tyres on my freelander

yes i have searched but not found what i am after can i replace my 195/80/15 tyres with 205/70/15 tyres with out encountering any problems

and no setting it on fire isnt an option

Why do you want to lower your car 1/2 inch?

Yes - 205/70 15s will fit - with no problem other than they are nearly 4% smaller and your speedo will be showing 70 when you are actually doing only 67mph.

You could fit 215/70 15 only 1.5% smaller or even the biggest 70 profile you can fit on an FL - 225/70 15 which are 0.4% bigger.

There should be no clearance problems.

I'm running 235/55 17s and have plenty clearance at the front strut spring-cups.

Loads of tyres and sizes to choose from.

If you've already got the 205's and can't buy any others stick em on but put the ones wi more tread on on the back

thanks for the info looking to replace all four tyres so wil be looking around for a good deal on them

Rick

Hi Singvogel,
Was it 6mm or 7mm spacers that you fitted to get the tyres on??

TD John said:

Hi Singvogel,
Was itr 6mm or 7mm spacers that you fitted to get the tyres on??

Click to expand...

Hi John,

Lots of folks seem to be reluctant to fit wider wheels and tyres, thinking that they may foul the suspension, but I'm running 235/55 17 continental 4X4 Contact without any spacers at all.

I can just get a finger in between the tyre and the strut spring-cup bottom housing.

I do have spacers - 10mm for the front and 7mm for the rear wheels but only so I can fit 9mm chains when I travel to Austria. I keep the spacers in the bag with my chains. On the driver's side rear I needed a self-tapping screw to keep the plastic wheel -arch trim tight to the inner wing to clear the chains.

I have only had to fit the chains on all 4 wheels twice in the last 6 years.

I run 235/55 17 ContiSport 2s in the Summer that stick to the road like glue.

I originally had 225/55 17 Michelin Synchrones that came with the vehicle but wanted more rubber on the road, with less noise. With those I could easily get a finger in behind the tyre and the strut. So I knew I would have no clearance problems with fitting 235s.

I have the latest technical / dimension data that the tyre companies send out free and it's been invaluable to me. Back in my rallying days I quickly discovered that having the ultimate / best tyres I could fit, gave me an edge on the opposition - still applies today, to get the best from my Freelander.

There are plenty web-sites that give all the up-sizing dimensions, and % differences of the various tyre sizes. I can give you links if you need them.

Cheers, Singvogel.

Edit: Still got 2 part worn Synchrones for sale. Somebody please make me an offer as I need the garage space!

Hi - Thanks for the update based on your '04 HSE model.
We are still running the original 225 x 17 Synchrones on our March '06 HSE and you CANNOT get your fingers round the back of the tyres by the strut spring cup (measures at <8mm).
Our alloys are 17" as in the avatar. Real bummer for chain fitment as I found!
From your findings and what others have reported while trying to reboot 17" alloys - I suspect that there may be a difference in geometry, tyre profile or even wheel offset from one years production to another? (probably in the tyres themselves I suspect)
Seems the best way is to do your own measuring and then make your own decisions.
Good input from those with first hand experience like yourself is always useful and should always be respected. :bounce: