hdj80 preparation progress + 9.00R16 tires question

[Guest]

Hi guys,
I have just finished works on my recently purchased hdj80 including:
- ome suspension (standard lift 2.5")
- safari snorkel
- auxiliary long range fuel tank (170 L)
- central diff switch
Mechanically the car is in good shape - I replaced a U joint and seal
at front and rear differential. I still have to change a part of exhaust
system (the biggest one ...). at least thats what I'm currently aware of ...
I have one question related to the large tires - based on a friend
recommendation I purchased used michelin XL (military tires) 9.00R16
which are quite big and heavy (I think they are equivalent of
255/100R16). Does anybody have experience with tires of such a dimension ?
I'm aware that they put grater stress on transmission etc... but on sand
they should perform quite well - I'm planning to use them on
algeria-niger-mali trip these December.
Regards,
Tomaz

 

[Guest]

Hi Tomaz,
Both Ian and I run 255/100R16 Michelin XZLs on our 80s. We took them to
Libya earlier this year and they performed extremely well in the sand.
They do increase the strain on the transmission and axles. Between us we
have seen one CV joint fail (though this was probably due to wear) and one
front ring gear and pinion. However neither failure was in the desert and
both vehicles get subjected to regular heavy off road use back in the UK.
Amongst other common sense measures, avoid full power with the steering on
full lock (to save the CV joints), and don't perform recoveries or other
very high load manoeuvres in reverse (to save the front R&P).
Points to look out for:
Wheel bearings - make sure these are in top condition and properly adjusted
as the bigger tyres will stress these.
Gearing - you can to a some extent 'drive around' this with a manual
gearbox, but if you have an auto you should definitely consider an
additional oil cooler or (preferably) re-gearing your differentials. Either
way a temperature gauge for your auto gearbox would be a wise investment.
Rims - the tyres are designed for a 6" or 6.5" rim. I think you'd get away
with a 7" rim, but any wider and you'll be losing beads and risk overheating
the carcass when running low pressures for extended periods. The offset of
the rims needs to right as well, this will not only affect the steering
geometry but also the rubbing issues below. We both ended up using Hilux
rims with wheelspacers to (almost) correct the offset.
Clearance - you will need to extend your bumpstops or do a bodylift or both.
I have 2" bumpstop extensions in the rear and still get some light rubbing
in the wheel arch on full articulation. I'm considering adding a 1" bodylift
to gain the clearance required - I've already lost most of the extra bump
travel that the OME lift provided and don't want to lose any more.
Up front there don't seem to any issues with steering lock, but I do catch
the lip of the arch on full flex - hopefully the bodylift will alleviate
this as well. The wheel arch flares have been removed from both cars.
Sorry for the essay.
Best of luck with your trip - it should be fantastic, and you will certainly
enjoy not getting stuck where everyone else does...
Toby
1990 HDJ80 UK
1994 HDJ80 Auto

 

[Guest]

Hi Tobby,
thank you very much for your answer thats exactly what I was looking for.
Regarding the rims you are right - I'm planing to use them on 7" rims
since 0.5" difference was never really an issue.
I have seen few 80's running these tires on sand and all of the guys
were claiming that this dimension is the one to go for.
My concern was, since the trip we are planning is quite long and also
includes a lot of hard surface driving, that those tires would put too
much stress before we even get to sandy parts ...
Regards,
Tomaz

 

[Guest]

Hi Tobby,
thank you very much for your answer thats exactly what I was looking for.
Regarding the rims you are right - I'm planing to use them on 7" rims
since 0.5" difference was never really an issue.
I have seen few 80's running these tires on sand and all of the guys
were claiming that this dimension is the one to go for.
My concern was, since the trip we are planning is quite long and also
includes a lot of hard surface driving, that those tires would put too
much stress before we even get to sandy parts ...
Regards,
Tomaz