defender wheels

[Andrew Baker]

I have an '89 Defender (modded with 300 Tdi) and with the original wheels/hubs. I want to fit tubeless tyres with a width of 6.5 inches. I don't want to fit Wolf rims as they are thicker and thereby heavier (the current tyres , XZY's are already heavy enough), you also need longer studs which means changing all the hubs. My question is - is there a 6.5 wide wheel out there which will fit the shorter stud (pre defender) hubs, which will also take tubeless tyres. I have been given some information, some of which does not seem to add up, so would welcome any hard facts on this matter.

Andrew.

[Col Campbell]

Yes mate there are wheels out there to fit your needs, the only thing I can`t gaurentee is that they are tubless, the older 130s, rapiers, ambulances, etc all had 6.5 rims, the same as your 5.5s but in 6.5s, my Camel has 3 of these, and I need to chase another 3 up, I`ve also got a set of wolf rims in the shed but don`t want to go down that route for the weight reason as well, if you come accross a good supply of em let me know. I`m hoping to get some from a sodbury sort out some time.

Col

[SandyM]

While I agree about the disadvantages of Wolf rims, the extra weight isn´t huge as a percentage of the total unsprung weight of wheel, tyre and axle. On the other hand, the extra strength of the Wolf rim can be a big advantage (plus it has a wide offset if you´re going for wider/taller tyres).

They last a long time, don´t develop fatigue cracks, are proof against the wildest tyre-changing techniques, and allow you to use your spare wheel as a high-lift jack stand without denting it.

The need for longer studs on older vehicles is a pain, though!

Regards,

Michael...
www.expeditionoverland.com

[Col Campbell]

As for the older type wheel studs, I ran them on my old 110 with wolf wheels, and the nuts do sit proud of the studs by a thread or two, certainly not ideal, but it did get through an MOT, how I don`t know, you can get away with it, but it certainly ai`nt ideal, but I have never heard of any problems with doing it from other people either.

As for the offset, I`m pretty sure the wolf is pretty offset neutral where as the older style 130 rims has the exta inch in positive offset, I`ll measure them up tomorrow.

Point taken on the weight/strenght ratio, personal preference I spose, whats another 20 odd kgs spread over 5 or 6 wheels, when my truck weights in at around 2400 kgs empty anyway.

Col

[rclafton]

What about using disco steel rims

Widly available and fairly cheap

or you could get some made by mjlee engineering :-)

I don't think the older 127/130 rims are tubeless



------------------
Rich
LR101 300Tdi Ambi 'Tiggurr'

[Col Campbell]

Sandy, just been checking out you site, thats some pretty impressive truck your`ve got there.

Nice site and some great picture`s as well, your trip makes the average person weep, all the best with you gearbox and prop shaft woe`s.

Col

[Col Campbell]

I also posted this question on the LRE forum and the concensus was that the 130 rims only come in tubed, not tubless.

cols110

[This message has been edited by Col Campbell (edited 10 January 2004).]