thook

I'm on the hunt for some AT's running anywhere between 31" and 32" x9.50/15. I've looked at Interco's, but they are a mud and waaaay too expensive. Other than that, I can only find ones from Australia in those sizes. And forget about the cost for them! Not just for the tires, but actually getting them to the U.S.!

So, does anyone have an idea where to get some this size/sizes? I am searching, just looking for some tips.

Thanks

4Crawler

iTrader: (3)

One option might be to look a the 16" tires, usually more options in height/width. Of course you will need to get some 16" wheels to mount them up. Or get the 33x9.50 BFG/ATs, they mount up at about 32" actual diamter.

thook

Yeah, I thought of the 16" option after reading many threads on it, but I can't swing the cost for new rims along with tires. Besides, my Toyota steelies are pretty cool. Also, the 33x9.5's are really what I'd like to go with, but it's been stated over and over that regearing would be necessary to go that tall. Would you have any opinions on that?

tc

What gears do you have now?

What tire size are you running now?

How do you like the performance?

thook

Stock gears...pretty sure 4:10's. ('86 4rnr)

Right now, I've got 30x9.5/15's on it. However! Today I'm going to swap out tires from our '92 4rnr which have 31x10.50/15's. We're thinking the 30's on the '92 would net us better gas mileage.....what with gas prices right now. About $3.50/gal 'round here. Plus, I'd get some idea of what a somewhat larger tire on the '86 would result in...besides good looks..hehe.

I like the performance of the 30's on the '86. Just not much clearance. Even though my CEL has been coming on for a month now (code 5... O2 signal...and I do have a new sensor, but I think the code is a result of something else), the vehicle is running real, real strong getting around 18-20mpg with mixed highway and town driving plus regularly hauling weight. Unloaded, the little beast rips it up on the pavement. Loaded, she does as well as any 4cyl. can do...and probably better with the 1200lb clutch. So, yeah...I like it, but I figure I can live with a little loss to gain some clearance. But, only a little. That's why I've been looking for something in the 31-32 range. But, if the BFG's 33's actually come to about 32", then I wonder how well it work...ya know?

tc

Wow - 4.10's with a 4cyl, I don't think I would go much larger than the 30's, but try the 31's and see what you think, the 33's will be slightly "worse" than that (probably about the same difference as the 30.9.50 -> 31x10.50 switch)

norcalsvx

i run 33x10.50's with a 22re and it's not that bad

tc

With 4.10's?

norcalsvx

yep i have a few power mods though

thook

Uh...yeah..that might make a difference. My motor has no mods as of yet. May never....except the battery/AFM swap. Other than that, if I can regear at some point I'll be quite satisfied. But, norcal, what did you run before the mods?

Tonight I finally swapped tires with the '92, and tomorrow I'll be travellng through the Boston Mtn. range. So, I'll get to see experientially what difference it's going to make. If it isn't much, when I need some new treads (probably by winter) I may try the 33x9.50's. The 31x10.50's are looking pretty sharp, but I don't think only 1/2 inch more clearance is really going to cut it. But, man, they sure fill up the wheel wells quite nicely!!! (And tomorrow morning I'll be doing the "Zuk" coils in the rear! Can't wait for some lift in that poor saggy rear...and a smoother ride.)

Thanks all. I'll report back.

thook

No difference! After some highway travel and town driving, I've not noticed any loss of performance. Now, I just have to wait on the next fill-up to check for mileage.

Alex 400

I have traditional les schwab Wildcat A/S and really like them. they are fairly quiet and wear really well. THey are siped and do really well in the snow and ice. i have done some mild wheeling in some dirt roads and some small ditch kinda stuff and i haven't ever been limited by the tires.

My dad has toyo a/t and they are great tires. quiet, and they grip very well on the road and off.

thook

Okay, what size are they?

Alex 400

well thats the thing, the PO put the wrong size on them, they are 225/75r-15 and they are supposed to 31/10.50-15. that being said, the tread design quality was really good. I will be getting hte 31's this summer.

thook

Thanks Alex.

Well, after two tank refills I'm pleased to report I've had no change in mileage running the 31x10.50's on the '86. I'm still averaging the same with the same driving habits.

On that note, if running the 33x9.50's would give the similar results I may wind up doing that down the road. I just wish more folks were running 33x9.50's (on stock gears) so I could get more feedback....

Alex 400

Finally got my bigger tires. They are 31/10.50-15 Toyo A/T and they are amazing. pretty aggresive and very quiet.

bktaco

did you account for the change in tire diameter when you calculated your new mileage? if not, then you are actually getting better mileage with the 31s, which is what I would expect for mostly highway speeds. A slightly larger tire should be more efficient at speed, and a little less efficient during accelerations.

i just went up to 31s (from stock 225/75s), but i havent calculated any mileages yet. the ride is much nicer tho, and i detect only the slightest degradation in acceleration. i think having a healthy engine helps with that.

locked stock 84

If all you are doing is dd and mild trails imho, I have found that 31-10.50-15 tires are the best compermise. If you are thinking of some more aggresive trails I would still run 31's but with a rear locker. If it's a dd then go selectable if its primaraly trails then you can go cheap and go with a fridge. I have 31 mt's and a lockrite. This thing can walk around (with very low power) an open truck with 33's. If you will do one thing to your rig do a locker! It opens so many doors!
Good luck!

stormin94

If you want more traction, dont go with a larger diameter. Go with a wider tire. You said you wanted 31-9.50, or 33-9.50. Go with a 31-10.50, or a 31-11.50. Keep the 15 inch rims. moving up to a larger diameter tire will add some ground clearance, but it will mess up your gearing ratio. just stick with the 31-10.50-15 and you won't be dissappointed, I promise.

thook

Alex 400- Sharp rig you have there. Nice tires, too. Thanks for sharing....I'm jealous.

bk taco- I didn't account for the larger diameter. It's such a minor change....1/2"....I didn't think it would matter in the equation. Besides, a lot of my driving is in hills...more than half.

There is debate on the wider -vs- taller/narrow tire issue. It just depends on the terrain...and tread, of course. There is a website that goes into the issue in detail. I'll find it later, though. And, 10.50 is still considered a narrow tire.

Yeah, it will change the ratio, but if it's a minor change no big deal. I'm seeing some folks in recent searches running 4.10's w/33x9.50's with very little problem. The key here is that it's very narrow...which helps a bit, apparently.

Locked stock, a locker? Whoohoo...to dream. One day, though.

Anyhow, it's lookin' like after a few things have come up lately (front end rebuild) I'll be getting really what I can afford this time around....which will probably be 31x10.50's. I have plenty of spares for that size. But, we'll see.

Thanks for all the input, guys.