Pajero Owners Club of South Africa

I can get hold of a set of steel rims off a Pajero 3.2 GLX. I know they are 16" and have a width of 6J which I think means the maximum tyre width will be a 235/85-16. Is this correct?

My reasoning is that I am under the impression from what I have read that the 235/85-16 is somewhat more affordable than the current 31/10.50-15 that I am currently using. I also think that 16" tyres are easier to get hold of in remote places or am I incorrect here? I will probably go for Cooper ST's ( which I have and am happy with them ) or Maxxis tyres. I intend to keep the vehicle for a long time so buying 16" tyres if they are cheaper makes sense to me.

I would also prefer steel rims to the current alloys I currently have ( which I will sell ) but the only other option is the spoker type Smiths rim which I do not like.

Will the narrower tyres look odd and will this affect gearing? How will they affect off road ability ?Has anyone done this?
I am due to replace my tyres soon and wonder if this is a good move or rather to leave well alone and continue with the standard sizes.
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1999 Mitsubishi Pajero 2.8

Andre,

In my opinion the 16" GLX rims are the ugliest rims ever fitted to a Pajero.
I think only the Tata Zenon has uglier rims, but that's my opinion.

I think 15" tyres are the easiest and cheapest to get hold of anywhere.

The best might be to phone a few suppliers and get comparative quotes.

Andre, be aware that Gen 3 rims don't readily fit Gen 2s, because of the following:

1) The center bore hole on the Gen 3 is much smaller than on the Gen 2, so the rims don't fit over the hubs.
2) The rim offset is much greater on the Gen 3, so without spacers the Gen 3 rims would significantly narrow the wheel width when fitted to a Gen 2 and the tyres might touch the body.

Thanks guys. I guess I will leave the Pajero as standard then. I had not even thought of things like rim offset but then I guess I do not need to know things like that when there are veritable founts of knowledge amongst us!
You are right in that they are not the prettiest of rims, are they?
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Mitsubishi Pajero 2.8

I am of the opinion that one of the main factors contributing to the softness of modern 4x4's is the move to bigger rims. The only reason for big rims is to provide space for bigger brakes and improve roadholding on the tarmac (oh and the bling factor)

15" wheels are more suited to offroad conditions, and provide better overall comfort (softer ride)

It is not really about the rim size, but rather the tyre aspect ratio that can be accomodated. Some of the most well respected hard 4x4s such as the Series Landies, Defender, Land Cruiser 60/70/80 Series and Y61 Patrol all run on 16" rims. They all allow the fitment of tyres with a reasonably high aspect ratio; I run 285/75R16s on the Patrol on the standard suspension (still saving for XGS). The load rating of a 16" tyre is more than that of a 15" of equivalent OD.

I hear what you are saying, though and I think you are referring to the likes of the Disco 3 and 4, new Prado and Merc GL where perhaps 17" rims are the smallest that fit, but there is not enough space for a 75% aspect ratio tyre.