33"s with stock gearing?

[Clutch]

I pull about the same load as the OP (trailer 2-3 dirt bikes, and all the gear that goes with it) , except I have a manual trans. I tried 33's...too down on power for me personally, especially trying pull mountain passes in Colorado...used them for about 6 months then sold them. Went back to 32's..they seem like the best compromise...still even think it is a wee bit down on power in the high country. While the 3.4 is a fantastic little engine, it is a bit anemic to begin with. Not sure if it is worth the trouble (read cost) of regearing and such...to run a taller tire, when the off-road advantage is a minimal gain at best.

YMMV.

 

[climber-420]

Box, I guess your right. I was thinking of steeper grades over here in CO.

 

[Box Rocket]

I'm sure maintaining 70mph on steep high-elevation grades in CO would be a challenge. The canyons in Utah that I drive are pretty high, but might not be as steep as some of those. We drove some pretty good climbs last summer when we went to South Dakota. That was with my family of 6 in the truck and pulling a loaded trailer. Still pulled great with good speeds. The OP never asked about towing over steep passes, just whether or not he could go with 33's without re-gearing. From my experience, he most definitely can. Since his truck is an auto like mine, I would suggest turning off the overdrive while towing to help keep temps down and consider installing a transmission cooler.

 

[SIZZLE]

I had no problems with 285-75-16 on stock gears in my v6 Tacoma. I wanted to regear, but not bad enough to actually do it.

And everyone needs 33s. Except the guys with 33s, they need 35s...

 

[zidaro]

Do it, youll be fine and love it. Had 33x12.5's on my 96 taco with the 2.7L/4.10 and it was fine too

 

[cr500taco]

You should absolutely be fine....I ran 33's, both 9.5" and 11.5", on my 99 Taco 4WD 2.7 5spd....I had the stock 4.10s. I also ran 33's on several late-80s Toy 4WD PUs with 4cyl 5spd and 4.10s...No issues at all.

And besides, doesnt your 3.4 Auto have 4.30's stock?...If so, even better for 33's...

My understanding is that the stock ratio on the 3.4Ls is 4.10, also. But, I need to look into it to be sure.

 

[cr500taco]

Why do you need 33s? My 99 4runner 3.4 SC'd with stock gears it was fantastic to drive with 32s. 33s just took the edge off the braking, steering response and acceleration. Funny thing was I drove the exact same trails with both tires. Minimal advantage off road big sacrifice on road. No need to regear with 32s. Big cost savings better overall performance.

But less "cool" factor...

I've thought about 32s, but figured it would be nice to have the extra .5" of ground clearance, since I can.

 

[cr500taco]

Just curious, how does it drive with 31's? Seem to have plenty power? I just can't imagine your truck with 4:10's and a 3.4 being THAT much different in performance with 33's rather than 31's. I have had a rig with a
22RE and 35's that ripped, and I have had another rig with a 22RE that had a really hard time getting around on 33's.I think if you are getting around just fine with your current setup, you'll be fine going up a size. One last bit of comfort for you: Its alot easier to trade a set of 33's for 31's then the other way around. If it doesn't work out for you, put a trade up on Craigslist saying you'll trade for the right 31's and cash or whatever seems fair. Just my $ .02

I am very happy with the power even while towing the bikes and trailer. Could always use more power, but it's not needed for me. And yes you are correct that it's easier to trade the 33s for 31s. Will keep that in mind.

 

[cr500taco]

Where do you live? Is it flat or do you have to do a fair amount of climbing? What shape is your current engine in?
I think you would be OK, but there will be times you regret it. I ran my 03 DC with 255/85's on stock gearing for awhile before doing the regear. My trips to CO with a full load were miserable with stock gearing, but back in Austin, it was fine. However, when I started watching my transmission temps on just rolling hills, it made me want to get a regear even sooner.
I also ran my truck with the same lift with 265/75/16 (32") tires and that was about perfect.

I live in a valley and drive though hills and passes almost every day to and from work. But, when I go out for the day or weekends then I have quite a bit of hills and mountains to drive through.

 

[cr500taco]

So, so far it seems like that for a safe bet I can get away with 32s without re-gearing it. 33"s may be pushing it.

 

[Stone_Blue]

My understanding is that the stock ratio on the 3.4Ls is 4.10, also. But, I need to look into it to be sure.

I say 4.30's because I could swear once Toyota introduced the 3.0 mated with an AUTO trans, they generally used 4.30s for the V6/Auto combo, and 4.10s were pretty much for use with all the manual trannies...It seemed the 4.30s were ONLY used with the auto transmissions...And that they kept this up thru the 3.4 Tacos and 4Runners....But I AM a little hazy on it, as I never had an auto...All of my many Toys were 5spds and had 4.10s except for my current '00 Tundie which has a slushbox and 3.91s...

 

[p nut]

My understanding is that all 3rd gen 4Runners with a rear locker had 4.30. Rest were 4.10. Tacomas were different. Here is a list of codes that will most likely indicate your gearing:

http://www.brian894x4.com/Gearratiosanddiffs.html

 

[austintaco]

I live in a valley and drive though hills and passes almost every day to and from work. But, when I go out for the day or weekends then I have quite a bit of hills and mountains to drive through.

I would say stay with the 32's. You will be happier, IMO. You can probably find a set of 32" tires on your local CL for a good deal until you are ready to take the plunge to regear. I love the look of the 255/85/16's (tall 33") tires on my truck, but with the flippack, front and rear bumpers, sliders, tire carrier, and then loaded....I needed to get the re gear.

 

[Clutch]

I would say stay with the 32's. You will be happier, IMO. You can probably find a set of 32" tires on your local CL for a good deal until you are ready to take the plunge to regear. I love the look of the 255/85/16's (tall 33") tires on my truck, but with the flippack, front and rear bumpers, sliders, tire carrier, and then loaded....I needed to get the re gear.

That and being an auto, with a manny...you can "force" it to get more power...choose your shift points and what not. Believe the loss of power will be amplified with the auto-trans.

 

[Dave Bennett]

I ran 255/85R16's for YEARS before I re-geared. It was fine albeit a bit gutless. Moving up to 4.88's I have mucho power and better ratio in 4LO 1st gear. I really like the power.

I'd recommend 4.56 for most folks though. YMMV.