Tires

[Cackalak Han]

Well your 500" certainly trumps any I've covered, and yes larger tread pattern more weight distribution. The 265 is 31.54 X 10.75 and the 295 is 33.27 X 11.73 while not a huge difference it does add up, not to mention these tires won't even fit on a stock taco (not that has any bearing on the weight distribution). But damn 500" I'd take your advice on most things snow but I guess everyone has their own opinions. But like I said when it cam to snow I'd trust what you had to say. Not to mention these aren't rock rigs sporting 36's swampers going for snow runs either.

Aaron

I'm no snow expert by any means, but have had my fair share of blizzards up the canyons. But what I was talking about was packed snow on the roads, not any deep stuff. In the deep, yes, that larger tire definitely makes a difference. In the packed snow conditions, really doesn't make as much difference. For instance, I feel the 265/70/16 stock Rugged Trails SUCKED compared to my current 235/85/16 BFG KO's. The compound, tread, etc. plays more of a role than the size of the tire. Actually, for the ultimate packed snow grip, studded snow tires can't be beat.

 

[xcmountain80]

The rugged trail sucks period no matter what the heck it is. They came on both my wifes and her father and brothers explorers and what a shyt tire.

Aaron

 

[TacoTraveler]

I'm on 285/75 Nitto TG's right now - great choice, 265/75 next.
32x11.5 Mud Rovers in the past - loud but effective.
255/85/16 Maxxis Bighorns in the past - Great mud tire, if I need MT's again i'll get the bighorns, easy choice.

How was the tread wear on the Mud Rovers?
What did you think about the tread wear on the Bighorns?

 

[TacoTraveler]

I had a thought today...
For the price of buying new tires I could actually regear to 4.56 gears to take care of my power and gas mileage problem and do a 1" Roger Brown body lift to take care of the rubbing.
The only problem that would remain is the shaking that gets more intense the faster I go. At 70mph it is almost uncomfortable.
Do you think this would be a good option aside from the shaking?
Would a regear for some reason help the shaking?

 

[BLKNBLU]

I had a thought today...
For the price of buying new tires I could actually regear to 4.56 gears to take care of my power and gas mileage problem and do a 1" Roger Brown body lift to take care of the rubbing.
The only problem that would remain is the shaking that gets more intense the faster I go. At 70mph it is almost uncomfortable.
Do you think this would be a good option aside from the shaking?
Would a regear for some reason help the shaking?

I don't think that will help your MPG problem. Power, yes. If I've got it wrong one of the engineers here can straighten me out but I think you get less efficiency with the lower gears. i.e. your engine has to turn 4.5 times for one tire revolution instead of 4.1 times. It feels better in the get up and go area but at the expense of fuel efficiency. If your main concern is the rub, you could try the body lift and see how it goes, especially if the tires are relatively new and selling them would mean taking a hit. Also, it just occured to me that you might not be taking the MPG hit that you think. Your rig is traveling further with each tire revolution than the odometer is set up for so you might need to figure out the conversion to see what your MPG actually is. In theory you should have the best of both worlds now, running the taller 33 inch tire on the higher 4.10 gearing that is designed for a 30 or 31 inch tire. Although it probably feels doggy. (I know, I've been running 31's on 28-29 inch gearing for years)

As far as the shake, it could be a lot of things. The tires, ball joints, tie rod ends, drive shaft, wheel bearings to name a few. Good luck.

 

[xcmountain80]

I don't think that will help your MPG problem. Power, yes. If I've got it wrong one of the engineers here can straighten me out but I think you get less efficiency with the lower gears. i.e. your engine has to turn 4.5 times for one tire revolution instead of 4.1 times. It feels better in the get up and go area but at the expense of fuel efficiency. If your main concern is the rub, you could try the body lift and see how it goes, especially if the tires are relatively new and selling them would mean taking a hit. Also, it just occured to me that you might not be taking the MPG hit that you think. Your rig is traveling further with each tire revolution than the odometer is set up for so you might need to figure out the conversion to see what your MPG actually is. In theory you should have the best of both worlds now, running the taller 33 inch tire on the higher 4.10 gearing that is designed for a 30 or 31 inch tire. Although it probably feels doggy. (I know, I've been running 31's on 28-29 inch gearing for years)

As far as the shake, it could be a lot of things. The tires, ball joints, tie rod ends, drive shaft, wheel bearings to name a few. Good luck.

Noooo not the shakes. I would reserve the gears for the tires or if your running 33's (295's 255's random 285's) go 4.56. Though you are in a tacoma right? I think they have 4.30's already but you will have to check you vin or something in the door jam to verify. The darn wobble could be crap rim crap balance crap BJ crap something else. Do the old park the truck ad grab a wheel and rock it to listen for pop or ping. Get the tires balanced. Te 1" BL will help the rubbing and if the taco has a pinch weld up front grab a hammer and make it flat or grind it down this will also help rubbing issues.


Aaron

 

[TacoTraveler]

I know I am taking a MPG hit because I have already afactored in for tire difference. Regearing also may increase my MPG, I just want some first hand experience fo how much. True, it is lower gear but the tires are also larger than stock and travel further per turn.
I figured out that with my factory tire size being 265/70R16 and now I am running a 285/75R16 that I am 7% (1.07) over what factory was. If I regear to 4.56 with the same tires then I will be 4% (0.96) factory. That only deals with tire size though, not tire weights. Anyone with experience some input would be greatly appreciated.

I'm really considering the 1" BL. It is becoming a big factor; but, I will only be getting it if I regear and keep these tires. These are 285/75 BFG A/T with about 1200 miles on them.

 

[Applejack]

I have had both Nitto's and BFG A/T's. Both in 265/75. While the TG's did not "suck" on packed snow and ice, they offered no where near the performance of the BFG. I Sold my Nitto's to a friend with only having 5k miles on them, and picked up a set of used BFG's for $350 In deep snow, again no contest. He had to chain up long before I did. We both had 4runners too, he a '97 and me a '99. I have heard the opposite story before, so I think that there is something to be said the for the snows composition too (i.e. wet snow vs. dry snow). Something to consider would be look at what kind of snow you encounter most vs. what others do. Where I'm at the snow is really heavy and WET!! and the BFG is the choice for me.

 

[xcmountain80]

With all this snow we get in FL I'll just keep running them until they suck. Should be traveling north soon and I'll let you know but certainly will keep an open mind on traction.

Aaron

 

[offroad_nomad]

I went through tire issues myself back in December to replace my Goodyear MT/Rs. After reading a number of threads, my picks were either the Coopers or BFG AT T/A KOs. I ended up with the T/A KOs in 285/75/16.

Big difference from the MT/Rs, quieter and smoother on the roads and they handle water and snow better then the MT/Rs did. When they were mounted and balanced I was told the new BFGs only took 3-4 oz of lead compared to the MT/Rs with 12 oz. So far I'm happy with the choice.

 

[TacoTraveler]

Well I have narrowed my tire to the Nitto TG for sure in size 265/75R16. I am buying them from Discount Tire Direct because that is the cheapest I have found them($138) AND they give free shipping!
My only question now is do I want to purchase the package of free tire replacement in case of damage for $19 a tire?
Do you guys have any trouble with these tires puncturing side walls and chunking the treads?

 

[toy_tek]

You'll be happy with the Nitto's in FLA. I have A/T's on my 4Runner, but Nitto's on my F350 and they're really quiet.

Personally I'd skip the tire replacement certs. I always have, in 5 sets of tires I've never had to replace any. Out here the rocks do some damage, but I can't see that much damage being done in FL. At least, nothing a plug can't fix. Also, you won't get the same mileage from the Nitto's as the BFG's.

 

[TacoTraveler]

You'll be happy with the Nitto's in FLA. I have A/T's on my 4Runner, but Nitto's on my F350 and they're really quiet.

Personally I'd skip the tire replacement certs. I always have, in 5 sets of tires I've never had to replace any. Out here the rocks do some damage, but I can't see that much damage being done in FL. At least, nothing a plug can't fix. Also, you won't get the same mileage from the Nitto's as the BFG's.

I agree, I really can't think of anything that would eat these tires up here in FL. I might make a few trips out to Texas with these but nothing that will kill them. This set of tires are only to last me until I am out of college while still allowing me some offroad freedom. After college my 2002 Tacoma is going to be a full time offroad truck.

 

[calamaridog]

After owning BFG AT, Nitto TG, Yokohama Geolander ATS, and Bridgestone REVO AT, I'd go with the Yokohamas.

BFG AT is simply not worth the premium price to me. After using them all I find no benefit. Same with the Bridgestone REVO, which is the weakest of the bunch off road and also expensive.

Between the NTG and Yokohama I prefer the Yokohama Geolander ATS. I ran them on my Land Cruiser and now have them on my dads Tacoma and moms 4runner now. They will soon replace the REVOS on my Liberty. It's a good all around AT tire and the cost is reasonable.

With that being said, I know many happy NTG owners.

 

[TacoTraveler]

Well my dad is now encouraging me to get a 1" BL and some wheels spacers and keep my 285/75 BFG A/T tires instead of going to 265/75 Nitto TG.
What do you guys think of this?