Overland Journal Project Land Rover Discovery 4 (LR4)

[umbertob]

He added 1.25" spacers to clear the larger calipers of the LR4 with 18" LR3 wheels. Back up about 17 pages.

 

[Jwestpro]

Thanks. I think I recall that idea but thought it was a temporary plan seeing as the spacers add unnecessary stress to the system which is already being stretched a bit. It seems that lr3 rotor swap would also do the trick seeing as I've never felt wanting for more braking on my lr3 and it has weighed significantly more than the above lr4 build.

 

[Mack73]

Thanks. I think I recall that idea but thought it was a temporary plan seeing as the spacers add unnecessary stress to the system which is already being stretched a bit. It seems that lr3 rotor swap would also do the trick seeing as I've never felt wanting for more braking on my lr3 and it has weighed significantly more than the above lr4 build.

This. I even swapped to v6 brakes to fit 17" wheels. Can't even tell a difference - all that changed was the rotor got a bit smaller, so maybe when towing a 7000 lbs boat downhill I need to worry about brake fade, but that's not going to happen.

 

[Scott Brady]

Thanks. I think I recall that idea but thought it was a temporary plan seeing as the spacers add unnecessary stress to the system which is already being stretched a bit. It seems that lr3 rotor swap would also do the trick seeing as I've never felt wanting for more braking on my lr3 and it has weighed significantly more than the above lr4 build.

The LR3/LR4 systems are not compatible from the ABS/ESC/TRAC perspective. The spacers are an appropriate long-term solution. Based on our feedback from LR, the bearings and ball joints are more than capable of taking the additional leverage. Even the Compomotive 18s have a wider offset.

 

[brickpaul65]

In outfitting an LR3 with similar tires, would you recommend the spacers in order to achieve the wider stance once the vehicle is aligned for the taller height?

 

[Jwestpro]

In outfitting an LR3 with similar tires, would you recommend the spacers in order to achieve the wider stance once the vehicle is aligned for the taller height?

Others can chime in but because I have just made the attempt to use a 32" tire on stock 18" wheels, I can tell you that 32" BARELY fits and this is not without rubbing at various situations that are not even "extreme". With an LR3 you may be aware of the "nubs" "bumps" in steel that are directly to the rear of each front wheel at the bottom of the wheel well/fender liner. When you turn to 90% lock, a 32" tire will scrub these significantly.
Using a stock wheel with a 31.5" tire such as the BFG AT, will hardly scrub these unless it's a new tire and only for a moment. However, adding a 1.5" spacer effectively pushes the tire closer into that bump when turning sharply. One may get the same rubbing using a 31.5" tire and spacers that I get when using the 32" tire.

Also to consider is the width of the tire chosen. For example, the commonly used Nitto Terra Grappler is a 285/60x18. This is slightly shorter but wider than the also commonly sued BFG AT 265/65x18. Slightly wider and taller is the Goodyear Duratrac which I am trying out now. It is 275/65x18 and noticeably wider than the BFG 265/65x18 but it also rubs in the two front wheel spots as well as in the rear fender liner "bumps". This is unfortunate because this GY tire really seems better than either the Nitto or the BFG but is currently only made in the 276/65x18 smallest fit on an 18".

Spacers will often worsen situations where you need a full "tuck" of a tire up into the rear wheel well unless this is offset by using a narrower tire. An example may be comparing the clearances of the GY tire without spacers to a BFG using spacers. The end results in clearances may be similar.

 

[Scott Brady]

The narrow, tall 33 really helped in our application. The 265 width was the magic pill. 265/70 R18.

Still trimming and other modifications are required. We are still making adjustments to fit such a large time, but ultimately, I find it worthwhile.

 

[racehorse]

I run the BFG ATs with terrafirma spacers - they do rub noticeably turning when the suspension articulates on dips. A little cutting is in order of the wheel plastic liner inside but very simple. The BFGs don't rub too noticeably without spacers and IMHO are the tire of choice for those not wanting to have backups to the backups for air suspension issues.

RE: Spacers. I wouldn't change back to running without the spacers. I'm very satisfied with the wider track stance of the LR3 and when I see LR3s running 265/65/18 BFGs without spacers they look odd to me now - my perception now because visually the tires sit deeper inside the wheel wells.

 

[oradba69]

Looking good. If it weren't for my irrational worry over air suspension out in the boonies, I'd be considering an LR4 to move my kit over to soon.

It is obviously seen there having the 18" factory wheels. Did you already post how this was achieved?

Here in South Africa we now get a model with 18" wheels and no air suspension.
http://www.landrover.com/za/en/lr/discovery-4/explore/discovery-xs/

 

[oradba69]

Guys, it is now possible to fit 17" rims to the Disco 4.

http://www.mudtech4x4.com/en/kit-modifica-ruote-da-17-su-discovery-4-3-0-tdv6/

http://www.disco3.co.uk/forum/topic88544.html

 

[Ray Hyland]

Here in South Africa we now get a model with 18" wheels and no air suspension.
http://www.landrover.com/za/en/lr/discovery-4/explore/discovery-xs/

Oh, I like that.

 

[franko]

Wonder if you could fit a 285/70/17 then. But that may be a tad to wide.

 

[proper4wd]

I've said it before I'll say it again, 235/80R17 or 255/80R17 (if you're really adventurous)

 

[franko]

I've said it before I'll say it again, 235/80R17 or 255/80R17 (if you're really adventurous)

You sir are right, just looked it up and yes a 255/80/17 would be sick. Just over 33" and only about 10" wide.

 

[Mack73]

I've got a set of 245/75-17 KM2's sitting in the garage

Get mounted on Saturday, then tested out on the trail on the 15th