Tyre sizes for 4 1/2J Van wheels

[barrie102]

I have two van wheels to fit to my Traveller and would be interested to know what sizes others use (boss of my local garage is calling me tomorrow because of some doubts...)
Experiences/info all greatly received.

[Masher]

I've just put the Toyo 155*80's on mine and am happy with them. I looked at 165's but my wheels are LP917's and with 155's the front's are as close to the Kingpins as I would want to go

[bmcecosse]

Yes - my 155 X 80 s are great on these wheels. The main advantage of these wheels is that they hold the tyre more firmly - less sidewall hanging over the edge of the rims/less squirming about - and I do think 165 tyres will be too wide. On 'modern' cars - 165 tyres would be fitted to 5 1/2" rims.

[hotrodder13]

i have 175 on a 6inch rim and 165 on 5 1/2" like bmc said

[bmcecosse]

You're just boasting now

[hotrodder13]

no i was just helping the topic, but they do get much more grip then the 155 on standard rims, they also dont bounce as much,

i did see some banded wheels for sale at the nationals and looked like they could have has 185's on

[barrie102]

I have two van wheels to fit to my Traveller and would be interested to know what sizes others use (boss of my local garage is calling me tomorrow because of some doubts...)
Experiences/info all greatly received.

To provide further info may help... so these two wheels are for the rear of my 'uprated' traveller I have experienced 'loss of rear end' on standard wheels with 155/80 tyres so was looking to put a bit more rubber on the road at the back. anybody gone to185 /80. 185/ 60 or is there a reason not too?

[Alec]

Hello Barrie,

there are quite a few pros and cons to tyre width.

Cons with regard to a Minor are, increased grip from large rear tyres will increase the load on the relatively frail half shafts, which can be uprated if desired. Greater grip gives less forgiving handling as breakaway, if it occurs, will be at a higher speed so harder to deal with. Theoretically bigger tyres give greater (unsprung) weight which is detrimental to grip with poorly located axles like the Minor has, and also increases your overall gearing slightly.

The other point is that 185 on van rims (4 1\2"?) are too wide and may not give any benefit anyway?

Alec

[bmcecosse]

185 tyres are FAR too wide on 4 1/2" rims - they need at least 6 inch rims. No wonder the back end is poor - the tyres will be flopping about over the rims. The grip of different makes of the 155 tyres will vary greatly - as it will with the age of the tyre. Old hard rubber can have almost NO grip until the surface gets scuffed off - and even then..... If the car has a LOT more power -best invest in some decent 6" wide wheels which will suit 185 x 60 tyres nicely. I suggest 50 aspect tyres will be too thin - and likely to look odd (not filling the arch) unless you go up to 15" or 16" wheels of course.

[hotrodder13]

mine are 175/65/14 and look perfect in my arch but it is lowered 1.5"

[barrie102]

Have settled for 175/70R14 Vredestein T.Trac.
They look good on wheels (esp @ 34.50 inc balance n valve). better than e'tyres.
Will update if any problems. thanks all

[bmcecosse]

So - you have put almost 7" wide tyres (6.889") - on 4.5" wide wheels ? They are the wider 4.5" wheels - yes ? Madness! I'm amazed the garage agreed to fit them..........

[barrie102]

So - you have put almost 7" wide tyres (6.889") - on 4.5" wide wheels ? They are the wider 4.5" wheels - yes ? Madness! I'm amazed the garage agreed to fit them..........

155 on standard rim @ 3 1/2 "
175 on wide rim @ 4 1/2"

I have run 155s for many years now without a problem and certainly anticipate no problem with the 175s. and the rolling radius is within the allowable recommended specifications

The only concern my Garage mentioned is as applies to all minor wheels retrofitted with radials, that if they deflate they may unseat from the rim, I haven't experienced that with any of my minors (and I doubt many others have either).

[bmcecosse]

No - but with that extra width I believe they are even more likely to pull off the rim on tight cornering/swerve. Tubes may be a 'good idea'. But ideally - if you want tyres that wide - you should consider a set of these wheels from JLH - ask Jon - he is very helpful and well informed. http://www.jlhmorrisminors.co.uk/store/ ... ductId=236

[hotrodder13]

does that mean i can put 205 on my 6inch rim

175 are flush with the edge and dont have a sticky out wall

[bmcecosse]

Would be better with 6.5" or 7" rim. 185 would be ideal !

[Kevin]

155 on standard rim @ 3 1/2 "
175 on wide rim @ 4 1/2"

I have run 155s for many years now without a problem and certainly anticipate no problem with the 175s. and the rolling radius is within the allowable recommended specifications

The only concern my Garage mentioned is as applies to all minor wheels retrofitted with radials, that if they deflate they may unseat from the rim, I haven't experienced that with any of my minors (and I doubt many others have either).

As mentioned the correct tyre for the standard rim is 145 but many have fitted 155 but that does not mean you may not have an issue.

Also you say you have had no problems but also said

I have experienced 'loss of rear end' on standard wheels with 155/80 tyres

which is a slight contradiction

I have 5 1/2j rims with 165's and have not had problems with rear grip, is everything ok and working properly with your rear suspension.

[barrie102]

I have also had rear end loss at sensible speed with 145s , I thought everyone knew about the Traveller's "loose rear" .
In times gone by bags of sand were carried to push the rear end down (it was fairly common practice esp with the cross plies).

The purpose of the van wheel alteration is to put a bit more rubber on the ground to alleviate this, not to be a (god forbid @61) a boy racer.

Good point to mention suspension but fortunately not an issue with my car.

[bmcecosse]

The Traveller does not have a 'loose rear' - at least mine doesn't! And no bags of sand - anything like that. Dreaded understeer throughout - although some negative camber has eliminated most of that. You should check your rear suspension for loose/worn bushings and the state of the springs. Do the rear dampers do anything ?? Drain out the horrible old oil and refill with sae 30 or even better sae 40.

[barrie102]

This is not a regular occurence, however occaisionally is enough to warrant effort to eliminate.It has only happened once since my ownership of this traveller, however it did happen several times on my previous model.
I beg to differ but it was a practice to apply weight to the rear end of travellers in years gone by to aid rear end grip, especially in the winter.
Hence my change of rear wheels to the larger van version.
My Traveller has telescopic dampers 'all round' which are fairly new and certainly improve the ride.I am shortly (once new engine swap completed) to change all bushes for poly an item omitted by the previous tenant.