I just wanted to get a consensus on what tires brands are the best...on my '03 i have Dunlops but do want to get new ones. I was looking at Toyo. So basically what brands do you guys recommend?

 

Also...the stock tires are 265/65/R17...would there be any problems putting 285/60R17 on? I was lookin at the Toyo Proxes S/T

 

First you need to figure out what you are going to be using this rig for mostly. If you are planning on wheeling a good portion of the time, then you need decide whether you need the ruggedness of the mud-terrains or the semi ruggedness (what i chose) of the all-terrains.

Either way, if it was me, I would go with a brand new set of BFG's, because you get a warranty and a service called the Adventure Assurance Program where if you get stuck, ANYWHERE they will get a truck to you for free. I'm no expert on tires or anything and I'm not sure about other brands, whether they do this or not, but I have had BFG's on my truck for several months and my dad has had BFG's on most of his cars and trucks for the past...LONG TIME...and he has never had a problem with them.

I'm not sure you could fit 285's under that beast...wait for somebody a little more knowledgeable on tires and fitting them on trucks reply...but I'm not sure that would work without rubbing.

So what do you plan on doing with your rig?

Fink

 

I dont really do Off-Roading...so its mainly for street driving

 

Good. I got the tire for you then. I drive mostly highway miles and the BFG long Trail T/A's are the way to go. Quiet ride on the highway, good handling, good rain tire.......and they wear like Iron. I got 45 thousand on mine and have probably another 10-15K left in them. And I live in Pennsylvania

The only thing I did notice was that they're not the greatest in snow. The BFG all-terrains are better. But for a street tire you can't beat them and they're alot cheaper than a Michelin.

 

My Dad has BFG Rugged Trails...and after 3 yrs/ 30,000 miles they are worn bad...thats why i wasnt sure about BFG's or not...but i see the Long Trails have a wear rating of 10 as opposed to the Rugged Trails is 7, so they are better

 

I think the A/T's may be the way to go for you man...seeing as how you live in NY...depending on where in NY you may end up needing some good snow traction. These things ROCK in the snow...I have climbed hills in snow that my buddies Long Trail wouldn't even THINK of going over. But I think it all depends on your local climate and things like that...I know people who have gotten 40-50k miles out of their A/T's.

Let us know what you end up going with man!

Fink

 

Here's my vote for Michelin Cross-Terrains. Our '03 came with a set and they're great: excellent dry grip, crisp handling, quiet and they promise to be very long-lived. Oh, and they're pretty decent in the winter and on wet pavement.


Another Michelin worth considering is the LT-X M+S. I had a set of those on our '98 'Runner. They weren't quite as sticky and lacked snow and ice grip, but when i sold the truck at 75K miles, they still had 6/32" of tread left.

IMHO, the stock size is the way to go. The 285s would give you significant odometer error and cost you ~3 - 5% of your torque in any given gear due to their greater diameter.

 

Thanks for all the recommendations, I appreciate it...also I mentioned Toyo's....anybody have any experience with Toyo tires?

 

Another question....if stock is 265/70/17....if i cant find that size what could i get away with:

255/60/17 or 275/60/17

Could i get away with 275 u think?

 

LIVE4SWELL, what model and size Magnaflow you got. Also , did you keep the stock pipes and just weld in the new muffler? Did you put a resonator or keep the stock resonator? How's the rumble on the v8? fr03

 

I have the 5"x8", 14" (20" overall). Basically just cut out the old muffler, welded the magnaflow in there, kept the original pipe and just added second pipe for driver side, then put stainless tips on the ends. Removed the stock resonator. It is real throaty, i love it, sounds like a 5.0 mustang

 

The custom exhaust shop I went to couldn't get a second pipe to fit to make it a dual setup. I wonder if the V8 is configured a little differently than the V6 under the truck? Btw this was a pretty reputable shop. They do a lot of custom work!

 

I vote for BFG Long Trail T/A - had those on my 91 Explorer and loved em. Quiet, long wear. Also live in NY and they got me through the torturous winter of 2002-03 with ease.

Kinda looking forward to another brutal winter with my new (to me) Runner!

 

This program was news to me and I was curious about it so I looked it up. http://www.bfgoodrichtires.com/bfgap..._assurance.jsp

It's too good to be true.

 

off-road, NOTHING will beat bias ply swampers...but they suck on the street

 

I put a cheap set of Toyo's on a car when I was in school (10+ years ago) and HATED them. The lack of traction was astounding. They were dangerous on dry pavement and treacherous if it was wet. It was so long ago that I don't remember much else except that I vowed to never ever go near Toyo's again.

 

I have a set of Michellin LTX-A/Ts and have been very happy with the performance. I have about 40K on them and expect to get another 15-20K. I might try the LTX-M+Ss next time though for better gas mileage and a quieter ride....not saying the A/Ts are too noisey...I can just hear them more than the stock Goodyears that were previously on the truck.

 

As for sizing, I know that some others have bought 265/70/R17 for the '03 4Runner.

That may be your best alternative size (closest match) to the stock 265/65/R17.

However, I don't think you'll be able to fit a spare of that size under the truck and use the hitch at the same time.

As for me, I'll wait until some manufacturer makes a good all-terrain tire in the factory stock size.

It's an exotic size, but there are some manufacturers who are showing some interest in it. For example, Bridgestone now has a Blizzak in that size. Maybe they'll start making Revos too someday. If so, I'll buy a set for sure and ditch the Dunlops.

 

I've seen Yokohama Geolander A/T+II 265-65-17 tires on the shop floor here locally for sale. I would imagine they would be available stateside shortly, if not already.