Is it worth fitting smaller tyres?

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shedchief

shedchief

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My 90 TD5 hardtop came to me with 265/75R16s fitted on steel wheels, and very nice they are too. I understand that they are a popular 'upgrade' but I have no idea what the standard wheel/Tyre combination was actually like for mostly road use.

So my question is this: as I am unlikely to venture far of road for the foreseeable future (it's a health/strength thing) would I be crackers to refit the original wheels and tyres (if I can get some cheaply)? I'm wondering if they might be easier on the steering, MPG, etc for this sort of use.

That said, I just lurve the look of chunky wheel but ...well, it's good to tinker:)
 
Last edited:
I forgot to say that after I downsize the tyres, I'll be having me bits inverted.

After I've chosen new cushion fabric and curtains for me Tractor of course.

Not.

;)
 
Voodoodaddy said:
I think they fit generals at 235/75 as a standard .

I have found a 205/80/16 michelin tyre very good.light on fuel and they bite nice on the tarmac.fitted to an alloy rim they will pay on wear.

fantastic in the dry as well.quiet and grippy.

these.

MICHELIN Latitude Cross | 4x4 & SUV - Tyres | MICHELIN UK
Click to expand...

My friend runs those michelins on his standard 300tdi 90, makes a heck of a difference to the acceleration compared to my 285 muds! :D

...and his will happily sit at 80mph with not too much noise!
 
Boris113 said:
...makes a heck of a difference to the acceleration ...sit at 80mph with not too much noise!
Click to expand...

Good. :)

I'm beginning to think that I might well do the downsizing (if I can source some that are cheap enough). I've rarely seen a working Landy with big wheels/tyres fitted. Farmers seem mostly to be content with standard issue wheel/tyre combos (I could be wrong), or perhaps big wheels are just too ££££££££.

Any more comments?
 
shedchief said:
Good. :)

I'm beginning to think that I might well do the downsizing (if I can source some that are cheap enough). I've rarely seen a working Landy with big wheels/tyres fitted. Farmers seem mostly to be content with standard issue wheel/tyre combos (I could be wrong), or perhaps big wheels are just too ££££££££.

Any more comments?
Click to expand...

I run monster muds for work but in summer doing road work in run michelins on a set of old disco rims.
the reduction in the unsprung weight really helps power delivery to the road.with them being lighter they spinup quicker.It all depends on your required use or look.
I stay practical muds for field and local work.:D
Use the expensive roads in the dry and long runs.They pay.:)
 
Shed - what type of tyres are they? If they are road based or A/T, you won't notice a whole lot of difference in downsizing to standard tyres. If they are big chunky muds then yes, if you aren't doing much off road work, standard jobbies would be better. :)
 
I have 5 (1 new spare and 4 nearly new) Enduro Runway 265/75 r16 fitted to a set of Disco alloys?

I want to go to standard 235/85 r16.... will these fit the alloys I have? (see pics)

If I went back to steel wheels I would have to have nuts.... is this a simple job or expensive? Not a clue about this hence I am asking :)
 

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Langers said:
Shed - what type of tyres are they? ...
Click to expand...

265/75R16 Goodrich All Terrain T/As.

For normal road use, which will probably be nearly all the time for the foreseeable future :(, I'm thinking of replacing them with a set of 750/16s fitted to original fitment steel wheels.

Langers, I take your point about tread patterns and the effect this might have on rolling resistance etc.
 
shedchief said:
265/75R16 Goodrich All Terrain T/As.

For normal road use, which will probably be nearly all the time for the foreseeable future :(, I'm thinking of replacing them with a set of 750/16s fitted to original fitment steel wheels.

Langers, I take your point about tread patterns and the effect this might have on rolling resistance etc.
Click to expand...

Well they're just about the best compromise you can get between on and off road. I highly doubt you'd notice any difference going back to the 7.50 R16. They're also surprisingly expensive when bought new, too.
 
shedchief said:
265/75R16 Goodrich All Terrain T/As.

For normal road use, which will probably be nearly all the time for the foreseeable future :(, I'm thinking of replacing them with a set of 750/16s fitted to original fitment steel wheels.

Langers, I take your point about tread patterns and the effect this might have on rolling resistance etc.
Click to expand...


If they are in good shape, look at used car dealer to see if they have a defender there with smaller tyres that would do you and see if you can trade
 
Bugger! I've just been outbid on a set of 5 Defender wheels/good tyres (205s) on ebaY which went for £140. I think that was a bargain but I couldn't stretch to more this month. Hey ho - try again ...... :(
 
Langers said:
...Better luck next time ;)
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More success this time - I've just ordered a set of as new steel wheels fitted with new Michelin Latitude Cross 7.50R 16C tyres.

These are reputedly "no nonsense all year round tyres with off road credentials" and came at a reasonable price. They should arrive soon and I'll report back after they've been properly road/off-road tested.

:)
 
shedchief said:
More success this time - I've just ordered a set of as new steel wheels fitted with new Michelin Latitude Cross 7.50R 16C tyres.

These are reputedly "no nonsense all year round tyres with off road credentials" and came at a reasonable price. They should arrive soon and I'll report back after they've been properly road/off-road tested.

:)
Click to expand...


Get a proper front end alignment and tire balanced and you'll smile:D:D:D
 
shedchief said:
... I've just ordered a set of as new steel wheels fitted with new Michelin Latitude Cross 7.50R 16C tyres...
Click to expand...

They arrived today and turned out to be brand new and unused! Now fitted, I'm dleighted with the results of my lengthy test ride this evening. The smaller tyres gave me exactly what I was looking for. Somehow I didn't take to the big tyres fitted when I got my Landy a few weeks back.

Chuffed to bits.

:D
 
I will need new tyres for my 90 next week and would consider these. By the sounds of it you recommend them? The chuffed to bits and green smiley are a dead give away lol
 
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