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Yes, yet another tire size thread ...

Old Jan 3, 2023 | 08:06 PM
  #1  
mln01's Avatar
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Default Yes, yet another tire size thread ...

I’m more than a little embarrassed to start another tire size thread, but after 13+ years on this and other DII forums here I go.

The diameter of the stock 255/65R16 tires is 29.1 inches. The stock 255/55R18s are an even 29 inches.

Here we go … ready for it … drum roll please … what’s the largest diameter tire that will fit on a stock-height DII without rubbing?

Yes, yes I have searched. But too many of the previous threads spin off into meaningless chatter.

And for bonus points, the tire placard on the door of my truck indicates that 7Jx16 wheels were available in addition to the more common 8Jx16s. I’ve never seen 7Jx16 wheels on a DII. Have any of you, and what do they look like? Thanks.
 
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Old Jan 3, 2023 | 08:39 PM
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I just installed 265/60/18s with a 30.75" diameter. Fits with zero rubbing on my stock 2004 D2. However, the spare is maxed out, and wouldn't fit if it was any bigger. You'd need to mod the spare holder to fit anything larger.
 
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Old Jan 3, 2023 | 09:16 PM
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I think the 7J’s were common in the UK
 
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Old Jan 3, 2023 | 11:10 PM
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Fits on my D2 without rubbing ( stock suspension). For my off-roading requirements it is completely sufficient and just 5% bigger play well with ABS, TC and speedometer. BTW 265-60-18 is 30.5" diameter (265x0.6x2/25.4+18 = 30.52...).
 
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Old Jan 4, 2023 | 02:34 AM
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The 16x7 the placard indicated were for the steel wheels that were available in the rest of the world. I don't recall seeing a D2 on steelies in any of Land Rover's NAS marketing material when they were new.

BTW, I'm running 245/75R16 Cooper Discoverer AT3s and they're about 30.5". The bottom of the spare tire does lightly rub against the rear bumper. No rubbing at full lock or with some suspension articulation (though have not tried both at the same time).
 
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Old Jan 4, 2023 | 06:34 AM
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My tires (265/60-18) are 30.5" tall and work fine on the stock height. A buddy of mine has 265/65-18 and didn't have any rubbing before he installed the OME set up. IMO, you need the spare tire holder extension to ensure that the spare doesn't conflict with the bumper. Easy install BTW.
 
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Old Jan 4, 2023 | 07:02 AM
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Originally Posted by Trailmix
I just installed 265/60/18s with a 30.75" diameter. Fits with zero rubbing on my stock 2004 D2. However, the spare is maxed out, and wouldn't fit if it was any bigger. You'd need to mod the spare holder to fit anything larger.
Thank you for this information. Did you flip / invert the spare tire carrier to gain clearance from the bumper? It's well documented here that doing that moves the spare up a bit for a little more clearance.
 
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Old Jan 4, 2023 | 07:32 AM
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Stock for a decade and a half and now you wanna start modifying! Those rock sliders opened a door for you, my friend!

Just giving you a hard time.

I'm gonna throw a bunch of numbers at you. Those numbers are as follows.

Primary number will be the metric measurement for an 18" rim.

First number inside parentheses is the imperial measurement, overall.

Second inside the parentheses is the metric measurement for a 16" rim.

Third number inside the parentheses is the measurement between opposite corners of the tire from a top-down view. This is the biggest measurement that matters because it takes tire width into account. If you know this measurement for your vehicle (at a given rim offset) then you can almost guarantee you're maximizing the use of your wheel well.

Anyway, here's the numbers. I'll put them in a quote box so they stand out a bit in this long post.

Originally Posted by Alex_M
I've run up to 275/65r18 (32.1 x 10.8, 275/75r16, 33.87 corner to corner) with no lift and no running. A few have experienced minor rubbing with 265/65r18s (31.6 x 10.4, 265/75r16, 33.27 corner to corner).

I think the largest with almost definitely no rubbing is a 255/65r18 (31.1 x 10, 255/75r18, 32.67 corner to corner)

The largest with definitely no rubbing is going to be 265/60r18 (30.5 x 10.5, 265/70r16, 32.25 corner to corner) or same height but skinnier 245/64r18 (30.5 x 9.6, 245/75r16, 31.98 corner to corner - Thanks Ace10)
To me, I always go big or go home. If your tires don't rub a little bit they're not big enough. Though... Not everyone feels that way. Hopefully this is helpful, and gives a clear answer.

Oh, and if you're curious what size I'm going to be running on those Kalahari wheels you picked up for me, those will be 315/85r16s (roughly 35 x 12.5s). Got a set of Firestone M/Ts sitting at my folks house waiting.

EDIT: I got inspired and went real in depth here: https://landroverforums.com/forum/di...15/#post850663
 

Last edited by Alex_M; Jan 4, 2023 at 09:10 AM.
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Old Jan 4, 2023 | 07:36 AM
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245/75-16 fit. I just went from 18" summer setup to Nokians in 16" for winter.
No rubbing and the spare fits with about 1/8" clearance over the bumper, using the stock carrier config.
Nokian specs the tire at 30.5".
 
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Old Jan 4, 2023 | 09:56 AM
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I think 32's are max, BUT depends on tread WIDTH (because when you turn the wheels, wider tires stick out a bit more).... and also if your springs are a bit saggy
 
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