PROJECT PAJERO - #1 TYRES AND WHEELS

[Zukin]

Well I have cheated a bit on this simple mod

Tyres - I have two sets of tyres for the Pajero, both M/T tyres.

1) Set of Dunlop Grantrek MT2 mud tyres (275/75/16)
2) Set of Bridgestone 673 mud tyres (275/75/16)

The reason for two sets is simple, use one set for easy runs and keep one set for a good set of muds for club runs etc, where traction is the slippery stuff is required.

I have to say both brands of tyres have exceeded my expectations, for many different reasons. Road noise, traction, wear etc.

I went for a taller narrower tyre, rather than the traditonal wider style mud tyre.
I prefer the narrower tyre, as it seems to me it gives more traction on slippery sidlings. Also 16" is just that little bit higher than 15".

Rims - I am on Alloy 16" rims at present, but I think eventually white spoke rims are the better option, as I know it is easier to pop a tyre of an alloy rim.
I have had tubes with bigger valves inserted, so I can air down allot quicker.

Cheers Scott

[Bodge]

Why is it easier to pop a tyre of an alloy rim?

I have run alloys on my rangie for three years and have never lost a tyre. I think its more to do with the weight of your rig, the pressures you run and the type of tyre/rim width combination you have.

I run 10.5's with a fairly stiff sidewall on a 7" rim down to about 12-15 lbs without popping to tyre off. I have also run 10.5's with a 2 ply [soft] side wall down to 18 and never lost the tyre at that point either.

I think if you stay with a good rim width to tyre width ratio you should be sweet...

I was more worried about cracking the rim on a rock which is where Steel has it over Alloy. Fortunately the Simex's have a good bead protector built into the sidewall and to date it hasn't been an issue [frantically touches wood ].

If you need to run really low pressures [under 12lb] you should be looking at steel rims so you can fit a beadlock.

like this



Made by Swages in Auckland....

But unless you have 6 ply sidewalls you won't need to go this low? Maybe not?
[/img]

[Zukin]

Hi Bodge

it is easier to pop off tyres off some alloy rims as there is no bead lip etc,

So when you are running at a lower pressure than normal, you run the risk of debris getting into the bead, and when you reinflate it can dislodge the tyre from the rim.

It is also easier to damage an alloy rim on rocks etc

Regardless of the tyre you use it will not help in any of these situations.

I know of at least one bad motor accidrent that was a direct result of one of the above examples I listed above.

[Bodge]

I may be slightly alloy inexperienced - but mine definitely have a bead lip....

I do get debris in the tyre as do all the guys with steelies - once a year I have them removed and cleaned out...

[Zukin]

Pic of the rim and Bridgestone Tyre
You can now see why I prefer to go for steel rims, there is no lip protection.
Ok for the easy stuff, but if you are in deeper ruts, a tyre can easily pop the bead

Cheers

[Bodge]

Ahhh yes I see what you mean....

They are also a bit glam for off-road

Mine have the normal lip that steelies have and the tyre has a thick rim protector [that you can't really see in this pic]....

[suzukisam]

I've got alloys now, secondhand ones at that. when the tyre guys were swearing at them when they were pulling the old tyres off, i noticed they have a lip to stop the bead popping, far superior than the standard steelies.
I run a 6.5" rim on a 10.5" tyre, no beading popping issues with these babies, and they have tubes anyway...