fitting larger tires

[LH Drive]

I would like to fit larger tires on my 1972 SWB Series 3 without the use of wheel spacers. My Series 3 came with used LWB 5 1/2" X 16" steel wheels. I mounted new 235-65-16 (32"tall) Mud Rover tires and they rub the frame when I turn, other than that plenty of wheel clearance. Can I use a wider wheel with less back spacing to bring the tire out? This would give the Series a wider stance and thats good. Would Defender Wolf wheels work and has anyone here done this?

[Leslie]

You do mean, 235-85-16, right? That's close to the 7.5x16 size.

Have you adjusted the steering stops?

[landi41]

You do mean, 235-85-16, right? That's close to the 7.5x16 size.

Have you adjusted the steering stops?

Good point Les 235-85-16's should fit OK but as you say the stops need adjusting......my pal has run them for ages on his Series III... no problems.......

[Tdi Guy]

Yes, you just have to adjust the steering stops on the swivel balls....

[LH Drive]

Correction on the tire size, they are 265-75R-16 Dunlop Mud Rovers. It came with well worn 235-85R-16 tires that did fit. The tires rub about a half inch to 3/4 inch, I will adjust the steering stops on the axle. This sounds like it will effect the turning radius but at least the tires will not rub.

[Leslie]

Correction on the tire size, they are 265-75R-16 Dunlop Mud Rovers. It came with well worn 235-85R-16 tires that did fit. The tires rub about a half inch to 3/4 inch, I will adjust the steering stops on the axle. This sounds like it will effect the turning radius but at least the tires will not rub.

With the 265/75's, you've gained about an inch in width, for about the same height (lost a fraction of an inch, actually). Yes, adjusting the steering stops will keep you from cutting the wheel as tight, but it will save your tires.

The 235/85 is close to, but a little wider than, the 7.5x16's that are common for Series to use. The stock 88" tire was even smaller usually, but the 7.5x16 was optional and is a good size. The 235/85 is about as close as you can get in modern sizing. A 215/85 would be close too. (A theoretical 200/100R16 would be what a bias-ply 7.5x16 is, but no one makes a 100-series radial that I've ever heard of.)

You'll have more rubber on the ground; rock-crawling, trying to float in mud or snow, etc., you should theoretically do better... but a Series isn't really good at spinning through mudholes like a F250 would, the traditional tall skinny tire will try to cut down through to solid underneath. Just different appproaches....

FWIW...

[landi41]

I had 265x75's on a 109" nice tire but too wide in my opinion.........
I like the idea of tall skinny ones as Les says.........cut down to hard bottom if there is a bottom

[LH Drive]

thanks for the info on what tires to use. I'll will try to exchange the tires for 235's since they are still new. I like the classic skinny tall look on Series Rovers.