I need help on picking a tire size!

[1leg]

I have been going back and forth for 3 days now on what size and i just can't make up my mind.
I know I want BFG M/T
255/85/16 or 235/85/16
Price is a factor 255-1100+ & 235-900+
As few miles I drive a year, 1100+ for tires doesn't bother me to much if they last 25-35000 miles i will have them for 3-4 years.

Answers to some question you might ask.
This is not a daily driver.
I wouldn't need a lift for the 255.
I will use a second set of stock steel 7" wide rims.
No i won't be doing a gear change for a year or more. 255 only
I wouldn't need a gear change with the 235.
Loss of power on Highway is not a big issue for me. I drive slow already.
Gas mileage is important.
Fill free to ask me question.

 

[BigAl]

They are so close in size, forget the pros and cons for a second and go with the ones you like. IMO, bigger is better

 

[Funrover]

I had the 235 85 for a long haul I loved them They got me over many a trail and through a lot of bad weather... I like narrow tires though.. I would say 235

 

[Pskhaat]

235s are a classic size, but you'll maybe want narrower rims, no? Also, I hate to say it (as they look perfectly large on larger Rovers) is that they may look a touch small on your Jeep?

I vote 255s without second thought, Jeep would look great with that.

 

[Redline]

The 255/85R16 is simply a terrific tire size for many 4x4s and trucks. It was never the most popular size and it continues to loose ground to wider tires and taller wheels.

235s should be fine on 7-inch wheels, that was stock Ford wheel size for years on F250/F350s with 235/85R16s.

Scott makes a good point, 235s (and 265s too) can look a little small on some rigs where the 255/85 is both attractive and functional.

Some 255s and some sway-bar disconnects should do wonders for that little Jeep ☺

 

[86cj]

I have found the tall skinny sidewall of the 235-85 requires alot of air (close to 85psi) to give any decent road handling and ride suffers. Go for the 255's...

I said the same thing about regearing..(My year has been three) If you have an auto it's liveable for a while..(I run 285's with 3:73)

 

[durango_60]

Why don't you buy some take off Rubi rims and tires?

 

[KevinNY]

Neither, 285/75-16s.

 

[Pskhaat]

Neither, 285/75-16s.

Too wide though?

 

[Redline]

True, but tires are a big expense for most people who can't afford to have a few sets. Hence all the thoughts, questions, and discussion.

I would just like to say for this, and the majority of other tire threads... "They're just <expletive> tires...!"

Either size you get, you're going to find a situation that will make you think "this would have been better if I had the other tire" - and those will be the only situations you take notice because the rest of the time will be seamless.

Just pull the trigger and rock what ya got.

 

[kcowyo]

285/75's....Too wide though?

Too wide for what? I run them on my 7" wide Toyota rims and have for years. Snow, mud, sand, dirt, ice, rocks, pavement.... No worries.

I also prefer the look and stability of a 285 on my wider T100, than a tall 'n skinny tire. My tires have never limited where I can go.

Rarely will you hear someone running under a 35" tire say, "I wish I'd bought a smaller tire." Go for the 255's.

 

[Schattenjager]

My next set will probably be the 255/85 There have been numerous occasions I could have used the extra .8" of ground clearance - never mind the longer footprint.

I really love the 235's I have now - AWESOME in snow and gooey dirt - they track very well on the road.

Maybe I'll save my $ and keep the 235's for daily stuff and get the 255's in MT's...

Yeah......... :jumping:

 

[1leg]

Just ordered 255/85/16 BFG MT. should be mounted Wednesday. 4Wheel parts was the only place that could get them for me this week. plus they had a $60 off coupon. so the ended up cheaper then discount tire. I will post pics after install

73
JD