defender wheels
 

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.

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

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

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

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



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Rich
LR101 300Tdi Ambi 'Tiggurr'

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

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).]