Outer Limits 4x4 Board

I pick up some new rims and tyres tomorrow.

After too many headaches trying to get engineering approval for larger tyres (235/75R15), I've settled for 235/70R15- which is just legal. Only problem was Cooper are the only company who bring this size into the country, so Cooper A/T's are what I'm getting.....

The rims are 15x7 in a slightly better offset; alloys would have been nice but were ~$100 dearer each than steel!

Will post before and after pics sometime soon.

You had problems with 235sx75s?? My insurance company didn't blink an eye lid when I mentioned I had them...heck..they are on Heathers zook now and they didn't worry about it?

I don't think the insurance company would mind- it's the state/ federal laws. Most states only allow a maximum diameter increase of 15mm larger than the largest tyre listed on the vehicle's placard (225/70R15 in my case.)

235/75R15 is 37.5mm larger, which means it's defectable and if I had an accident and killed someone I could be Bubba's new plaything in jail.

Then there's also the fineprint on most insurance policies saying they're only valid if the vehicle is in a roadworthy condition.........

The engineer was talking about doing drive by noise testing, emissions testing etc, etc. Big $$$ basically, and then no guarantee Transport SA would even pass it!

Hmm...I think you'd only become bubba's friend if they could prove that the incident was due to the fact you had those tyres on..but anyway..what am I talking about...I'm running 31s

Least you don't have to worry bout that fact

My last car was far from legal (Jap import twin cam turbo EFI engine fitted etc) so I'm trying to avoid going down that road (track?! ) again.

Hmmm... wonder how you would go with a set of 31x10.5x15 Baja Claws down there???

I think the drive by noise test would come back with a big red F for fail on it...

Actually NSW, Vic, WA and SA all have the same rules...........

I think the engineer may have been a bit of an a#@%*hole saying emissions and noise needed testing, but he may have been right

murcod wrote:The engineer was talikng about ...............................

David, have you talked to any other engineers or just one ??

'cause I'm sure there are some engineers that will be able to check these things out for you for very minimal cost, rather than the one you have...not being interested in doing any work !! Have you been to any 4WD modifyers in Adelaide that have engineers certificates required for their modifications ?? How do they get around the DOT....not having to take the vehicle through Regency ??

Hi Besty, I Emailed Transport SA with the question, they then forwarded it onto Regency Park who replied "No can do!"

They then said it may be possible to get it approved via one of their "approved" engineers on a list they supplied. But even if the engineer gives the nod the vehicle still has to go through Regency Park and get passed by them (ie. just cause the engineer says yes doesn't mean it will get approved!)

I then Emailed two engineers (none on their list specialised in 4WD's....) one didn't bother responding- the other gave the response I posted here:

http://www.outerlimits4x4.com/PHP_Modul ... c&start=20

Seeing as there isn't much of note to use the bigger tyres on near where I live I gave up....

Hi David,

I've got Goodyear Wrangler AT/S fitted in 235x70x15 size fitted to Roza at a cost of $150 each. Included fitting and Balancing.

Nice allround Tyre. What are you paying for your Coopers

Hi Leon, are you sure you've got 235/70R15 and not 235/75R15??? If they are 235/70R15 then it looks like Goodyear don't bring them into the country anymore.

http://www.goodyear.com.au/showtyregood ... 0001317464

The Coopers (in either H/T or A/T) were the only tyre made in that size anyone could supply (went to four different tyre places). Toyo lists their OPAT on the Aussie website in that size but they don't bring it into Australia.

The A/T Coopers list for $212ea retail (ouch!) and for some reason Cooper dealers will not discount them much, if at all. I ended up getting one place down to $198ea.

Yep, 235x70x15 Eagle Tyres in Granville.

May have been a direct import by Eagle. Made in Singapore.

That could be the case as a lot of tyre manufacturers make that size overseas, just none of the local distributors bring them into Australia!

Afterall, there are only Landcruisers and Patrols sold here...

it might be too late, but have you thought about running 2 sets of tyres? it can be a headache changing them whenever you wheel, but its well worth it if you drive on them for 1 day wheeling each fortnight..

you not only get to run tyre size you like (Im guessing 31"), but you also get that extra ground clearance.

Yes, that thought had crossed my mind. I've now got a spare set of rims if I want to get more tyres too!

go for 2 sets mate.. I do

I have 34x11.5" JT2's, and 31" desert mallers..

Some pics of the rims and tyres.

So far I'm very happy with them. They seem to have more grip on bitumen than my old H/T's, plus they're quieter and have a softer ride. The stability has improved a lot too- the wider rim with more offset would help.

More pics. Pity about the difference in colour between the whites. Nothing a bit of mud won't fix.

Last one. Looks a lot better from the front now.

Looks good David, its immaculate puts mine to shame.

All the credit should go to the previous owner as I've only owned it for 10 months. You certainly wouldn't think it was eleven years old (and the interior is in better condition than the exterior.)