Gday syncronauts,
A revelation, I think.
Re: .............
""""""--- In
Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com, "Ken" <unclekenz@...>
wrote:
>
>
> Gday Mark,
>
> Based on what I've gleaned, my view is that it's not possible to
modify
> an existing clamshell to fit an inflated 215 75 15 wheel and still
> retain the all important and already limited clearance approach angle
> underneath. So in short ........ no.""""""
UPDATE:
Given all the interest and posts on this topic, I decided to get down
and dirty today (it was raining outside anyway) and eyeball the spare
wheel holder vicinity. As they say, if you want a job done properly, do
it yourself. So now it seems to me, most of the info I've previously
"gleaned" online is in fact a load of old cobblers.
What I'm about to say may not be as momentous as when Les revealed here
recently about the availability of an Oz manufactured and sourced ring
and pinion gear but heh ... I reckon it's up there somewhere!
Firstly, let me be clear on this. I'm referring to the Australian
square-ish clamshell/skidplate, not the lightweight USA circular
clamshell.
So what I'm saying here is that .... yes, merely with the aid of a 100mm
electric grinder and several hours hard yakka, some but not all 15"
deflated tyres on rims WILL fit in the clamshell. This is with no
modifications nor adjustments to it nor clearance issues with the
steering rod nor loss of approach angle. All good, as long as you've
selected the right profile 15" tyre that will fit or perhaps even a
lower profile tyre on a 16" rim.
Good news I think for syncro owners generally, not good news for
manufacturers and retailers of rear wheel carriers nor those who've
already paid top dollars buying one, especially from overseas. Then
again, if you do have a rear wheel carrier, means now there is the
option to carry a second matching spare wheel or tyre for outback
touring.
The two critical criteria for this to work is the overall diameter and
width of the deflated tyre. Diameter size determines whether or not the
tyre can fit between the two fore/aft structural beams which, if you
take a look, have already been factory trimmed to allow room for the
tyre diameter. This is where I used the grinder to trim off more
material and on a more even curve, this is what's needed for this
project to be successful. More on that later. Now the width of the tyre
determines whether or not it can actually fit in the storage space
height and crucially, achieve clearance off the steering rod.
So now to the 3 tyres tested. For those interested, if your tyre isn't
mentioned here, you'll need to check your own to see if you are "in with
a chance" of similar success. May I suggest you report back here your
findings for the benefit of us all.
Best fit (easiest) was BF Goodrich All-Terrain T/A LT215/75 R15. This
should please lots of Oz syncro owners.
Next best fit (larger diameter but still ok) was Dunlop Adventurer
GR78-15LT (8 ply). Probably rare these days.
Failed to fit (my present tyres) was Goodyear Wrangler AT/R 215/75 R15.
Tyre is too wide to clear steering rod.
For those wanting to check their tyre dimensions first, lay the tyre
flat on a level surface, a rough rule of thumb guide for success would
be a deflated tyre diameter no more than 704mm and not more than 208mm
overall width to clear the steering rod. Expect that different brand
tyres have different profiles in the 215 75 15 size, so at the end of
the day, the real acid test after checking the tyre is to then eyeball
the project and depending what you decide, tackle the grinding, refit
the tyre a few times as you go to see how things are progressing until
you are satisfied with the fit.
A tip is, after each time you do some more grinding and you then want to
check progress, reinsert the tyre, juggle it around for best fit, push
the clamshell up and see if you can get the clamshell onto the catch. If
so, there is room to grab the steering rod on the side and juggle it
back and forth to check for clearance. If it's clear, screw the bolt
home in stages, check a few times to see if clearance is still ok. If
you find there is a small amount of drag on the steering rod you think
you can live with, just apply a smear of rubber grease to the steering
rod where the tyre sidewall is touching and check again. A case of suck
it and see. If you decide their is some tyre drag but not a lot, try
lowering the clamshell on the fixing bolt using a few steel packing
washers, maybe 5-10 mm total will do, this may be enough to get
clearance. In which case, you should also add equivalent packing to the
clamshells left and right bump upstands.
If all else fails, plan to buy a set of 15" BFG All Terrains or
equivalents.
To get an idea of the area I'm referring to that needs additional
grinding, go to the photos that Bill has posted today and look for the
photo called "spare wheel carrier modifications t3 004". On the inside
of the structural beam, you can see where the factory shaping has been
done to accommodate the tyre diameter. That shaping is what needs
grinding back further on both beams and also removing any daggy steel
bits intruding. Finally, check for and round off any sharp metal edges
and paint the exposed bare steel with protective paint. I use POR 15,
the best.
I stress, for the relatively small amount of additional grinding
involved, this in no way compromises the structural integrity of the
beams.
Hope this is of some assistance. Any queries, please fire away.
Cheers.
Ken