I have searched the threads on Yota Tech and Tundra Solutions and could still use a little help. I have a 1997 4Runner, 4WD, 5spd with an Old Man Emu lift. I'm looking to run a bigger tire than the 265/75R16s I currently have. I don't really want to go wider but there is not a 265 with a taller aspect ratio out there. So that leaves me with 2 options: 285/75R16 (32.83x11.22) or 255/85R16 (33.07x10.04)

1. With the OME lift, will the 285s rub the upper control arms or the frame?
2. From what I have read the 255s will not rub at all with the lift, anyone have a different experience?
3. In order to keep a set of good on-road tires on my stock wheels, I plan to purchase aftermarket wheels to swap on the Mud Terrains for offroading. Most aftermarket wheels come in a minimum width of 8", is a 255 tire (10") too narrow for an 8" wheel? ( I have looked at the Expedition West website but it's tough to tell from the pictures.
4. Does anyone have pics of either of these setups that show the tires at rest and at full suspension compression.

 

While I can't vouch for the 255's, I can say that I have no rubbing issues with the 285's. I run them on the stock rims and it is close, but there is no control arm rubbage. I do not have a pick at full stuff or droop but I do have a pic of clearance while not flexed. I like your idea of having two sets of tires. I run my mud terrains every day and I count the miles I'm putting on them. I wish I didn't have to use them for daily driving.

 

How much lift do you have? I currently have the Tundra/OME system on my limited and I'm running 285's on 16" wheels with no rubbing.

 

My OME lift measures a little over 2" of lift at the front fender.

 

No rubbing driving around town vs no rubbing offroad may be 2 different things in your case. I would bet 285s would rub w/o modification or more lift

 

Which OME lift did you get? Can you post up pictures of it with your stock 265 wheels? I'm getting that lift soon and want to see what it looks like. Thanks

 

I love my 255's. I like the look of a tall skinny tire (not that they look TOO skinny, but just not overly wide). As for wheel size, 7" (stock) is perfect for 255's, but 8" would work just as well. There is some flexibility in wheel size. Have you read the article on the 255/85 tire size on the Expeditions West page? Another + for the 255 size is that it's a load range D tire, meaning a stonger, tougher tire. This also means a little less give when aired down, and the possibility of a harsher ride on-road (I didn't notice this- they are smoother than my old tires)
Here's a couple of pics, both on level ground. Oh, and this is with only a 2" BL, no suspension lift.

Driveway shot.


Trail shot.

 

Pics of Old Man Emu w/ 265/75

 

I have 255/85s. Probably the best all around tire size for a 4Runner. I don't understand why people have an issue with its "skinny-ness"; if you're that obsessed over tire aesthetics, then you might as well have an F150 with a cheap Fabtech lift covered in SRH stickers. I don't see the need for 285s on such a lightweight vehicle.

Anyway, I've used them in DEEP sand, mud, large/sharp rocks and have never had an issue with traction. The fronts do rub the rear of the wheel well occasionally, but I might be able to remedy that with some strut spacers.









I also have two sets of wheels; one with the 255s and a set of Tundra wheels with 265/65/17s. I don't understand why people with daily driven 4Runners (or any truck, for that matter) use 33" mud tires on the road all the time; the wasted fuel and replacement interval of MTs would pay for a set of stock wheels/tires in no time...

 

Those pics are great. I ordered 255/85s today and a set of American Racing Mojaves, which are aparently on national back order. I'll send pics when I get it together. What lift are you running?