***I'm asking for a friend about this, because I know very little about Tacomas***

He has a 2002 4x4 auto with the stock 225/75/15 (~28.9x9.3) tires and steelies with hub caps and was asking me if he could fit bigger tires without a lift. I have an 86 and was able to fit 33x12.50's without any issues, but after some rough measuring and figuring last night, I don't think he'll be as lucky. This is what I came up with and I'm asking on what ya'll think:

• I'm guessing that the stock wheels are about 6 inches wide and, as lame as they are, could probably hold a 9.50 or 10.50 tire.

• It looks like he would maybe be able to fit 32's with some mild rubbing so I suggested 31's or maybe only 30's in height.

• I also guessed that the auto trans/4wd set-up has probably granted him with a ~4.33 gear in the diff's and I see no problem with leaving this as is with any tire size I've suggested.

• So my final verdict was to look into getting some 31x10.50x15's and mounted them onto the stock wheel (and at least painting the hub caps black, or taking them off) to see how it fit and handled and then he should decide if he wants to lift and regear for bigger tires in another 36,000 miles.

Please try not to bash too hard, I've thought about this alot, but I'm really lost because this is the most I've looked at a Taco...... ever. Sorry for the long post and thanks in advance for any help given.


EDIT: Also if you could post up a picture or two with your suggestions so I could help better explain it to him, thanks...

 

31x10.50x15

 

I just read that 31x10.5x15 was an optional size for a 96 Tacoma (Tire Rack), so I imagine that it's ideal for a 2002 as well.

 

33x10.50 should be possible if you are willing to do a little trimming...I think...maybe with a 1" body lift and some trimming?