Hey guys! This summer I'm taking the plunge and adding a Sonoran Steel 1.2 lift to my 3.4L '99 4Runner so I can start taking my off roading more seriously (not to mention the great looks the lift provides!!) Having decided this, I have been doing a ton of research throughout the forum on where to take my tire size once the BFG A/Ts that came with her wear out. Problem is, I was operating under the assumption that I had 16" factory rims since I have read so much about everyone else's 3rd gen SR5's coming stock with 16"s. I had seen azrunnin's wheels with this tire combo (here) and stupidly assumed I had the same rim size since they looked identical. I did a tune up today and rotated my tires and discovered that I actually have the 15" alloy factory 6 spoke rims. I had pretty much settled on going with the 255/85/16 tires once the lift was installed because they offer the 33" size I was looking for but they aren't as wide as the 285/75/16 which I have read eat up power and gas mileage and must be run at a lower psi. So, is there a comperable 33" BFG A/T that I can fit on the stock 15"x7" rims? I saw that there was a 33x9.50R15 A/T, 33x10.50R15, and there is also a 33x12.50 A/T that can fit a 15" rim. Is one a better option than the other on the 15" rim? I also saw that the 12.50s need a minimun of an 8.5" width rim. Is this BS and the 7"s will work or is that a huge problem? I'm concerned that the 9.50s will be too skinny. I'm also wondering about any rubbing issues that these tires could present. I won't be able to regear for a while and I'm trying to save the gas mileage. If anyone can offer some advice I'd greatly appreciate it. Thanks!!

 

All your questions have been answered before in many threads (usually starting with "will x tire fit under my truck with y lift?").

If you're looking for a 33" tire then the 33x10.50 is the way to go because that's 33" (duh) and stock width so you won't have any side to side rubbing. With the lift you're installing I doubt you'll rub at full compression either.

 

Your power and gas mileage loss will be minimal. Hardly noticeable with a wider tire. You can throw some 33's on the stock rims but you might rub on one of your steering links. Would probably be better off with a 15x8 with 3.75" BS

 

Bingo, most 33" tires are designed to be run on an 8" wide rim.
However, it all depends on what kind of driving you want to do.

I had 33x12.50-15 BFG Muds on my 2nd gen with a 15x8" steel rim and that ran perfectly.
You may not need to go that wide - there are pros and cons for each side.

One positive to not going that wide is you probably won't rub at all and you'll have a taller appearance.

It's all personal preference - however, I would not recommend running a 12" wide tire on a 7" rim.
That's just my opinion, though.

Fink

 

Okay, thanks for the info guys. I was just concerned about the Runner driving like a brick. Glad to hear that no one has noticed much power loss.

 

The biggest loss of power/decrease in mileage will be from the diameter change to the 33's.
The width will have a marginal impact on it in comparison to that.

I did notice about a 2mpg loss when I went to the 33's.

Fink