Wheels

After some "fun and games" in the snow and ice back in the winter of 2019, decided that would like to upgrade the tyres. Spent way too much time deliberating on make, model, size, etc...

Did not want to get into changing steering stops and suspension setup by going for anything too tall or wide. Main focus was something that would be good on road/off road and more "winter rated". 

Eventually came to the conclusion would opt for BF Goodrich AT KO2 235/85 R16. However, to fit these tyres I would need to change the wheels to wider Wolf wheels. Wolf wheels are wider at 6.5 inches vs 5.5 inches for standard wheels, plus they have a much higher load rating. Their official name is HD wheels but they are known as 'Wolf' because of their association with the military variants of the same name.

There is a good article that helped me to begin with - LR expedition.

Took quite a bit of fishing but managed to locate six original Wolf wheels. They were old but not used, had been stored well and looked really good. They were part number ANR 5483 Tubeless (note that there is also a tubed version too).

Replaced the tyre values (LR031766). Application of rubber grease helping the insertion process.

Then took delivery of five new tyres.

Tyres fitted to the wheels and subsequently balanced.

And finally fitted to Sluggie with new wheel nuts (20 x RRD500010)

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There is much debate about whether longer wheel studs are needed. The consensus is that longer studs do not need to be fitted. Here's a close up and will go with that.

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Note that the torque settings with Wolf wheels are much higher at 170NM

Went for tyre pressures of

Some before and after clearance measurements of the diffs. Not much change really.

• Rear diff clearance 212mm  216mm
• Front diff clearance 230mm  245mm

The new wheels are much much heavier. As such, not comfortable hanging the spare on the rear door. Will start some research on a swing away carrier. In the meantime, will keep spare loaded in back.