3FE gear questions

[OneTime]

Road report: Today I drove the truck for the first time on an extended road trip. I went from Phoenix to Palm Springs and back in a day, 600 miles. It was the first time I had the veh on the highway. other than a few trips back and forth the Flagstaff.

Last week I went to flag and it was a dog. I need to do something!. Today I was able to hold average on 73 MPH and about 2300 rpm, but it was consant work to keep that speed and never felt relaxed. Always watching speedo and keeping pressure on the gas.

I made a observation. I was passed by three stock 80s on the trip. Two FJZ80s and one FJ80. All passed me in the fast lane cruising with traffic at over 80MPH. I made me realize just how much the 33x12.50 MTs are slowing me down. They need to go.

Can I got to something in a 16 rim what would be about 32x10? I dont want to go as small as 31, but may have to. I'd also like to be able to stow my spare underneath and ditch my rear tire carrier. I know most guys would say Im crazy, but Im in and out of the back a lot and its a PITA. What would parts and labor be for a shop to do a re-gear?

Last note: None of the drivers of the stock 80 even looked over to when they passed another 80. It was like we were both driving Coronas. Not Cool.

 

[Pskhaat]

My FZJ80 don't like 70+mph either. Dunno if it is the 33s or not. To answer your question, a 265/75r16 is a ubiquitous size and stands a little taller than a 31.

As I mentioned in an earlier thread you could consider a 235/85r16 which is theoretically yet a hair taller but much narrower, you may need however 16x7" wheels off a 4Runner or Tundra to account for the narrower size, 265s may be a good bet.

 

[OneTime]

I have been looking around for other wheels. I want to get rid of the cheezy chrome rims the PO put on. While in school for the next year I will be driving around town in Phnx and can cruise at 65mph fine. At the end of the year I think I'll upgrade and go to a 16" rim. There are a ton of used tire shops around south Phoenix. I should be looking for a 6 lug 16x7?

 

[Hltoppr]

Stock FJ80 wheel/tire size was 235/75R15s....only the US market got the aluminum wheel 31x10.50R15s....

Why go with a 16" wheel? There are no brake rotor clearance issues, and really no performance gain, other than maybe getting a tire that's load rated to E, but then you'd lose all advantage of the smaller tires with the weight of the cruiser if it were loaded so that would be necessary.

The FJ80 suffers on hills and altitude. I wouldn't be afraid of going with a 31" tire. I had no issues whatsoever with clearance, and with an OME 2" lift providing enought flex to keep the tires in contact with the ground....never needed lockers for my expedition style travels....

My advice...having "been there done that"...sell the 33s and wheels and get a set of 31s on stock aluminum wheels...should be easy to find on IH8MUD.

-H-

 

[OneTime]

Hltoppr, Ok you about sold me on the 31"s. I think I'll look around for some 31's on CL to give them a shot. Would a 31x10 fit underneath? Thinking of ditching the rear tire carrier.

I still like the look of the bigger tire, but I guess that would require a regear to get the performance I want. I do want to get different wheels anyhow. The chrome after market wheels I have stink. I have been looking around for some steelies. What backspacing do I need? (Like I know what backspacing is....haven't a clue.)

 

[Pskhaat]

Why don't you find a set of the OEM wheels? Great design and looks and 15" should be easy find.

 

[OneTime]

I've seen a ton of 15" plain grey steel wheels around at used tire shops. I like the look of simple grey steel. But I guess the aluminum would be lighter and suit my needs better. I'll look on Mud.