tire advice?

[erod]

Hey everyone, I have a quick question and I thought what better place to open it up to suggestions. I have a 2002 Taco with a Wildernest camper top on the back (see mods on my first post in this forum, sorry not yet sure how to link it). I recently added ride rite air bags to the rear giving me the added lift I was lacking with just new leaf spring packs. Currently, I am running 265/75/R16 Toyo all terrain but am desperately in the need for new shoes! Any thoughts on a little taller tire, possibly something a little thinner but a little taller that would still fit on the Taco with out extensive rubbing? I feel like since I put the lift on it would be nice to utilize larger tires for more clearance. Most of my driving is on roads however we run into a lot of deep snow and slippery ice in the winter and the occasional greasy mud hole in the summers. The 265/75 is 31.6x10.43, I know that a 255/85 is 33.1x10.03 (I think this maybe to tall), anything in between that anyone knows about or has experience with, or should I just stay with they 265/75? Thanks in advance to everyone! Cheers!

 

[Nullifier]

The 255 will be fine if you do not mind a little trimming in the fender well area. If you do not want to do any mods they I would stay where you are. I do no think there are many options other then a swamper that offer a 265/80 profile instead of the 265/75 you have now. You other option would be to put on a 15" wheel and go to a 33x10.50. The bfg runs 32.8 vs the 255 series at 33.1.

 

[erod]

Thanks nullifier, I just purchased 16 in AM mojave rims so going with 15 in rims isn't an option, but the 255/85 may be the way to go with some trimming. Unfortunately I don't think BFG makes that size in the AT...I know Cooper offers that size in a couple different models. In the summer we spend a lot of time on dirt roads as well, I would ideally like a tire that is suited for all types of terrain (who doesn't) and the Coopers (at least the SST) seem a bit aggressive (since I spend 85% of the time on pavement). I know there are a a number of threads on the forum regarding this issue but, other then a little higher clearance what are some of the other advantages/disadvantages to going with the larger tire?Thanks again for the reply, and thanks to anyone with input!:beer:

 

[crawler#976]

Erod

A 33" tire is pushing the envelope for stock R/P gears. Thats roughly a 7% change in effective overall ratio - or going from a 4.10 R/P to a 3.73 R/P. I think you might be a bit unhappy with the loss of performance...

Mark

 

[erin]

When I switched to the 255's, I lost 5th gear almost completely. If you have an auto trans, I don't think the loss is quite as great, except for the tranny hunting gears on the freeway on hills. Quite a few people hear with autos haven't really complained to much, so you might be ok then. But with my manual, a gear swap was in order, even with the 6 cyl. motor.
Just my 2 cents

 

[BajaTaco]

I would stay with the 265's unless you want to re-gear the differentials, correct the speedometer, and do the things required to clearance the 255's. Even with the basic clearancing methods, if you run the truck at any rate of speed besides mellow, you will still rub on compression. For a truck that sees mostly pavement and is loaded with a wildernest and gear, I think the 265's are the better choice.

 

[Scott Brady]

:iagree:

255's are an expensive jump. For a DD and moderate trail rig, I would recommend staying with the 265's, unless you have the $$$ for regearing and adding the front locker (for strength, and because you are in there).

Dunlop makes an AT style 255/85.

 

[7wt]

So erod, how do you like the Toyo AT's? What kind of mileage did you get from them? Good traction? I have a set of Revo's and I will probably end up going with another set soon but I am always looking for other options.

 

[erin]

Sorry, I forgot to mention I run the BFG MTs, not all terrain Toyos.

 

[erod]

You guys are great! Thanks for the advice, decision made! :beer:

 

[Nullifier]

Thanks nullifier, I just purchased 16 in AM mojave rims so going with 15 in rims isn't an option, but the 255/85 may be the way to go with some trimming. Unfortunately I don't think BFG makes that size in the AT...I know Cooper offers that size in a couple different models. In the summer we spend a lot of time on dirt roads as well, I would ideally like a tire that is suited for all types of terrain (who doesn't) and the Coopers (at least the SST) seem a bit aggressive (since I spend 85% of the time on pavement). I know there are a a number of threads on the forum regarding this issue but, other then a little higher clearance what are some of the other advantages/disadvantages to going with the larger tire?Thanks again for the reply, and thanks to anyone with input!:beer:

Some pro's other then clearence are larger contact patch when aired down for better traction, slightly better wear due to less revolutions, looks cool!

cons, higher unsprung wieght and rolling mass effecting mileage and drive train stress, more expense, higher center of gravity, additional body mods and possile drivetrain mods to work properly I.E regear pinch weld mod etc.

 

[erod]

Cool, thanks for the info nullifier...:beer:

 

[erod]

In case anyone hasn't already seen this, thought I would throw it out there. Great article, very informative...thanks again for everyone's input!
http://www.expeditionswest.com/research/white_papers/tire_selection_rev1.html

 

[7wt]

erod, so how about a report on the Toyo's?

 

[erod]

I'll post a report of the toyos and some new pics of the brand spankin' new BFG AT soon. Just got them yesterday, we recieved 5 in of snow in town that morning so it was a perfect day to test them out. I'll post a new thread shortly, cheers!