socal98runner

Ok, I've searched and searched......

I'm sick of searching as I'm sure other members are as well... there is just TOO much info in too many locations. Maybe we could make this a sticky FAQ for all the nOObs like myself so we can find it EASY like!

Ok, so I'm debating on what size to get with my lift, common question.

I have a 2.5-3" lift (OME / OEM)

I understand some of the issues with tire fitment.

265/75/16-
Fits in factory well better
Fits on factory 3rd gen wheel without rubbing issues
Works better on factory up to 3" lift
Similar to factory size, no real loss of power/gas mileage


285/75/16
Gives more room under diff for extra clearance
Better for off-roading approach/departure angles
More area for grip
Recommend tranny cooler
Loss of gas mileage/torque
Needs re-gearing


My tire choices are:
265/75/16 Bridgestone Dueler A/T REVO
Size - 31.8"
Load - C
Tread depth - 15/32"
Rated - #1 of 20 off-road all terrain



265/75/16 Firestone Destination M/T
Size - 31.9"
Load - D
Tread depth - 19/32"
Rated - #1 of 10 off-road max traction


----------------------------- OR -------------------------------

285/75/16 Bridgestone Dueler A/T REVO
Size - 33"
Load - D
Tread depth - 17/32"
Rated - #1 of 20 off-road all terrain



285/75/16 Firestone Destination M/T
Size - 33.1"
Load - D
Tread depth - 19/32"
Rated - #1 of 10 off-road max traction


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Ok, so now tell us why it would be better to use one over the other.

Give reasons why.

For instance, say I don't want to re-gear. Then it would be better to go with the 265's right?

Help all the noobs out! I know you're tired of answering this, so let's get it in ONE thread and FAQ it

tarheelrunner

If you have a 3" lift, then I personally think that 265s will look too small. I ran 265 BFG's for about 2 weeks after I put a 3" lift on my 4runner and there was way too much room between the tires and the fender. I've got 285 MT/Rs now, and they look a lot better. Occasional rubbing at full turn, but thats it (on the street). Power loss isn't too bad, re-gearing is definitely not required to run 285s though some people recommend it.

tarheelrunner

As far as choosing between ATs and MTs, my vote is for the Destination MTs unless you spend alot of time on the highway. MTs really don't ride that bad, aren't that loud, and look a whole lot better. I have had two sets of ATs and after a week or so always regretted not getting MTs. Last time around I finally went ahead and got the MTRs and have really enjoyed them!

northfacer581

im running 285's after a 2.5 lift. i would DEFINATELY recommend that size versus the 265. obviously you shouldnt really listen to me on the a/t vs. the m/t b/c im in 2wd, but i can say that my a/t's have actually allowed me to do quite a bit i thought i had no shot at, and im in 2wd. if you plan on going wheeling once a month, go with an a/t. anymore than that, id def. say go with m/t. gas mileage...i get about 14 if i drive stupid=fast. normal driving i get about 15. was getting around 16/17 before.

jacksonpt

For what it's worth... I'm running 33/12.5-15 Destination MTs with stock gearing (3.90s) and I haven't needed to regear. It would be nice, but not necessary.

waskillywabbit

iTrader: (-1)

You know you want the 285s you baby, just do it!

gwhayduke

If you get the 285's you have to live with 40,000 miles of bad gas mileage at an additional cost of about $600+ dollars. This assumes an average of 17mpg versus 15mpg at $2.00/ gallon for gas.

I've got 265/75 BF Goodrich AT's on the '99 and it looks great (and with the manual tranny I get 20+mpg in city. My 4Runner is a compromise vehicle: pretty good in the field, pretty good in the city.

Go with the 265/75's in whatever tire you want. Unless you want a more serious trail vehicle.

amorphous

good thread...I'm at this crossroads of sorts too....

I'm going to 33"s - no question.....

my question is what of STOCK SR5 rims....all the 285/75/16 that I've checked out are recommended to be run on 7.5" or GREAT width rims. Stocks are 7. Any one do this? I think I saw where Shazam had.

Go to stealies or stick with stock? I'd like to keep this on the cheap, but I want to do it RIGHT too. My Stock SR5 rims are already chew'd from wheeling....so.....keep em?

and what about balancing issues on the 16x8 steelies from Wheeler's Off Road?
oh, and CAN i run 15"s???

aaron

jacksonpt

I run 33/12.5-15s (which are wider than 285s) on stock 15x7 rims without any problems.

amorphous

hey Jackson, what's up w. the review database?

aaron

Tacoma Dude

This is a 3" CF lift up front with the 265s. Suits me just fine and that's what I'd suggest.



EDIT:
Oh yeah... my suspension has settled a bit since I took the picture the day after the lift.

jacksonpt

It's coming... should be back this afternoon - just doing some udating to the database.

SLC Punk

If you go with 265's get the MT's. They look bigger than the A/T 265's. I am trying to decide what size tires to do after I throw on the 1" BL (I will have 2.5" after that).

I am leaning toward a 265/75 Dueler M/T or BFG M/T

FilthyRich

2.5" of suspension lift w/ 1" Bl and 265 will look small IMO. Not saying it will look bad, just small.

northfacer581

my 285's are on stock 16" rims no problems, i just heard youre not supposed to air down or the tire will slide off. also i didnt need to regear, however the gas mileage is different, but i got tires same time as lift, so who knows how much the tires played a part versus how much the lift played a part. but i mean its pretty obvious when i roll my old 265 rt/s up against my 285 a/t, night and day.

jacksonpt

This is NOT true. Wider tires put more pressure on the bead, thus the tires are less likely to separate from the wheel. Airing down allows the tire to float more, which means the tire can come off the rim if you run a low pressure and get in a really hairy position - generally when the tires are moving more side to side than they are forward or backwards. But this is a concern regardless of tire/rim size.

northfacer581

so if we get some snow in charlotte this winter...i got a pair of snow chains (im in 2wd) what psi should i go down to, or should i not even bother? ill probably be looking just to mess around a little bit in whatever i can go through (not worried at all about getting stuck, i have plenty of friends that can pull me out) im running about 32psi right now i believe..is this good?

jacksonpt

32 for the road is probably fine. Check the wear on your tires, that'll be the determining factor. For snow, you'll want to go as soft as possible to make your foot print as big as possible (much like people do in the sand). This makes you float over the snow more rather than sinking in - think snowshoes. I would think 15psi would be a good starting point, but every rig/tire is slightly different.