New 6.5" wide wheels for 100TD and Bridgestone 661 or M880

Willie

No but a mate of mine put standard splits back on his cruiser a few years ago and fitted them with Bandags 14 ply and they sure did have vertical sidewalls.

His truck turned into a bit of a steamroller and was pretty uncomfortable to ride in, but flats were history.

Another downside is that if you get in the soft stuff and let the air out it doesn't seem to make much difference - bit like a "run flat" on a motor bike - they just seemed to stay up. Everyman's dream!!!

But for gibber deserts, fantastic tyre and unstoppable in jam country when other vehicles are popping their radials at regular intervals.

I recall one day in the Gibson with three vehicles and 9 flats, but the Bandag beast was unscathed with the owners drinking beer under a tree.

John G

Hi Willie,

The Bridgestone 661 is a well constructed tyre which gets used a bit around South Aus, but does chip out too easily on the outback stony roads. Don't know about the M880.

If I were you, I'd consider the Goodyear MTRs in 235/85R16 or 265/75R16.
Also, the Toyo M55F are also meant to be a good tyre in the 235/85R16 size, but the above tyres are expensive.

The better cheaper tyre for outback roads are the Kelly AWR, in either the 235/85R16 or 265/75R16.

And contary to popular opinion, you may find that lowering tyre pressures actually reduces staking of tyres.

Cheers
Phil

G'day Willie,
After living in the Pilbara for nearly 12 years, I too am a big fan of the skinny tyre.
I also have a 100 series TD and have been running 6.5" rims from new in 2002.
The tyre placard lists 235/85 16's as an option for the TD and with the large positve rim offset, Toyota were the only place I could get them from for the IFS. They had to come from Japan, special order and took the usual three months. They are very similar to the standard, original 8" steel rim in looks. You don't want to know the price for six of the buggers though.
Anyway, I run a Bridgestone V-Steel, 10 ply rated, 235/85 16 tyre and my last set of six were good for 100 000 kms over two vehicles. These tyres are great for our sharp rock conditions with major earth moving contractors, government depts and Hamersley Iron using them, to name a few. Also good on the highway. I normally run them around 40psi but as they're good for 80psi, depending on the rear load and conditions, I've had them everywhere between 60 and 20 psi. Just finished doing 5700kms in the Kimberley and CSR. For our conditions, which sound similar to yours, they are the ducks guts.
Cheers
Jayson
Karratha WA

link Bridgestone 661

Have run 661's for 18months, good tyre. did have chipping on rear tyres only on strez track. Assuming it was caused by excessive pressure in rear tyres. Fronts didn't chip at all. Was well loaded and had 45 in the rears and 35 in the fronts.
Cheers Peter and Lez

Thanks to all you guys for the great info :
John LG , Phil G , Jayson , Banjodog , Peterand Davoe .
I went down to see my Toyota dealer . He quoted me 15 days delivery from Japan for 16 x 6.5 steel rims from Japan at $218 plus GST each .
I have to find out how much it will cost to have them welded up from second hand wheels .
Cheers