wheels / tyres

[mike54]

I've searched and found some interesting things, but am wondering if there is a preferred set up in terms of rubber sizes and wheel sizes? I don't want anything too blingy or dramatic, and the vehicle will be mainly used in the desert so it does need a lift of some kind, though probably no more than 2-3 inches, but I'm interested in pics of what you guys have on your vehicles and how you find them with taller/wider tyres and possibly different wheel sizes.

cheers

 

[Paul_Humphreys]

285/75/16 on standard rime, bigger if you regear the diffs. As for sand driving, AT or road tyres.

Paul

 

[Andrew Prince]

One of the issues that often influences tyre size selection for vehicles going far off the beaten path is availability of replacements. 16" wheels are usually a good starting point because they are so common particularly in less-developed countries. If you're simply spending a week or 2 at a time in the desert, then this is less of an issue.

You will find all kinds of arguments about tyre sizes for various conditions - the fact that there are so many conflicting opinions probably indicates that there is quite a wide range of combinations that will do the job competently and it's more about the driver's abilities and the overall preparation of the vehicle that makes a difference, provided you have chosen a tyre set-up that is adequate.

When you say desert, do you mean sand and dune driving, or more rocky tracks as is the case with the vast majority of North African pistes, for example? Selection is always about compromise - my 2c of opinion would be to pick the tyre size/brand that is best suited for the majority of the driving, rather than a specialist tyre for unique conditions that in reality are a small portion of the trip and possibly aren't even a compulsory part of the route.

In terms of experience, the "majority" of 80 drivers with moderate lifts seem to run 285s. These work well with a 2" lift as they don't require regearing the diffs, there are lots of tyre brands offered in this size and this size is generally a good all-rounder.

Hope my ramblings are of some use

 

[callum]

285/75 r16's fit fine with no lift, a fairly standard upgrade and the 16" alloys will be fine too. You could go 255/85 r16 if you wanted something skinnier but the same height, so again no lift will be required.

 

[mike54]

Cheers guys - sorry I should have said that I don't need advice on the type of tyre, its the size for a LC80 that's of interest.

Andrew, it's going to be living in Southern Spain, though used in Morocco mainly, so rocky terrain, piste and sand.

Is a standard LC80 on 7x16 rims? (Ive yet to pick mine up, its being sorted tomorrow). If so how do 285s fit the 7 inch rim? In other vehicles I use 265 is the most that a 7" will take.

 

[Andrew Prince]

What is a standard 80? If it's a VX spec then it should come with 8x16 alloys, so no problem with 285s. If it's a lower spec, GX for example, then it may come with some form of steel rims that are sometimes a bit narrower. Or it may have after-market rims on, in which case all bets are off

 

[Nick Shepherd]

There are also a few VX models that came with 7x15". It seems that 31x10.50R15 is a good size for them (hopefully).

 

[Andrew Prince]

Nick is quite right - the older 80s (92 and earlier) had 15" wheels - I was thinking of the post 92 ones

 

[mike54]

I'm talking '96 GS. It currently has 16/8 alloys which are in pretty good condition actually. But I don't want alloys for the desert so may well ebay them and replace them with steels.

 

[Rob]

If they are the original Toyota 80 series alloys (92-) then there is no problem in using them for vehicle dependant trips to remote places as they are very tough!

 

[mike54]

Yes, they are. Thing is I don't really want to have them damaged by taking off tyres with levers etc and steels may just be more suitable for that purpose. One of the wheels has about an inch of corrosion on it but the others are all in excellent condition. I'll have a ponder on it.

Thanks again all.

 

[Andrew Prince]

The GS came standard with steel rims, didn't it? So someone has presumably swapped them for alloys along the way..
As Rob says, alloys are probably good enough - unless your happy to spend money getting steelies, just leave the alloys on and spend the money elsewhere

 

[mike54]

Yep, makes the most sense really in terms of cost saving. I'll just get the one refurb'd. I need new tyres anyway as the ones on it are old runway enduros.

Not sure of the original spec, I'm very much new to Toyota and the various models. My list of jobs for it is getting longer by the minute

I just need to get my hands on a FSM for things like torque settings and I'll be away.

 

[Nick Shepherd]

Engine and Body/Chassis manuals:

http://pdfhere.com/repair-manual-toyota ... hdj80-pdf/

 

[mike54]

Many thanks Nick. I'd found the chassis/body one but not the crucial engine one so that's really helpful, cheers

 

[Gav Peter]

Dropped you a special PM Mike

 

[mike54]

Many thanks Gav, your help is much appreciated