I am looking at purchasing a 2003 4Runner Limited this June when my lease on my 1999 4Runner is up.
Here in Ontario Canada, ALL of the 4Runners I have seen and driven have Dunlop tires. I read either on this site or another that someone got Michelins on theirs(right from the manufacturer). I would love to have Michelins so I am wondering has anyone else gotten them or any other type of tires other than Dunlop.
Would anyone like to comment on the Dunlops and how they are finding them?
Thanks in advance.

 

Michelins

 

Toyota are making 4runners in batches... Depending on which batch your 4runner will be in will determine which brand of tire you'll be using...

Unfortunately, I ended up w/ the dunflops... No biggie as I'll most definitely change them soon anyway...

good luck!

lance

 

Michelins

I haven't heard good things about the Dunlops in the snow. They seem to not provide very good traction, and the rear gets lose very easily.

 

I've seen four brands of tires on US spec 'Runners: Dunlops, Michelins, BF Goodrich, and Bridgestones. Whichever you get is strictly random. About the only thing you can do is ask the dealer to switch out tires with another 'Runner on the lot, including the spare. My dealer agreed, but then no Michelin shod trucks showed up for a couple of weeks.

I have the Dunlops. About all I can say is that they're quiet under all conditions, ride very well, absorb impacts like potholes well, seem to be balanced, and have good grip wet or dry. I can't comment about snow performance yet, but don't expect miracles from any of the four brands given their highway-oriented tread patterns.

 

I got mine with Dunlops would have liked Michelins but the only one with Michelins was in the showroom and I figured I would take the truck before the guys in the shop scratch it.

So far all is good but I have 2000 miles on them, truck does seem to feel loose in wet snow but the AWD and VSC makes up for that.

In time I'll put some different tires on, had 2 pathfinders that I swicthed the tires after 27k, with a 4WD heavy vehicle they tend to wear tires out faster especially if you drive hard.

 

Here in Japan my Surf came with the Dunlops. Nice riding, quiet tire but I don't think they'll get me through beach sand. We don't get snow here

 

I'm pretty happy w/ the Michelins on mine... I almost got my truck to break at an intersection (nobody knows why, but cars tend to slide there) but the only way I could tell was the popping sounds coming from the wheels.
They are quiet and handle well. My only two "off road"
experiences are going across an under construction median (wet red clay) and down a dirty road (more red clay) and I was otherwise pleased.

Still think it would look better with bigger tires...

 

Mine came with Kuhmo's. But then again, I opted for the 18" wheel, so they are more of a street tire than all terrain.

 

How did you get 18 was it a dealer thing, and are they the 18 off the LandCrusier,LX or Sequoia

 

My dealership receives it trucks through Southeast Toyota out of Jacksonville,FL. It was an upgraded option. The are really 18" Enkei's, They are sweet.

 

They had them in my Dealership shop. They are pretty tight. I personally do not like the Limited's wheel, I like the Sport's 17" better.