Tire Size Question

[musicmaan]

Hello all, I've got a 98 Tacoma 4banger, currently running 265 70 16s (31") I'm considering going up to the 265 75 16s (32"). Am I going to notice the extra inch in regards to gearing, or power loss climbing hills on the highway??

Thanx,

MM

 

[frgtwn]

The easy answer is yes, but of course it is all about how YOU feel. Most discussion on this subject agrees that, especially with a 4 cylinder, there will be a noticeable change. How much change is the question. You will notice it the most on hills, or pulling a lot of weight, or towing. Braking is affected, as well.

Have you thought about 235 85 16? It gives back a little in rolling resistance, can do some things better than 285, and also is a near 32.

I switched to 235s on my V6 '98, and noticed a very slight change in both pulling power and braking. The popular opinion is that going to 33s (like 255 85 16) is the threshold for a diff gear change.

Dale

 

[Applejack]

I would also add that it depends a lot on the specific tire you choose. Some tires are a lot more heavily constructed than others and you'd notice a difference in power/mileage even if you didn't change the overall size of the tire.

 

[Lichen]

I went from 31" to 32" on my '97 Tacoma 4-cyl. and didn't notice any difference except the speedo was a bit off.