one on the left is completely bog-stock but parked on a speed bump, mine (on the right) has just had a bumperectomy and the larger tyres

lerk said:

oh, you will have to wind the steering stops out a bit too - which reminds me... haven't done mine yet! BTW, mine is on OLD standard suspension which is ready for replacement

The front bumper did need around 1" trimming from the rear edge, but this might not be necessary with yours (i assume the sides are metal?)

Click to expand...

Cheers Lerk!

Do you have any idea how far the steering stops need to be wound out (just so we can get it right)?

The new suspension that's fitted was done just before I bought the Disco by the previous owner, and is a bit hard to justify replacing atm. Originally I was going to wear the Bridgestones right down, and once that happened upgrade tyres n suspension. These Coopers came available suddenly at a price which even the dumb would find difficult to refuse. This has thrown my plans into chaos so will need to fit them asap...I will be upgrading the shockers and springs in approx a months time, but atm need them to fit with no dramas (got a 3500klm drive to tackle in a few weeks). I can't afford the $800+ for the springs n shockers to get the 2" lift atm cos of "moving to the top-end" expenses. I'll sell the Bridgestones immediately after fitting (they've only done 3000klm's), and am going to sell the full race exhaust system off my sportsbike to pump more $'s into getting the Disco perfect.

Yeah the bullbar is steel, and looking at your pics can't see any need to hit it with an angle-grinder, but thought it'd be worth asking just in case! Hehehe!

mbikeboy said:

Cheers Lerk!

Do you have any idea how far the steering stops need to be wound out (just so we can get it right)?

Yeah the bullbar is steel, and looking at your pics can't see any need to hit it with an angle-grinder, but thought it'd be worth asking just in case! Hehehe!

Click to expand...

The question about steering stops is a straightforward one to answer. You jack up the front end off the floor, wind the stops in until the wheels/tyres catch on the front axle tie rods, then wind them back out until they just clear them - and your done !!

the stops dont need much, the lugs are just catching at the mo, i'd say no more than 5mm though! Just have to suck it and see...

Cheers Thebiglad & Lerk! I was fearing a much more involved scenario than that...very quick and painless process!

This is the best picture I can provide of how the Disco sits atm...if any eagle-eyes can see issues please scream out okies!

I do think you'll need to trim the back edge of your front bumper... looks a gnats close to me! but you'll see soon enough once you get the tyres fitted.

The did fit straight in without mods to be able to drive on a smooth road so you could have them fitted then look where you need to cut at home

Looks like a false alarm fellas.

I woke up this morning to find an email from the seller saying that the tyres had just sold...wtf?! Both him and his wife had confirmed in 5 emails that they were for still for sale, I had right of offer, gave me contact details and were fine for me to collect asap. It was very lucky I checked my email before making the 3hr drive to collect them. It was all locked-in and ready to go, until I find out he's sold them out from under me without explanation! To say I'm ****ed off is an understatement!!! :mil44:

The consolation is that I'm off to pickup the fuel tank bash plate shortly, and will buy all the stuff to make my rear drawer setup instead. :S