purchasing a p300 defender with the 18” steelies.

it has the standard 255/70/18 michelin tires and was thinking about swapping the tires with the goodyear duratrac in the same size to get a better look (like the sidwall nubs).

but wondering if anyone has/has seen bigger tires on the steelies without having to lift it to avoid a rub?

looking for any recos you may have.

 

I will go for 265/70/18R. = 32,6" Toyo Open Country AT III , maybe little less agresive sidewall but it has the latest technology in All Terrain
Speedrating is also conform L663 118 mls/H.

 

As an FYI I have the AT3s on my Defender. Have about 10,000 miles on them and sized to 275/55/20 which is a touch wider than the stock size. I have not been happy with them in snow. I live in Denver and am frequently at high elevation and have noticed that the compound on these feel like harder rubber than the Grabber ATX on my wife's 4Runner. I don't know if its the XL rating of this tire required for the Defender, but having now had it for 9 months in all conditions I wouldn't get these again FWIW. I have been happy with them on other terrain in the summer and also on the highway.

 

I put on 265/70 R18s General Grabber X3s MTs. No rubbing. I also had my wheels powdercoated black which looks better with my color configuration.

 

looks great. i can see why you chose to paint your steelies black— looks great with the color combo of the car.

how much did it cost to paint the wheels?

 

$125 a wheel for powdercoating in Sacramento, CA. Yes, I think she looks much better.

 

Looks really great! I'm curious though, with factory all season tires weighing around 35lbs and your Grabbers being at 61lbs each, how did it affect your mpg? Just seems like a lot of added unsprung weight per corner, thanks in advance.

 

Are the tires 32in?

 

General Tire's site says 32.6"

 

No rubbing at that height and no rods. I will most likely go to 35s when these wear out and do some cutting and trimming. but u have to remove the front aux radiators for 35s and we run in the desert alot. Warn Xeon 10 S winch purchased!