AWD/4WD Brethren & Sistren

"4muddyfeet - bare knuckle with an EZ30" (4muddyfeet) 12/04/2014 at 11:12 • Filed to: None

0

17

SORTED: Thanks to all for a rapid response. If I wished to put two different sets of the same size tyres with the tread depth within +/-1mm fitted front/rear on the Defender, which is full time AWD with locking centre diff, would this pose any significant problem with increased wear and tear? The 2 sets are both road tyres, with similar compounds and tread pattern, just different brands. Assuming proper tyre rotation I'm hoping this will be fine(?)

Party-vi > 4muddyfeet - bare knuckle with an EZ30 12/04/2014 at 11:14

0

It probably binds more while you turn than it would with 1mm tread difference. I say go for it.

Nibby > 4muddyfeet - bare knuckle with an EZ30 12/04/2014 at 11:16

0

Just lift your ride and put 40" tires, call it a day.

nermal > 4muddyfeet - bare knuckle with an EZ30 12/04/2014 at 11:16

0

As long as the tires are the same time, you should be fine, as long as you only lock the center diff on loose surfaces, like dirt / gravel / snow. The center diff will work it out on pavement.

Why would you want to do this though? Why not just get 4 of the same tires?

4muddyfeet - bare knuckle with an EZ30 > Party-vi 12/04/2014 at 11:17

0

Yeh but turning is temporary stress, while running with a possible 2mm difference means it's working 100% of the time. I'm in two minds about this, the tyres cost me £2 (no typo) for the 4, but hopefully that's not at the expense of my diffs!

Aaron M - MasoFiST > 4muddyfeet - bare knuckle with an EZ30 12/04/2014 at 11:17

1

Are they the same size by the tape measure, or they're both 255/65-R17 or whatever?

You can have 6-8mm difference in width between two, say, "225mm" tires. That translates to 3-4mm of difference in height, and would cook your differential.

If you measured both tires with a tape measure and they're actually the same, then go for it.

RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht > 4muddyfeet - bare knuckle with an EZ30 12/04/2014 at 11:17

1

Seconding Party-vi, with the caveat you actually measure them. One company's 215/70 R15 or whatever is supposed to be the same as another, but isn't necessarily.

HammerheadFistpunch > 4muddyfeet - bare knuckle with an EZ30 12/04/2014 at 11:18

0

nope. Im running more than 1mm tread depth difference on my full time 4wd cruiser. if the axle with the difference had an LSD it might be different but since its all open. Nope.

EDIT: the brand difference worries me more than tread depth. Different brands will behave very differently, its not ideal and could potentially lead to undesirable handling, but its not going to harm the vehicle mechanically.

4muddyfeet - bare knuckle with an EZ30 > Nibby 12/04/2014 at 11:19

0

4muddyfeet - bare knuckle with an EZ30 > nermal 12/04/2014 at 11:21

1

Got the both pairs for £2 on ebay... buy first, problem-solve later

4muddyfeet - bare knuckle with an EZ30 > Aaron M - MasoFiST 12/04/2014 at 11:22

0

I haven't physically measured them so that's the best plan. From what everyone is saying it all go if so!

505Turbeaux > 4muddyfeet - bare knuckle with an EZ30 12/04/2014 at 11:22

0

no you are looking at a very small difference here. Run the closest in size on the same axle so it is only one diff that is stressed, but it barely will be. My 4Matic mercedes is good to 2% difference in tire size without any damage, and Audi quattros through gen 3 are good for slightly more than that. You're good. Your tires could easily be off that much anyhow if you aren't super on top of rotation

4muddyfeet - bare knuckle with an EZ30 > HammerheadFistpunch 12/04/2014 at 11:24

0

Defenders have undesirable handling as standard. They're winters so I'm not expecting an exhilarating performance on the tarmac anyway :)

4muddyfeet - bare knuckle with an EZ30 > 505Turbeaux 12/04/2014 at 11:25

1

Yeh I think I'm good to go :) thanks

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > 4muddyfeet - bare knuckle with an EZ30 12/04/2014 at 11:30

0

I think those are bigger than 40's...

HammerheadFistpunch > 4muddyfeet - bare knuckle with an EZ30 12/04/2014 at 11:33

0

Its true, I remember reading that on the brochure.

Travis, Senna of The High Seas > 4muddyfeet - bare knuckle with an EZ30 12/04/2014 at 17:23

0

Those tires are so big, when I first glanced down, I thought it was a lifted Suzuki Samurai. Damn.

4muddyfeet - bare knuckle with an EZ30 > Travis, Senna of The High Seas 12/04/2014 at 17:24

0

Stupid bloody thing, isn't it? Wouldn't mind having a go though.