19 inch wheels & going to 18 inch
I have a 2008 LR3 HSE with 19 inch wheels and want to go to 18 inch wheels. Will I have any problems? Brakes an issue? I think I want the Cooper Zeon LTZ ties. Any suggestions on good wheels?
I took off my 19's almost 4 years ago and bought 5 new 18" LR wheels from dealer. On my 2nd set of Cooper Zeons and very happy. The Zeons are a very sticky tire on rock, yet they last a long time. Last set was 47k miles, and there was still tread left. Sidewalls are a little soft, so you have to run the fronts 5 psi higher than factory and rear a couple psi higher. Watch the sidewalls on rocks and pick good lines. I've never had a trail tire failure, all on the highways from crap bouncing around.
The reason I went to 18's is because there are very few off road tire options available in 19" Also tires for 19" wheels are more expensive. The 18" size has unlimited options for tires and the prices are much more affordable.
Another reason is with an 18" wheel, you get a tire that has more sidewall to it. This gives you more rubber between the wheel and the road which gives a softer ride and a far less chance of bending a wheel from potholes. The diameter of the 19" wheel with the thinner tires is still about the same as an 18" wheel with the taller tires so wheel well clearance is still unchanged as is your speedometer.
I am sure other members have additional comments but those are mine.
Another reason is with an 18" wheel, you get a tire that has more sidewall to it. This gives you more rubber between the wheel and the road which gives a softer ride and a far less chance of bending a wheel from potholes. The diameter of the 19" wheel with the thinner tires is still about the same as an 18" wheel with the taller tires so wheel well clearance is still unchanged as is your speedometer.
I am sure other members have additional comments but those are mine.
I went to 18 inch rims in 2006 to have more options. You will have no problems doing this. Currently I use the 275-65-R18 GY MTR with kevlar. This has been an excellent tire for me and I would purchase it again.
For an AT, I would recommend the GY Silent Armor AT. I do have a listing of other options and the approximate cost for each based on rims size. You should be able to find everything here as the list is current:http://johnsonrods.com
Good luck. Let us know which tire you choose.
For an AT, I would recommend the GY Silent Armor AT. I do have a listing of other options and the approximate cost for each based on rims size. You should be able to find everything here as the list is current:http://johnsonrods.com
Good luck. Let us know which tire you choose.


