Newb checking in

[Lilbluerunner]

Just wanted to introduce myself. I am new to the expo world but not new to wheeling. I usually hang out over at Pirate4x4 but for this build I am going for daily driver/camping/expo rig. My truck is a '10 Tacoma Access cab 4wd. The OME lift should be here tomorrow and once I get it installed I will be buying 255/85r16 Cooper S/T Maxx.

Anyone have any firsthand experience with this combo? I don't really want to run KM2 just because I do DD this and I dont feel like spending $1k+ just to wear them out on my commute. I could find 285s cheaper and easier but I want to run the stock wheels and I feel the 285s are too wide. How many miles are you guys getting out of your S/T Maxx?

 

[tanglefoot]

Welcome!

The S/T MAXX is definitely a popular and satisfying tire. Have a look at this thread, among others:

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/59755-Cooper-Discoverer-S-T-Maxx?highlight=Cooper+MAx

 

[conifers4]

Welcome to the forum from a Jeep guy

 

[Lilbluerunner]

It sounds like the Coopers will work just fine. If they made a 265/80r16 I would be stoked. I like the factory width but don't want to deal with a super wide tire on a factory rim that rubs.

I called the local Discount Tire and they can order them in for me. Four 255/85R16 mounted, lifetime rotate/balance plus road hazard/free flat fix is $1117 out the door. What are you guys paying for them in your area?

 

[01tundra]

I've ran a lot of popular brand tire over the years and I rate the Cooper S/T maxx's right up there with some of the best I've experienced.

I just got my 235/85R16's for $783.76 out the door (for four tires) at our local Discount Tire. I did get some credit for three of my Duratracs though, basically $20/tire. No road hazard on them.

 

[Lilbluerunner]

Well you guys convinced me. I ordered the Cooper S/T maxx in a 255/85/16 yesterday. :wings:
I got my OME lift yesterday too. Now I just have to wait til my buddy finds the time to let me take it to his shop to install it.

 

[Ratman1979]

Well you guys convinced me. I ordered the Cooper S/T maxx in a 255/85/16 yesterday. :wings:
I got my OME lift yesterday too. Now I just have to wait til my buddy finds the time to let me take it to his shop to install it.

Will you do a gear swap too with that size tire?

 

[Lilbluerunner]

No it is only a 6% increase in tire size.
From what I have read online here and other sources I can switch from 87 to 91 octane fuel and make up the difference.

 

[Ratman1979]

Sounds good. Seems like half of the build threads I've read have swapped gears when stepping up to a 33 inch tire. Most of them also added a fair bit of weight so perhaps that is behind the gears too.

 

[Lilbluerunner]

I can't justify the cost of a gear swap right now. Maybe once I get it loaded up with all my gear I might be changing my tune. The only gear ratio I have seen available other than the stock 4.10s has been 4.88s. I think that would be too low for highway cruising and 33s and my mileage would suffer even more. Maybe I am wrong. I usually average about 18 +/- .5mpg with the stock tires and 87 octane fuel since I bought it Dec '13. I switched to 91 octane this morning and will see if it improves the mileage like I have seen reported online. I am going to try to get the lift installed this weekend. My shackle bushings should be here today for the Dakar rear leaf springs and tires should show up sometime this week. :wings:

 

[Lilbluerunner]

Well I got my OME lift installed yesterday. Still the factory size tires on it but that will be remedied this week with some Cooper 255/85R16 S/T Maxx. I want to have the alignment checked first.

First impression is it's worth every penny. Rides much better than stock. It floats right over bumps and mismatches in the pavement.

Total lift is about 3.5" but I am sure it will settle a bit.

 

[Dos Cylindros]

Looks good. How much lift did you gain, and did you use a diff drop?

 

[Lilbluerunner]

No diff drop. Lift is advertised as 50mm front and 55mm rear. I gained 3.5" total lift in the front. I forgot to measure the rear pre lift. Oops. I would guess that it lifted the rear about the same as the front though. I'm sure it will settle an inch or so.

 

[Wainiha]

I guess if you're on Pirate you already know. But, have you looked at the CV boots? I think they will rub at 3.5 lift.

Mine rubbed at 2.5" lift on a 2000 Tacoma. When they tore, I rebooted them using the boot slide mod.

 

[Lilbluerunner]

The OME lift is only advertised as 2". I have no doubt that it is going to settle in the next week or so.

The TG SAS lift for my '88 Runner was the same way. It was probably 2" higher at first then once I wheeled it a couple of times the springs settled and is where it should be.

I am new to Tacomas though and didn't know about the CV boot issue with lifts over 3". I will go measure lift height again today after driving it about 40 miles yesterday. I noticed I have a vibration from about 20-30 mph. I did install the driveline spacer and will check all bolts to make sure everything is still tight.


I went out and measured and they are sitting at 2.25" lift in the front from stock measurement.