255/85 tires - has 2.5TD enough power?

As the title really, I have the chance of some cheapish 255/85 r16 tires and wondered whether it would cause problems on my 2.5TD 90?

I currently have 265/75 but with them being 2 inch smaller I'm wondering if I will die through lack of power?

Anyone seen or done this?

Many thanks!

I’m wondering the same but for a 2.5na….
anyone have any info?

Depends....

Firstly, that size will most likely rub if you flex the suspension out, this might depend on rims and offset. But any vehicle I've seen with that or similar size rubs on stock suspension.

As for power... you will be able to drive it. But expect it to feel less peppy. Off road you might find it'll bog more too, but should be mostly fine. This is with a TD, less power and it'll be worse on road, but Land Rover fitted 9.00 x 16s to a 109 One Ton with less power.

Only way to tell is to try tbh.

There is a lot to be said for a 7.50 x 16 or a 235/85R16.

2.5 TD on 238/85R16


Then tried some 33.10.50R15's on, these work out to be 0.6" shorter than a 255/85 and about an inch wider.


You could definitely tell they were on there.

I've since gone the other way with it now wearing a 255/70R16


Stray either side of a 238/85 and your speedo will probably be wrong, either fast or slow.