lets talk tires

[swedspeed]

im a new c303 owner and looking to put some new tires on. the existing tires are 280/85 r16. i found some military michelins but they spec out at almost 38". question is will the 38's run under a stock 303 or am i pushing it???

[wrangler_tj]

I found 38" overkill, but they fit under it without modifications.

You will lose top speed and crawling speed.

[VinceAtReal4x4s]

38's won't fit when you go off-road. Flexing will rub them and turning will rub most likely too. It will also likely break your axles one day due to the added stress. 36's are pushing it already and affect gearing negatively.

The only size tire in modern, radial form to fit properly on all fronts is a 315/75.

[swedspeed]

i found a local military tire guy who can get me some michelin xl's 9x16. has anyone run them?? the other option im leaning towards is a swamper they have a radial 35x10.5.

[M Wehrman]

315/75 BFG KM2's Fit great,ride nice and don't rub. You will need to rob a bank for 7 on a 6X6!
Mark

[swedspeed]

No kidding the swampers are like $320 ea. The military option is what I'm hoping for a set of 5 should run about $600. If the guy comes thru I'll post some pics and contact info.

[michael mcauliffe]

No kidding the swampers are like $320 ea.

Here in Australia, 315/75 R16's (35") Muddies have been known to sell for $500 each !!

I remember paying $330 each for Cooper STT Muddies in a 285/75/R16 (33") about 2 and a half years ago.

Tyre prices are just

Mick

[VinceAtReal4x4s]

9.00x16 is an awful tire to be honest. It is too tall for a 303 and the military versions are all way too stiff and unsafe for highway travel, not to mention very uncomfortable and usually a bad off-road tire despite their usual appearance. You will throw off your gearing and may regret it later when you have to keep downshifting for slight grades.