Bob Y. replied:

Happy New Year, Will, We have same model as you, and it had 265/75R16's on it when we bought it 2nd hand. Even after having the pump done up, it has never been a ball of fire, although we are happy with it. Put a 3" exhaust on it which makes it pull better, and a little more economical. Prior to this we had a 90 model factory turbo, which had 31x10.5R15 tyres on it and it would pull like a train anywhere, and really growl when you pulled out to pass a triple road train.

My point would be that with the 285's you might well loose some of that grunt these vehicles are renowned for. Economy may suffer a little too, because you would have to feed a bit more fat when overtaking, or in hilly terrain.

Don't know about rust areas, we haven't had enough rain here in last 2 years to promote any! Regards...

OziExplorer replied:

If you check on the Choice website, they had an extensive survey and test a couple of years back about rust proofing. The findings from memory, was none is best, and rust proofing material actually seals in moisture and promotes rust. From memory they said vehicle storage/parking was important in stopping rust. The vehicle needed free flowing air when garaged as being driven in hot if there was not free flowing air it greatly enhanced rust. Cannot remember all the details, so check out their website. I have not used rust proofing for over 10 years, and if you notice you don't see companies promoting it like they did. Modern cars really don't rust.

Axel replied:

Good site for 80series www.safari4x4.com.au Has heaps of tech info and mods including where to look for rust ect.,

Axel replied:

Oops,full address,,,http://www.safari4x4.com.au/80scool/tech/technical.html

diamond replied:

just be carefull before fitting 285 as you said will give you 3o mill lift but iv vic not sure where you are you can only go+/- 15 mill if a 285 gives you a 30 mill lift that would be an overall increase of 60mill in diameter.best to check before you spend big$$$$$ on tyres and then find out your unroadworthy

Derek replied:

Wil, I agree with one of the above postings. I have a naturally constipated 1HZ and run BFG 285/75 R16 in order to get the extra clearance off-road. You will find that you will lose acceleration, put your speedo out, reduce your braking efficiency and possibly get worse fuel consumption (depending at what speed you drive it). By fitting the larger tyres you are raising the overall gear ratio of the car. Despite this I live with the aforementioned 'down points' as ground clearance is of more importance to me. See if the tyre company will let you try a set before you buy. Copya.

Derek replied:

Wil. Most people think that by lowering their RPM for a given speed in top gear they will use less fuel. This may be true in some instances but I think in most instances the car will use more fuel as the engine is not running at it's 'sweet spot'. The engine is actually labouring slightly! If cars could run at a higher ratio the manufacturers would make them that way. Turbo 80 series have a taller 1st and 2nd gear than the n/a 1HZ but the other 3 gears are of the same ratio. A turbo 80 series is quicker away from the lights not just because of the extra power but because of the altered ratios that compliment the extra power. My 1HZ gives me around 12 ks per litre but with the speedo/odometer reading about 10% out it is difficult to say. I've stopped worrying about the car's fuel consumption as I figure I have to have the car. I would however panick if it suddenly worsened for no obvious reason. My brother owns a turbo 4.2 GU and we recently went to Rocky and back towing vans and both cars got nearly the same MPGs. If you do a bit of serious off-roading then I'd go for the 285's, but if most of your driving is on-road or easy off-road, then I'd stick with the proper tyre size. Hope this is of some help.