235/85/R16 vs 265/75/R16 handling

[ghost121]

Hi

I know there is a lot of technical info on tyre choice, and I have read it, but I am mainly interested in how these sizes actually feel to drive and handle in the real world. Most of my driving is on road with some rough shoot and green laning thrown in. I have a 90 that came with 235/70s on Boost alloys and want to make the switch to BFG ATs on a 16 inch modular. It's either 235/85 or 265/75 I want to go for.

My Defender is a 1996 300tdi 90 with the bigger Allisport intercooler, de-cat pipe, EGR blanked off and ITG filter. No lift.

Also, if I end up with the 265/75s would you go with a 7 or 8 inch rim width?

Hope someone out there running either of these set-ups can give me some personal insights into how they handle over road and various terrain. Thanks in advance.

Steven

 

[hughesy]

Obviously depends on the type of tyre but between the two sizes you won't notice much if any difference. If you buy wheels and tyres as a package they'll give you the right rims for the tyre. Modular wheels usually come with more offset than standard to allow for the wider rubber so not affecting your turning circle. Should be fine with standard suspension no need to **** about with lift kits or any of that mularkey. BFG a/t are a very good tyre on or off road and will last you a lifetime.

 

[Ghost]

235/85s are the one to go for. Similar in size to a 7.50 which was a standard Land Rover fitment so guaranteed to have no problems. Will be tall enough to give you good ground clearance and just the right width for most off roading situations, 265s are too wide and tend to float over mud rather than cutting through it to find grip. 235s will also give you better fuel economy and place less strain on your steering system as they're narrower.

 

[khaos]

The situation makes a difference. I run 285s and, as said above, they do float across mud but if there is nothing firm under the mud that is better. Go for a big offset if you want better handling, it's nothing to do with tyre width.

 

[Langers]

265s on my 110 and they look and perform very well indeed. I think they look a lot better than the 235s, but that's just my opinion. It's 6 of one and half a dozen of the other I'm afraid

 

[robpenrose]

Im watching this. Im looking to do the same, althoug keep my original boost alloys.

Im trying to decide between the two sizes.

Apparently, both the sizes were standard LR fitments, so either will be fine on a standard set up. The Stops might have to be slightly adjusted for the wider 265, which will affect your steering lock. Im edging towards the 265 at the moment

 

[ratty]

I'm running 265's on my 110. The only negative thing I can say about them is that they do like to throw mud up my side windows.

 

[ghost121]

Thanks for the info everyone. Has anyone got any pictures of either tyre size on their standard height Defender they can post?

 

[hammoj28]

265's on Modulars. Im not sure on ride height, might be HD springs. I really like the size. Was told to go for 235's as they are meant to be better off road but I wanted them to look a bit more chunkier than usual but still have the capability without being too wide.

 

[Shifty1962]

All Terrain 235x75 16s on my 90. Handle just fine on and off road. Last years snow was also no problem.

 

[khaos]

285/75 r16s

 

[Langers]

265/75/16 on black modulars on my 110

 

[natas]

265/75/16

She handles quite well, would not want her any higher.

 

[ratty]

Thanks for the info everyone. Has anyone got any pictures of either tyre size on their standard height Defender they can post?

265/75/16's on Mach 5 rims.

 

[MikeC295]

I've got Kuhmo KL71's 265/75/16 on my 90 and couldn't recommend them highly enough! So far they've been fantastic in the snow, loads of grip on slushy/icey roads and had no problem going through snow bumper deep in fields.

Here are a few pics:

 

[Bayden_uk]

These are my 235/85/r16's so far ive had no problems with them but then again ive never realy been in any extrem mud situations

 

[spuddog]

got 285/75/16 BFG Muds on my 90 with standard height...No Green Lane issues with them so far.

If your looking for better handling...try an Elise!

 

[dirty tom]

i got 31/10.5 r15 i think ther roughly the same size as 235's i think but wish i had bigger wheels just for the extra clearance under the diffs

 

[baniradley]

Im running 235 x 85 x 16 they are Enduro Runway A/T they do not look at all aggressive (no side lugs) but I have discovered they are very good in th snow, the tread seems to clear itself very well in deep snow and not clog up like other tyers Ive had.

 

[ghost121]

Thanks for all the pics people, very helpful. Just to throw another size into the mix, anyone got any shots of their Defender on 255/85/R16s? I guess that might be pushing things too far on a standard set-up though.