I have already blown 2 of the OEM 'offroad' tires. Do not recommend!! So the defender is now sitting dead in the driveway. I need some real tires and want to go slightly bigger without requiring rods.

Anyone know if 275/70 r18s will fit? It is 33 vs 32 inches, 10 vs 10.8 inches wide. I'm worried about rubbing but thought Lucky8 fit 33x12.5 underneath but assuming with spacers.

I want KM3s. Have run KM2s on my P38 for many years. The KO2s on my LR3 cup horribly.

I also saw the post about the spacers someone posted not working with steel wheels. I'm sure i can find some that will.

I need to order tires asap!

 

Yes they will rub, lift rods 1" minimum needed Much easier go for 265/7018R. 32,6" , that's the max. without any modification, and they have right load and speedindex. ( 116. T)

 

I did find General Grabber X3 in that size. Deciding between that...KM3 in 275/65 r18 or Duratrac 255/70 r18s. Thoughts?

I run 255/85 r16s on my P38 for years and loved those tires. Good manners and not noisy. I have the Generals on my D90 and they have performed well. Got them in a swap.

 

And I won't do KO2s again. Had them on my LR3 and they cupped horribly even after multiple alignments.

 

I went with Yoko Geolandar A/T GO15. I found 10-ply 275/65R18 which we're only about $210/ea. I had them before and found them great in all conditions, especially the long Northern Michigan winters.

Now, finding wheels that fit well, is a different story. I had them mounted on some 18" P38 wheels and there just is not enough clearance around the back calipers.

 

I was looking at General Tires too, but their newish "hybrid" ATX model, sized LT265/70R18 E-load range. I like the speed rating of those (S, kind of rare for LT tires with such specs), and they aren't as aggressive as the X3s, which should probably make them a bit quieter and more livable on pavement, although they surely wouldn't be as good in mud - then again, there's not a lot of mud here in SoCal. They are 3-peak mountain snowflake rated.

Another excellent tire I have had good experience with, again in the "hybrid", more aggressive than ATs but not as uncompromising as MTs, category, is the Nitto Ridge Grappler. I had them on my LR4 and they were virtually indestructible, and so quiet compared to even Nitto's Terra Grapplers G2. They also have a LT265/70R18 size available. They are not snow rated, kind of expensive and with only a Q speed rating, however.

 

Are you fitting them on a P300 or P400 engine? For P400s, AFAIK you'll have no choice but to shave those rear calipers off a few mm, or replace calipers with a smaller type. The golden goose (an 18" wheel that fits the P400 without modifications) has been impossible to find so far. For P300 you should have plenty of choices - besides the stock 18s, Redbournes, Tuffant...

 

I bought the General Grabber X3s in 265/70 R18s. Tallest tire without any rubbing in access mode. They look great and road noise in minimal. I didn't want to trim with 275s.

 

Umbertob, nice to see u on this forum. You have been active on rangerovers.net for years! I still have my P38, its been 12 years.

 

That looks very good !, also for the spare tire. Drive them in good health !