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The Defender was designed to handle 33s "without modification", but JLR considers the 130 the family explorer trim, so I guess it would not be necessary in that context. But still, I think you are correct that they should be optional on at least some configuration(s). The Expedition Timberline has 33s and it is about the same size as the 130, perhaps even larger since the spare tire on the 130 accounts for sever inches of its length on paper.
Defender does not run 32.4" tires, that would actually be an improvement and probably make it such that 33s would not rub ever at any air suspension setting. They are a true 32". The 22s are actually a bit smaller yet.
I believe you are mistaken - the 255/70 R18 Wrangler Duratracs are 33.1" diameter (according to Tire Rack). The Wrangler All Terrain Adventure in the same size are 32.1 diameter.
Maybe the larger wheels are running smaller tires.
I was also mistaken as I stated 32.4" rather than 32.1". I apologize for the quarter inch mistake.
Perhaps you are aware that actual measured sizes of tires (particularly off-road models) vary quite a bit from the (255mm x 70%)x2 plus the wheel diameter?
Your argument is with Tire Rack and Goodyear, not me
But continue to be upset about whether an inch or less in diameter will make all the difference in functionality for your vehicle.
As someone who is ordering their defender in “Rubber City”, the tire capital of the world, I can tell you Goodyear’s blow. What’s his face’s Stan Hywet Hall is nice though.
Perhaps you are aware that actual measured sizes of tires (particularly off-road models) vary quite a bit from the (255mm x 70%)x2 plus the wheel diameter?
Your argument is with Tire Rack and Goodyear, not me
But continue to be upset about whether an inch or less in diameter will make all the difference in functionality for your vehicle.
Stop. You are flat wrong, just give up. Defender was designed around a 32" tire for some stupid reason. There is not some random spec that will magically get you 33s from the factory.
Am I missing something, what is the true benefit of a 33” tire over a 32” or vice versa? I want a tire that has a nice tread for what I’m using it for, is quiet, good in snow and rain (or your particular condition) and looks relatively good.
I see all these people with crazy big tires or deep dish pizza pans for rims, and cutting apart their defender just for a ridiculous tire setup. At that point they’re changing how the defender was meant to be driven, and what the engineers designed. To me that kinda defeats the purpose of the 2nd Gen defender. It’s not a wrangler or bronco. I see all these people doing that and change their mind and have an endless loop of switching tire and wheel setups and then complain the ride sucks or now all of sudden it’s noisy inside. Like what, I wonder why.
