Tyres for 100 Series TD

Hi Michael

I have been running BFG 285 AT on the cruiser when new from day dot. I have had a 72mm lift on the front with new torsion bars and a 75mm lift on the rear with coilrite airbags.
You will find the 285 reduce pulling power and your speedo will be out by 3KM.
As for the lower A Frame I cannot comment as I have not had it done, However we have travelled the flinders, innaminka, Bore track, Oonadatta dalhousie the heritage trail etc towing without an issue.
My mate has had the 4 speed Auto and 5 speed Auto V8 cruiser with the same as the above and has had no trouble with either of his either other than he now tows in 4th and not overdrive and say's the towing and fuel economy is better.
I hope some of the above makes some sense

Regards David

Thanks David,

The Grandtreks are 275/70 of course, rather than the 265/75 that I mistyped.

While we're talking wheels, what are the views on alloy vs steel on vans? Alloys probably save a bit over 20kg and dissipate heat a little better, but they won't take kindly to cutting corners. Thoughts?

Michael

Hello Kiwi1,
The Ranger here, and this is a GREY area, but both Tracy and I have the same opinion on this, so I will try and help.... We both have had the 285 BFG's on Cruisers, and I myself have both now, an old Sahara with 285/75 16's in BFG, and a 100 Series with the 265's. Here is our 2 Cents worth, and that is all I would value it, but we both think that the 285's are a major loss of power (torque), particularly on the low end.

Both my Cruisers are Auto. and I am not sure I would want the 285 towing even without the top gear, as in OverDrive off... The reason is that on the low end, it is a very noticable loss of power, even if you could live with it on the high end. Looks good, great without the van on the back, great for exploring, but on towing it makes it a bit of a dog. You would not think it would be such a difference, but both Tracy and I have had Multiple Landcruisers since the 80's with 285's and in hindsight, neither one of us would put them on a Cruiser again that was towing... OK?

Ford, GM Detroit diesel or something else with major torque to spare, that is a different question.. And yes I put 285's on my F-350, and even put the 285's of the new heaver sidewall and heavier steel belt undertread of the D-694 we use now on the Ford.. But on a Cruiser we say we would not go the 285's again ourselves..

However, this is not science, this is just our personal opinion and judgement on the matter... I would continue to seek out other opinions and weigh it all up. I cannot tell you this is the absolute answer, just a feeling we have. It made them a real Dog on the low end when towing, particularly with the automatics, but Tracy feels the same with the 5 speed..

Regards, the Ranger...

Thanks for the response , Ranger.

Do you think it likely that there are any differences between your trucks, which I'm guessing are fitted with after-market turbos (?) and the factory TDs?

No other responses from BT owners?

Michael