15" rims vs 17"

[MattKoch]

I have a 2000 tacoma with 15" rims and manual hubs. I might be able to pick up a brand new set of oem 17" with new tires on the cheap side but was wondering if there would be any advantage to switching ? Im only really considering changing cause my 31's are getting a little worn out . I also feel like I see 255/75.r17" tires off jeeps on Craigs list for cheep all the time which I think would be a sweet tire to run on a Taco.

Many thanks!

 

[Clutch]

More tire choices for one thing. Believe the backspacing is greater on the late model 17" rims, might have to run spacers.

 

[MotoDave]

15" tire sizes seem to be getting limited, I think 16" is the sweet spot for now. Lots of size choices that are not that expensive.

I was shocked how much more expensive 17" tires for my Tundra were tahn the 15" for my older T100. Forget about it with the stock 18" wheels.

 

[MattKoch]

More tire choices for one thing. Believe the backspacing is greater on the late model 17" rims, might have to run spacers.

good point..... I've heard they fit fine with stock tires but thats just from using the search bar..... not sure at all on how big you can go.

 

[Clutch]

good point..... I've heard they fit fine with stock tires but thats just from using the search bar..... not sure at all on how big you can go.

I can't recall how big you can go with 17's. I looked into it, from what I remember I couldn't run the size I wanted without spacers, and ..I didn't want to run spacers. As MotoDave said, 16's are the sweet spot...usually can find take offs for $100 or so.

 

[MattKoch]

maybe better to pass up the 17" then..... Tires are getting way to expensive now a days as it is.

 

[Clutch]

maybe better to pass up the 17" then..... Tires are getting way to expensive now a days as it is.

Not sure why the larger the rim size, the more expensive the tire is....there is less rubber.

 

[p nut]

MPG will most likely go down as well. I'd get 16's or stick to 15's. Still plenty of good options. Only reason I'd get 17's is if going 35's.

 

[troyboy162]

making the switch from 16" to 15" myself right now. The tires are much cheaper for 15". I save $90-$120 per tire in 35's.The choices are slim, but all the normal choices are there.

 

[MattKoch]

Thanks for all the input! looks like ill be running on 31"s for some time longer.

 

[JCMatthews]

Stick with the 15s, and run 33 X 10.5 BFGs Ats. They are a great tire and a lot cheaper that anything that fits on a 17" rim.

 

[p nut]

Stick with the 15s, and run 33 X 10.5 BFGs Ats. They are a great tire and a lot cheaper that anything that fits on a 17" rim.

Why would you suggest 33's for a guy currently on 31's? I don't think he mentioned needing 33's, much less having suspension upgrades to accommodate them.

 

[Clutch]

Thanks for all the input! looks like ill be running on 31"s for some time longer.

31's are fine...you can fit 32's on a stock suspended 1st gen Taco too.

Maybe just keep your eye out for second hand tires. I just scored at set 32" BFG AT's with "maybe" 1000 miles on them for half for what they go for new.
Was looking for something else on craigslist and I found them...and jumped on them. The seller said he had about 30 calls on them by the time I got there to pick them up...I must of saw at as soon as he posted...pure dumb luck it was.

 

[JCMatthews]

Why would you suggest 33's for a guy currently on 31's? I don't think he mentioned needing 33's, much less having suspension upgrades to accommodate them.

Wow! I wasn't looking for a fight. Calm down and breath through your nose. The suggestion is just that, a suggestion. 33s would most likely fit, still tuck under the fenders, not effect the gearing, and give one inch of ground clearance over the 31s. They are also not as wide as 32s. Cost wise they will also be very close. I also made the suggestion because they are only available for 15" rims which he has. They are a great mild up grade for a stock rig.

 

[p nut]

Wow! I wasn't looking for a fight. Calm down and breath through your nose. The suggestion is just that, a suggestion. 33s would most likely fit, still tuck under the fenders, not effect the gearing, and give one inch of ground clearance over the 31s. They are also not as wide as 32s. Cost wise they will also be very close. I also made the suggestion because they are only available for 15" rims which he has. They are a great mild up grade for a stock rig.

Wasn't trying to be antagonistic. But it is silly to be suggesting someone go 33's when they don't fit a stock rig, take away from MPG and a significant decrease in performance. (Accel, braking, etc). 33's might fit Tundras, but not Taco's without a lift or some body trimming. Even then, I doubt he even needs tires that big. Upgrade is only an upgrade when there are benefits.