L663 Defender

Land Rover Defender Wheel & Tyre Guide — L663 90, 110, 130

Land Rover Defender L663 on aftermarket alloy wheels parked on a driveway.

What this guide covers

  • Which wheel diameters make sense on a Defender
  • How to think about offsets and tyre sizing without the jargon
  • Quick checks so you don’t buy the wrong thing
  • Our recommended wheels you can order today

Factory Sizes at a Glance

Most Defender L663 trims ship on one of these:
255/70 R18
255/65 R19
255/60 R20
275/45 R22

Pick your diameter — what changes in the real world

20 inch - the daily sweet spot

  • Good steering feel and stability
  • Easy tyre availability in road and mild AT patterns
  • Works nicely on 110 and 130 for mixed use

22 inch - road presence and response

  • Sharper steering, firmer feel
  • Best for mostly tarmac use
  • Choose OE-equivalent load ratings, no compromises

18 inch - more sidewall, more comfort

  • Better ride and protection off-tarmac
  • Tyre choice for proper all-terrain builds
  • Check brake clearance on your specific car

Why the brake note at all
Some Defenders have larger front calipers. Most 20s and 22s clear with no drama. 18s can be fine too, but you should confirm clearance for the exact wheel design. That’s it - no need to obsess.


Offsets and rubbing - keep it simple

  • Offset (ET) controls how far the wheel sits in or out.
  • Too far out and you’ll spray road grime and risk arch contact.
  • Too far in and you may touch liners on full lock.

The fix isn’t magic spacers - it’s picking the right ET for the wheel width and tyre you want. Ask us if you’re unsure.

Our wide-arch fitment tip

Running the wide arch kit on standard 18 inch wheels
We recommend a 15 mm spacer on each corner. It fills the arches properly, improves inner-liner clearance at lock, and keeps the stance consistent without going aggressive.

Important

  • Use hub-centric spacers, not universal discs.
  • Fit extended wheel bolts/studs matched to the spacer thickness.
  • Clean hub faces, torque wheels in a star pattern, then re-torque after 50–100 miles.
  • Check arch coverage - tyres should not protrude past the flare.
  • Note
    This advice is for OE 18 inch wheels + wide arches. 20s and 22s often don’t need spacers. If you change wheel width or offset, re-evaluate before adding spacers.


Tyre size basics - what actually matters

  • Overall diameter affects speedo and arch clearance.
  • Width is the usual rub culprit at full lock.
  • Want the “tough” look without headaches
    • Aim for a mild diameter increase and avoid going overly wide.
    • A narrower tall tyre often clears better than a short wide one.

Quick pre-buy checklist

  1. Note your current tyre code and wheel size
  2. Confirm your brake option from the service menu or build sheet
  3. Decide your use case - road, mixed, or touring
  4. Pick diameter, then tyre, then offset
  5. Book alignment and re-torque after 50-100 miles

Shop wheels for L663 - in stock

Wolfrace 71 Wolfsburg GTR — 20 inch

Clean multi-spoke look, ideal for daily 110 and 130 builds. Pair with 275/55 R20 for quiet motorway manners.
View producthttps://pro-van.shop/products/wolfrace-71-wolfsburg-gtr-alloy-wheels

Wolfrace 71 Venom — 20 inch

Sharper spokes with big-brake visibility and easy cleaning. Great with a road-bias tyre.
View producthttps://pro-van.shop/products/wolfrace-71-venom-alloy-wheels

New arrivals
We’re adding more fitments — including Riviera — to give you broader style and finish options. If you want first dibs, tell us your Defender model and preferred size.


FAQ

Do I need spacers
Prefer a wheel with the right offset. If you must run spacers, use hub-centric ones and re-torque.

Will 22s ruin the ride
No, but they are firmer. Tyre choice and pressures matter more than internet myths.

Can I run a taller tyre for comfort
Yes, within reason. Keep diameter gains modest and don’t go too wide if you want zero-rub.

What about TPMS and MOT
TPMS must work, and tyres shouldn’t stick past the arches. Load and speed ratings must meet or beat stock.

Not sure which size or offset is right
Message us with your model, current tyre code, and how you use the car — we’ll recommend a wheel and tyre combo that looks right and fits right, with no rubbing surprises.

→ Contact us


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