9.00x16 equivalents

[DasLandRoverMan]

We all know that 9.00's are to all intents and purposes thin on the ground, and not always the easiest or cheapest things to find, so here's a list of metric fitments which are somewhat more available, and any mods needed to fit.

255/85 R16 - These will fit the standard 6.5 inch rim, slightly wider than a 9.00x16, but about the same height as a Bargrip at 33" tall.

255/100 R16 - The Michelin 'metric' 9.00x16, these will fit standard 6.5 inch rims, rather expensive and difficult to get hold of cheaply though, approx 36" tall.

285/75 R16 - Somewhat wider than 9.00x16's, (approx 11") but similar diameter. They have been fitted to 6.5" rims, but are ideally slightly pinched. An 8" rim would be more of an ideal.

315/75 R16 - The size offered by Craddocks with their 8" wide wheel package for 101's, obviously requiring wider rims to suit. Approx 34" tall.

33x12.50R15 - Wide rubber which doesn't look too out of place on an FC, obviously requires wider 15" rims to suit. Some care is required when buying as they vary in diameter depending on brand and tread pattern between 31" and 33".

There's probably more, but there's a few to start, all of which are fairly readily available at less than £150 each.

[Update]Whilst michelin 255/100R16 are either hard to get hold of, or exorbitantly expensive another option has become available.
Small scale import of 'Yellowsea' 255/100R16 from China means that they are available at approximately £190 each (plus shipping) from a private seller.
The tyres are brand new 'copies' of the Michelin XZL pattern.
I say 'copies' but it has become apparent that Michelin do have a business interest in Yellowsea.
Initial reports from those who've used them is that they're actually pretty good tyres.
If anyone's interested PM and I'll put you in touch with the seller.
[Update]

[Moogling]

Thanks for this info das, I was wondering how 255/85's compared up!

[Wheeledbeast]

Will these wider tyres fit straight on without catching on springs and things? What about wheel off sets and all that gubbins
One more question as I have never driven on bar grips ( or 900s come to that!) are bar grips as rubbish on the road as they look? What is the handling like With 7.50x plies on my 109 it used to squirm about on road paint in an alarming fashion!

Oh! Life was sooooo much easier when I could not afford a set of 7.50’s , not being able to afford 900’s is much more complicated!

[22900013A]

900x16s are not quite as terrible on the road as is often suggested, however care must be taken. They are pretty pointless in wet mud though. With all crossplies, one cannot drive them like a modern vehicle, slowly slowly when turning is the key.

[Wheeledbeast]

Yes, I used to find 7.50 X plies made Mini roundabouts like roulette wheels, I never quite new which way I would be facing when I came out . .. And on any sharp bend they made a noise like an extra from the dukes of Hazard The drawback of radials seems to be heavy steering, or am I just getting old and need to man up a bit?

[DasLandRoverMan]

A change from 9.00x16's to a set of 33x12.50R15's doesn't seem to have made things any worse, it certainly handles better for them.

[tarndale]

F.A.B's BFG 255x85 on display for you - those are IIB rims. (the original IIA rims are on my 88" )
Plus there's one of my old 900x16s up against them for size comparison. The 900s are about 2" greater in diameter.
The BFGs are waaaay better for both on and off-road and tend not to lose their way in the wet
Neil

[Wheeledbeast]

F.A.B's BFG 255x85 on display for you

Have you noticed any reduction/ improvement in fuel economy/ road speed etc

[tarndale]

A noticeable reduction in road speed rpm for rpm but in the greater scheme of things nothing earth shattering.
He has a 3.9 with SUs and an LT95 with overdrive; don't ask what gear set is in the trans case - I haven't looked or measured...
In OD 4th I can cruise quite happily at 62.5mph (our 100kmh limit here) revs are about 2200
What is very good however, is the ability to potter around off-road in high range 2nd/3rd (OD out)
And in low range it's like rock crawl mode...

[DuncanRuss]

Hi All,

I'm new here and would like to know if 265/75 R16 tyres qualify as decent
and acceptable?

Peace