I am going to get some mt's for my newly lifted 4runner. It has ss #7 lift and looks good right now sitting on 265's (stock rims). However, before I order 265 mt's, I just wanted to ask you guys, since it seems like everyone goes with 285's at least when getting new mt's, if there is a big difference in off roading capabilities....I 4 wheel a little(some beginner rock climbing, some mud, and snow in the winter) but it seems like if i got 285's i'd have to do at least a 1" body lift. I have a 96 and i've heard that there may be issues with a body lift on that year. Also, more mods=more time and money. Id love to hear everyones input on this.

 

I like AT's better than MT's. Unless you plan on doing an aweful lot of mudding and wont drive the truck on the road AT's are a fine overall tire. Decent road manners and good offroad manners. An MT can be horrible onroad..

 

Check out the: Toyo Open Country MTs
They are quiet, smooth, and balance easy. Excellent traction in the rain, snow, and ice. Off road they perform great too! I have 1.5" BL and still had to grind a bunch to eliminate all rubbing (off road) w/ 285/75s.

 

MY BFG M/T have the same on road manners as my Toyo Open Country A/T's, in everything but ice. But that also has a lot to do with 12.50 wide vs 11.00 wide.

M/T's are SOOO much better offroad its silly, even over a good set of A/T's. But if you barley wheel you will probally be happier with the A/T. My next set of winter tires will be a 33x10.50 BFG M/T. Its my DD and we get plenty of snow/ice in idaho. I would run the 35 year round, but I dont like a wide tire on ice, and I cant fit chains. Which IMO are a requirment for snow wheeling...

As far as fitment you will need a BL to clear 285's. But 265's should clear as they are only .9" taller than OEM, and thats only .45" on a rolling radius. Stock tires allow for fitmet of chains, which are more than .5", but if you want to run 265's and chains you will need a 1" BL.

If you buy a good MT the only road manner you will notice different is noise.

 

so, it sounds like I should stick w/ 265s......what about the body lift, will I need it and will it work out on a 96.

 

I thought with SS#7 you could run up to a 305 without a body lift ?
Did'nt Bamachem run 305 mtr's on LX470 wheels with no body lift and no rubbing?

 

I've got 265/75-16 AT's on my 98 4runner stock, they've got plenty of clearance, no rubbing issues.