235/85r16 instead of 31s?

[zookimal]

I'm about to do new rims and rubber under my Sierra project and I'm considering going to a 235/85r16 instead of 31x10.5x15s.

I realise the price difference makes a lot of people go 15s but I like the idea of the taller, narrower 32 inch tyre.

My question is will the 16 be too stiff in the sidewall to work under the zook? MT/R for example? No beadlocks at double figure pressures etc. On road and in the bush.

Until recently I hadn't considered the 16 but I think I prefer it unless anyone has any obvious issues.

Cheers,

[want33s]

[want33s]

[Eddy]

Most 235/85 16s are 8 ply rating or more, so they are going to be fairly stiff on a zook, but they will be stronger than the average 31/15 for that reason.

I've only ever had them on patrols and my 8 tonne truck. They certainly did the job in 8 ply rating on my old 1700kg G60, and the Leyland truck with it's 10 ply rating set was ok too.

Gunna be a case of "suck it and see" I guess.

[zookimal]

I thought as much.

Any words of advice from those older, wiser ones who've spoken of 7.50s or tall, narrow tyres in the past?

Gwagensteve? Grimbo?

Any advice appreciated.

Cheers,

[zookimal]

This is the desired result, courtesy of another site. Translation anyone?



235/85R16 Zook

[Eddy]

Any words of advice from those older, wiser ones who've spoken of 7.50s or tall, narrow tyres in the past?

When I first started in fourbies we had a wide selection of tyres.
There were an assortment of 750s etc (including tractor type) , or 31s. (Goodyear wranglers or BFG all terrain T/A)

For a while we all jumped on the 31" bandwagon, and then went back to the 750s

Some of us went to the 825s and 900s as well

[zookimal]

Thanks Eddy.

Not sure which way I'll go then.

[zookimal]

Bump

Thinking just 31s on 15s

[cj]

I like the 235/85R16 idea myself. That's what's going on my Vit next. I've tried 31x10.50's and 7.50-16's as well as some old 33x9.50's and I reckon the 235/85R16's will be the ideal compromise at this point for me. Also mugginsmoo on here has gone that way on his Jimny......50mm of suspension lift and some cutting I've seen the same on a Vit and a GV too now with just suspension and cutting and it looks good without screaming look at me! That and I'd rather have the extra ground clearance.

[grimbo]

I'd go the tall narrow route as I have in the past. I just reckon they work better on a Sierra (and for that matter on my patrol's too 33 x 10.50 instead of 33 x 12.50)

The tall skinny puts less strain on components, is easier to fit and in conditions found in Victoria seem to work better than the wider tyre.