OFF ROAD TYRES

Hi All

Looking at putting new tyres on my freelander and am after some advise or info.

Tyres are 235/50R/18 on standard model rims, would like to put off road tyres on so:

1. Can I use the same rims or do I need to change them
2. What tyres do I need - any reccommendations
3. Is there any mods needed tocarry out this change

Thanks in advance

Those are Sport rims, so I'm assuming you have a Sport?. You're better off swapping them for 16" or 17" rims, as there's a larger range of tyres available. If you're looking at going off road, then the Sport FL1 isn't the best choice as it sits 40mm lower than a standard FL1. In this case you're best bet is to sell the Sport (they get a good price), and buy an HSE instead.

Many thanks for the info. I am not going to be off roading as such, I work on Salisbury Plain and at present the roads are quite bad just after some more rugged tyres for this. Ta

minibarrow said:

Many thanks for the info. I am not going to be off roading as such, I work on Salisbury Plain and at present the roads are quite bad just after some more rugged tyres for this. Ta

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What's the budget?

minibarrow said:

I work on Salisbury Plain and at present the roads are quite bad just after some more rugged tyres for this

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I'm running 235/55/18 cooper tyres at the moment, but I was on a budget.

You'll struggle to better these, if budget isn't a problem.
https://www.blackcircles.com/catalo...ross-terrain/235/55/R18/H/100/f?tyre=31355967

How off road do you want to go?

Mild All Terrains will improve capability, but can be almost as bad as road bias tyres if you end up on any mud. Aggressive All Terrains may be a better bet or even a mild Mud Terrain with sipes in. The latter will be less sharp on dry tarmac, but generally out perform All Terrains for many situations.

18" rims will likely limit your choice however. Most choice of tyres will be in 16" sizes. As for mods, tis up to you. Standard tyre sizes or equivalents (or near too) will be fine. But you can lift a Freelander and/or add wheel spacers. These mods can give you additional ground clearance and allow bigger (and a greater) choice of off road tyres. However modding may have some downsides too, depending on what you are wanting or trying to achieve.

300bhp/ton said:

But you can lift a Freelander and/or add wheel spacers. These mods can give you additional ground clearance and allow bigger (and a greater) choice of off road tyres.

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There's little point in lifting a Sport Freelander, as you're already starting 40mm lower than a standard Freelander. It makes more sense to simply buy a more suitable version.

Nodge68 said:

There's little point in lifting a Sport Freelander, as you're already starting 40mm lower than a standard Freelander. It makes more sense to simply buy a more suitable version.

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Maybe, although isn't it only the springs that lower it? Arguably if it is a good example and a known quantity, then lifting it a little maybe cheap and easily reversible. Selling and rebuying is highly risky, likely to take weeks/months and may end up costing you significantly.

300bhp/ton said:

Maybe, although isn't it only the springs that lower it? Arguably if it is a good example and a known quantity, then lifting it a little maybe cheap and easily reversible.

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The springs have less working coils, and thicker wire to stiffen the suspension by 30%. The shocks are also shorter and stiffer, to prevent the spring being loose in the cups, and control the 30% stiffer springs. Even with lifting blocks, the Sport isn't good off road, as it pitches about on the stiff springs, lifting wheels easily, rather than the more compliant ride given by the softer normal springs. But yes if off roading is being done, then the whole suspension can be switched over to the normal FL1 setup. The Sport is the most sort after FL1, so normally commands a higher price than the normal version at the same trim level. Obviously if the sort after Sport suspension has been removed, then much of the additional value is removed.

Isn't the Sport 30mm lower?

Jonny H said:

Isn't the Sport 30mm lower?

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I think it's 40mm, and 30% stiffer. But I could be wrong ,my memory isn't as good as it once was.