ErikJeanna

iTrader: (2)

Hello all... first time post here and a truck newbie, so be gentle. I have a 1998 4Runner SR5 (4x2) and am currently fixing it up. Have all of the fun stuff on it, lights, windows, MP3, CD, Sirius, PS2, 8" TV, yada yada. I am now focusing my attention to the outside to make it look more aggressive.

I currently have 31x10.50x15 ProComp Mud Terrains and everything runs just fine. Last week, I added a 3" Downey lift and now my tires are looking a little small. I'm looking to upgrade my rims & tires in the coming months, as soon as I get a hold of some cash. Since I now have the lift, I would like to add to the "size" of the truck by running 33's. I like the aggressive look of mud tires, but the ride is not the best. Plus the tires are kind of loud. I don't really mind as much, but my wife hates them and we have a new baby coming in early September. Sleeping baby, angry wife, loud uncomfortable tires... not a good mix. I was told by the place who did my lift that my truck could run 285/75/16 without any mods to the wheel wells or brakes. I am leaning towards getting some BFG A/T tires, but am not sold on them because of their lack of "aggressive" look they have. I came across the InterCo Thornbirds today and really like the way they look. They are supposed to perform and sound like A/T on the highway and work like M/T off-road. Perfect for me since I do about 99% on-road driving and 1% off-road.

My question is: will the Thornbirds of the same size (285/75/16 = 33x11.50x16) rub in any way shape or form because of the nobs on the sides of the tires? I don't want to have to modify my wheel wells or brakes in any way to accommodate new tires.

Please help... any input is appreciated.

viperdan

I've heard the Thornbirds aren't speed rated (although I haven't confirmed this), therefore probably pretty dangerous on the road. I've also read alot of bad reviews on performance. Check out Revos maby for looks. Also consider the loss power you'll see due to the larger tires.

Silver_Truck

Never tried them myself but I haven't ever heard good things about the thornturds. Try the search feature and search for thornbird and see what people have to say, thats probably your best bet for reviews/opinions

Brendan

ya, thornbirds look aggressive, but they don't perform whatsoever. they are good for show trucks and that's about it.

AxleIke

Any MT's should be fine. You can find them with more or less aggressive tread. If you aren't concerned about power, go with some 33x12.50's and get some wheels with the proper backspacing to accomidate the larger tires, so you don't rub.

Also, LOSE THE SIDE RAILS. That right there will make your truck look much more aggressive.

Put an ARB or TJM out front, because they offer excellent accident protection, and if you do decide to go more offroad, you'll have better approach angles. Plus, if you want to look aggressive, a good bumper makes you intimidating.

ErikJeanna

iTrader: (2)

Thanks for the input so far... I did some reading this morning on T-Birds and people don't have much good to say about them. Guess that's it for the InterCo tire company. Still looking into some tires that look aggressive that run and sound like A/T tires. Any suggestions?

Regarding the running boards I have,... I would LOVE to get rid of them, but don't forget the fact that this is a family truck and I have a pregnant wife right now. She already hates the fact that she has to jump/hop into the truck as is (she's 5'3"). The running boards are her only way into the truck now. It's only going to get worse the more pregnant she gets, thus will the whining and complaining about the truck's height. Getting bigger tires is only going to aggravate the current situation. Let's not add insult to injury by stripping the running boards as well.

My truck's power isn't an issue for me. I'm not a speed/power person... just as long as my truck can go 0-80 so I can get to work in the mornings. I don't need to shoot past people at 100 mph to pass them. I just sold off my hot rods for this truck, so I knew I was giving up speed. So, the bigger tires aren't a problem when they draw power from my truck.

I originally wanted to get some 33/12.50/16 tires, but I was told that I should stay with 11.50 because of rubbing. The rims I want are 16x8 (though I wanted 16x10) to make the tires stick out just a few inches from my wheel wells. I am including a photo of the rims I want, maybe someone has experience with them. Can I get the 16x10's? Is there any benefit for running 16x8's as opposed to 16x10's?

Keep the feedback coming. Thanks.

FilthyRich

run a 16x*8 w/ proper backspacing and a 285. you will be happy with the look and performance. The tire should sit out a bit and no rubbing. Check out the Revos, Yoko AT II, Michelin LTX m/s....some popular tires.

netwt12

how about the goodyear wrangler MTR.



goodyear

RIS

When my boys were babys I had an old 83 Toy 4X4 P/U with 36" buckshot mudders (can't get any louder than buckshots) and I would take them for rides for the sole purpose of putting them to sleep.

ErikJeanna

iTrader: (2)

I'm looking into these Firestone Destination M/T tires. They are only $154 each and have better user ratings (from REAL users, not the MFG) than most of the A/T tires I've read about. SO far, it's between these and the BFG A/T... however, these beat out the BFG's in both noise and ride comfort. Strange that a M/T could do that to an A/T!

Anyone have any advise on how to get rid of the white lettering on the sidewalls? I HATE the white... especially since my truck is all black and I'm getting black rims.

kdx2000

I got a set of Michelin LTX 265 75 r16 on my 99' Limited and they are great! As far as wear goes they rock! You will spend more for them, but with proper inflation and routine rotation you will get every bit of 60k+ miles out of them. This is the second pair I have owned. The first pair was on my 91'. I was sold on them after the first pair!

Good luck!

doink

have the place that puts them on put white letters in..

AxleIke

Yeah, just request the tire installation place to put the blacks out and whites in. Tires are made with whilte letters on one side, and black on the other.

Vtec_Killer

I just put those Firestone Destination M/Ts on my Runner. They're not too loud and ride really nice. One side has the white lettering the other is black. I have the black exposed.

They've been on for about a week...I have yet to "test" them.

2001Millrunner

how about some bushwacker flares?

Brendan

I think the Goodyear MT/Rs would be a good choice for your application as someone has already mentioned above