Advice on a 99 purchase

[spressomon]

I bought it! I'm pretty happy with the purchase. The mechanic said that it's in incredible shape-- just needs the timing belt. I'm going to have that done probably this week and change out all of the fluids while I'm at it.

I'll post a pic this week as well.

Now to search the forum and see what to do first?!?

Congrats! And welcome to a great bunch of LC owners. Like uzj100 said 285R75/16 fit without any suspension mods. Maybe even 295R75/16 size will fit...just more limited choices in this size. FYI: I have the 285R75/16 and they are a very good compromise that do not significantly effect power and/or shift points due to the larger circumference...which, of course, becomes more of an issue with 35" (315R75/16)...but then to run those you will have to elevate a couple inches...

 

[johnroyale]

285

...285/75 R 16 wihout a lift. Tire brand is an opinion. I had BFG ATs but they are useless in NC red clay so I am running Copper Discoverer STTs. They are louder thou.

I'm leaning towards the 285 mod for now-- I read a bunch of threads and it looks like perfect compromise for our current needs. We'll see how things develop after that.

 

[johnroyale]

Congrats! And welcome to a great bunch of LC owners. Like uzj100 said 285R75/16 fit without any suspension mods. Maybe even 295R75/16 size will fit...just more limited choices in this size. FYI: I have the 285R75/16 and they are a very good compromise that do not significantly effect power and/or shift points due to the larger circumference...which, of course, becomes more of an issue with 35" (315R75/16)...but then to run those you will have to elevate a couple inches...

Thanks spressomon. I couldn't have made such an educated purchase without you guys.

The 285 option looks like the way to go. Although I really like the look of the lift with 315s, right now I wouldn't utilize its benefits enough to warrant the expense.

OK- just thought of a dumb question re. the 285s: does this change the overall diameter of the tire/wheel in so much that it will affect my speedo? (I don't know the stock setup off the top of my head or I'd do the math).

 

[johnroyale]

congrats johnroyale! You got a fair price IMO and once you get the t-belt done you are in good shape. I'd also have the CV boots looked at just to make sure that the rubber hasn't cracked and begun to leak the grease out. Sorry I didn't chime in earlier but I didn't see this thread till it got bumped back up today.

Welcome to the club.

Thanks tabraha. I'll check the boots as well.

 

[spressomon]

Thanks spressomon. I couldn't have made such an educated purchase without you guys.

The 285 option looks like the way to go. Although I really like the look of the lift with 315s, right now I wouldn't utilize its benefits enough to warrant the expense.

OK- just thought of a dumb question re. the 285s: does this change the overall diameter of the tire/wheel in so much that it will affect my speedo? (I don't know the stock setup off the top of my head or I'd do the math).

The speedo (and tranny shift points) will be off 5-6% depending upon the actual circumference difference. Most 285's math out at 32.83...actual might vary a little.

The stock size is 30.6" I believe. FYI: On my not quite 1/2 worn MT/R's my speedo to GPS compare is 5%...

 

[johnroyale]

speedo

The speedo (and tranny shift points) will be off 5-6% depending upon the actual circumference difference. Most 285's math out at 32.83...actual might vary a little.

The stock size is 30.6" I believe. FYI: On my not quite 1/2 worn MT/R's my speedo to GPS compare is 5%...

OK, I'm back in school . Is there a way to re-calibrate the speedo and/or is this necessary? With the shift points off, how does this affect driveability?

*side note re. forum etiquette: should I start a new thread since I've gone completely off topic?

 

[hoser]

John, most people running 285's don't feel a need to correct the speedo. Yes, there is a difference but it would hardly be noticable. However, if you wanted to do it there are at least two options:

For $100 there is the Yellow box.
http://www.ih8mud.com/reviews/fzj80-yellowbox.php

For $195 there is the Superlift Truspeed with the advantage of two settings for running two sets of tires.
http://www.sleeoffroad.com/products/products_speedo.htm

 

[spressomon]

OK, I'm back in school . Is there a way to re-calibrate the speedo and/or is this necessary? With the shift points off, how does this affect driveability?

*side note re. forum etiquette: should I start a new thread since I've gone completely off topic?

I wouldn't worry about it...just so you know #1...and keep the 6% speedo correction in your mind for radar!

 

[SWUtah]

You might also look at 265/75/16's LT's. This gives you the heavier built truck tires and are just a little taller than the stock size plus they are quite a bit lighter then the 285/75/16's, this is a plus since the less unsprung weight the better your LC will handle and the smaller the tire size the more responsive your LC will be. If you look at a LC with 265/75/16's and one with 285/75/16's I think you will see that the smaller tire looks more balanced and it will provide better performance both on and off road. Now if you could put a 6.0 V8 in your LC that put out 300+ HP and 400 ft. lb's of torque then go with the bigger tires but I would also get a lift with the bigger tires to keep a balanced look. JMHO

 

[SWUtah]

Specification Sidewall Radius Diameter Circumference Revs/Mile Difference
265/75-16 7.8in 15.8in 31.6in 99.4in 637 0.0%
285/75-16 8.4in 16.4in 32.8in 103.1in 614 3.7%

 

[johnroyale]

You might also look at 265/75/16's LT's...

I need to see what 265s look like as well. I'll search around. I will admit, the 285 looks cool. However, I don't want to sacrifice performance for looks (well, too much).

Also, thanks for the specs.

 

[firetruck41]

I think 285 looks better.

 

[uzj100]

265s actually look small on the 100, sort of like the stock tires.

 

[SWUtah]

265s actually look small on the 100, sort of like the stock tires.

Specification Sidewall Radius Diameter Circumference Revs/Mile Difference
275/70-16 7.6in 15.6in 31.2in 97.9in 647 0.0%
265/75-16 7.8in 15.8in 31.6in 99.4in 637 1.6%
285/75-16 8.4in 16.4in 32.8in 103.1in 614 5.3%

I think the 285's look goofy without a lift. I guess its all a matter of opinion when it comes to looks. Now when it comes to performance the above numbers make a difference. The 265's will provide better performance and the 285's will give you around 1/2" additional ground clearence, if you are into rock crawling

 

[uzj100]

Goofy? Really. Never thought that. I like the wheel wells full of tire.

The Stock 275s on the LC look little compared to the body of the vehicle.

uzj100

 

[SWUtah]

Goofy? Really. Never thought that. I like the wheel wells full of tire.

The Stock 275s on the LC look little compared to the body of the vehicle.

uzj100

On a sports car I like the wheel wells full of tire but on a SUV I like to see space around the tires. I know that the Bling movement is all about big wheels filling up the wheel wells but I guess I like more of a off road ready look. It's just a matter of taste, no right or wrong answer.

 

[uzj100]

I do not like big bling wheels.

How about the width of the tire, would that be beneficial offroad? If the tire is 1 inch wider per tire that gives an increased footprint. This may benefit the heavy 100 series in sand and mud.

 

[SWUtah]

I do not like big bling wheels.

How about the width of the tire, would that be beneficial offroad? If the tire is 1 inch wider per tire that gives an increased footprint. This may benefit the heavy 100 series in sand and mud.

Got to agree the wider 285 would give better floation off road. It's all about what you want and how you are going to use them. I would think the 285's would also last longer then the 265's, heavier construction "D" rated and fewer revolutions per mile then the 265's. Cost more then the 265's.

 

[hoser]

FWIW, there are 3 different 265's. The first one listed has the highest load rating, even over the 285. The 285 is only $2 more per tire than the load E 265. These are tirerack prices.

265/75RR16 E Serv. Desc: 123/120R $166
265/75SR16 C Serv. Desc: 112/109S $152
265/75SR16 Serv. Desc: 114S $125
285/75RR16 D Serv. Desc: 122/119R $168

 

[SWUtah]

FWIW, there are 3 different 265's. The first one listed has the highest load rating, even over the 285. The 285 is only $2 more per tire than the load E 265. These are tirerack prices.

265/75RR16 E Serv. Desc: 123/120R $166
265/75SR16 C Serv. Desc: 112/109S $152
265/75SR16 Serv. Desc: 114S $125
285/75RR16 D Serv. Desc: 122/119R $168

I would want the load range "C". I bet the "E"s would make your LC ride like a lumber truck. I ran "E" on my Dodge 3500 4x4 Cummins Turbo Diesel 1 ton truck, way to much tire for the LC.