Hey all,
Not gonna lie, pretty new to all this and just bought 2003 Disco II because it has been my dream car since I was a kid (Camel Trophy days).
With that said I'm looking to do some mods, as well as adventures. I'd like to drive the car from LA to Baja (spend some time surfing etc).

Goals are mostly aesthetics, but I do want it to:
- a) handle well on roads/highways as that will be mostly where I'll drive it
- b) be able to go off-road when needed, light off-roading but mostly rocky trails and sandy beaches looking for surf spots. Hard-core trail riding is not the main goal for me yet...but maybe one day.
- c) be good on the 30 hour journey to Baja (and back)

With that said, I like the look of 16s more than the stock 18s. Was wondering the following:
1. Advantages vs disadvantage of 16s v 18s? Mostly will there be a noticeable difference in driving on roads?
2. What wheel and tire size would you recommend based on all of the above? Initially was thinking something like 255 or 265/75 R16 (all-terrain)

THANKS FOR ANY HELP IN ADVANCE.

PS - looking to get an OME 2" lift along with this too [img]blob:https://landroverforums.com/8766dec0-27a3-42f4-bf0e-d7d05c3f8b83[/img]

 

16's give you better tire options, less expensive tires v. an 18', also likely better fuel consumption for what it's worth.

If you are going to do any off roading and as you say, will be adding a lift, you will want the 16in wheels.

 

The advantages of 16's over 18's is tire price (lower for 16's), tire availability and you get more sidewall, which is important when off-roading. More sidewall is especially helpful on sand like you're describing because you'll get more flotation at a nice low pressure like 15psi.

If you're looking at getting a 2" lift, which is a good option for the D2, 265/75 r16 is probably the most popular option. But, you could also go with a 235/85 r16 which is pretty skinny, but lighter. For the 235's, you'll have to find a tire shop willing to mount them on an 8" rim because the recommended max rim with is 7.5". They work perfectly fine on 8" but places like Discount Tire won't mount them.

 

I find the 16's ride softer on road, and the 18's handle better on mountain roads.

 

I’ve had 4 discos in Canada all with 18 inch rims. Must have been popular here lol

 

My recent experience has been there are far more option sizes for 18” rims for all terrain tires.ore aggressive tires like MT had more options in 16”. I was looking for a 32-33” tall tire.

 

LA as in Los Angeles or Louisiana?
As stated 16" have more sidewall and this is beneficial in many off road situations. You'll have more grab with more sidewall, but the daily paved road ride has more bounce.
There are WAY more 18" options today than just a few years ago, and fewer 16" well options.
Drive on those 18" wheels and if in the Los Angeles area go to the off road training area near Texas Canyon. Then you can test out various types of off road terrain in a small area and see if your current rims and tires can handle what you expect.
Even the original tires and rims can handle a wide variety of off road terrain.

 

I have 18" and do easy to moderate trails fully loaded (five people and camping gear). If you go slightly bigger in tire size, you gain some meat for airing down. The advantage of 18" is lower wheel weight and better handling on winding roads. The comfort on rocky trails is bad, but that's the joy of offroading, isn't it?