2003 Tacoma Tire Size

[mountainpete]

Hi all,

Which would you choose?

255/85 R16 (the ExPo size!)
265/75 R16 (32")

Tires will be BFG Mud Terrains. Truck is an 03 Tacoma Doublecab.

Considerations:

1. Can't afford to regear anytime soon.
2. No room in the bed or on the roof so the spare tire has to be in the stock location.
3. Don't mind doing some minor trimming and removing front mud flaps.
4. The truck has Donahoe coilovers set to 2.5 and Demello 9 pack in the back.
5. Wife halted the custom spare tire holder/bumper dream.
6. Truck is not a daily driver, but it sees a good amount of city and highway driving.
7. ARB bumper and winch in the front.
8. Using the stock TRD wheels.

Let me know your thoughts - and why you voted the way you did!

Pete

 

[Jonathan Hanson]

Can't afford to regear anytime soon.

That was as far as I needed to read. With an automatic (standard on double cabs, correct?) and stock diffs I think you'd feel a significant loss in acceleration and low-range performance with the 255s.

 

[BajaTaco]

That was as far as I needed to read. With an automatic (standard on double cabs, correct?) and stock diffs I think you'd feel a significant loss in acceleration and low-range performance with the 255s.

Ditto. You can always get the 255's on the next go-around, which will give you a chance to save the funds for it. Another thing you might consider is checking to see what the actual diameters are of various tires you are considering. You might be able to get a little bit taller tire depending on brand, tread type, and even swapping your 16" wheels for 15".

 

[Scott Brady]

Me too... If you install 255/85's, regearing will be next. Trust me.

The 265/75 is a great size for a Tacoma used for exploration.

 

[datrupr]

I voted for the 265's also, because I remember that Scott is running the 255's, and he regeared because of it. Go with the 265's, I think you will be happy enough with them.

 

[Willman]

I voted for the 255....The regearing issue is not that bad....But it is something to save for!!! Regearing is next up on the mod list....i'm thinking 4.88 will do the thick....All in all.....i would not let gears drive you away from the 255....

:sombrero:

 

[mountainpete]

William,

Where do you keep you spare? And is it size matched?



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All - thanks! Please keep it coming!! :wings:

Pete

 

[erin]

The 255 spare will fit in the stock location, but the rearward tabs on the bracket must be shortened to allow the larger tire to move to the rear. it is tight, but mine clears everything just, I'm up against the back of my receiver hitch and about a 1/2" from exhaust pipe, but no heat issues yet.
I think you will notice the lack of gearing right away, I did, and mine's a manual. I don't think I used 5th gear for about six months after the new tires.
But now after the regear, the combination is outstanding!

 

[Dave]

I can't speak for the 255's, but I recently moved up to the 265's when I did a modest lift. There was a small bit of power loss, most noticeable loaded down along with a canoe on the roof at highway speeds in the hills. The gas mileage hit has been minimal, I'm still pushing upper 18's fully loaded with the canoe on the roof, that's a combination of highway driving and twisty two lane (lots of braking and then accelerating). Equally important, 4low still feels good.

Anything taller and I'd be getting quotes for a deeper gears.

 

[Bergger]

I also cast my vote for the 265's. I have them now with SAWs and an OME set up. Like the previous post, power lose is very very minimal and I did not notice a drop in mileage. I am completely happy. You may also want to look at the Firestone Destination M/T. I think it is a great mud tire. It also has the UNI-T for better wet handling on the pavement. They wear nice and look good too. I have been completely satisfied with them.

 

[p1michaud]

Tire sizes

Hi all,

Which would you choose?

255/85 R16 (the ExPo size!)
265/75 R16 (32")

Pete,
I've been contemplating tire sizes for a long long time now and feel that the 265/75 R16 is one of the best choices especially if you won't be re-gearing. The others have already said it.

Currently, I purchased a spare front diff from a fellow TTORA member witht he hoppes of installing an ARB in the future. This diff has 4.30 gears in it compared to my stock 4.10 gears. I also have access to a set of 4.30 for the rear e-locker when the time comes. I've made up my mind that it will be either the 32 x 11.5 R15 or the 265/75 R16. I'd prefer the 265/75 R16 because it's narrower, but that means that I'd have to buy new wheels. The 32" x 11.5 R15 may pose some rubbing issues with OEM wheels and that's whay I prefer the 265/75 R16 option. For my application, I feel that the 4.30 gears with 32" tire is the best combo.

I don't think that you will be dissapointed with the 265/75 R16 tires.
Cheers :beer:,
P

 

[beerhiker]

265s because thats what Im going to be going with as soon as I get my DR and Deaver setup (04 D-Cab). Seems to be the most economical way to do it and still have a great daily driver and good trail explorer.

 

[oly884]

I find it funny that so many have said that regearing is a big one for the 255's.

Sure, with them on my truck it IS slower, but it doesn't bother me at all. I've never felt the need to regear my truck.

 

[flyingwil]

I find it funny that so many have said that regearing is a big one for the 255's.

Sure, with them on my truck it IS slower, but it doesn't bother me at all. I've never felt the need to regear my truck.

:iagree:

I have the 255's without regearing. The only issues I have with it is on the freeway at about 75+ MPH. At slower speeds I do not notice the difference.

You'll see the difference in the speedometer, though, and gas mileage will decrease some (~2MPG).

 

[BajaTaco]

You can't miss that which you haven't had Put those gears in for a while, and then go back to stock, and you'd be crying like a tot who's cookie was taken away...