I know the title makes me sound like a tard, so let me explain better. Right now I'm rocking Goodyear Wrangler Radials in 235/75r15. Anyone that has had the pleasure of wheeling with them probably knows why I am going to ask this question. For those of you that don't, I'll put it nicely by saying they are the cheapest Walmart tire out there. They hum almost like a more aggressive tire & lack any control in mud (forget trying anything deeper than about 10"). Surprisingly, I climbed some decent rocks with only mild spinning but the light weight & low power of an 80 Toy probably has a lot to do with that. They have about 1/2 tread or possibly more left & were on the truck when I got it.

The tires I am contemplating are 33x12.50 & probably only have another 10,000 miles left on the tread, less the way I plan to use them. They are Maxxis Mudder Buckshots so not a bad tire, but I just have no experience with bald crap. I'm not paying anything for them if you are wondering, otherwise I'd just stick with what I have for a while.

My question is, would the added clearance be worthwhile or should I wait it out until my current tires need replaced? My thinking is that bald MT's are gonna have similar traction as the GYs, but the added tire height will make 4lo almost necessary for anything other than driving to the trails. The extra 2" worth of ground clearance isn't really needed, but would definitely come in handy. This is my trail truck, not a DD. Usually I'd just save up for a new set but the rising cost of tires, two birthdays coming up, & trying to purchase a new home has my wallet crying right now.

 

Edit: Asked a question that was already answered in original post...derp!

 

Yes. Who is to say money will not still be tight when these nearly worn out free tires need replacing.

 

That's a good point. If the tires you have now are at about 1/2 tread, and the other tires are near bald, it would make more sense to keep the tires you have now. Yes, the bald tires wouldn't cost you anything, but they're not going to last as long, especially since they're a mud tire. You're going to end up buying a new set quicker, meaning you won't have the time to save up money. If you stuck with the half done Wranglers, you have much more time to save up for new tires. I hope some of this made sense. It's kind of confusing

 

That's kind of what I was thinking. Usually I replace tires before they get too wore out, but since this is a trail only rig I was willing to make a sacrifice. Worst case scenario, I wasted time swapping them out & would end up having to park the truck for a few months.

For future reference, I know 33's will fit with no lift but since I have 4.38 gears (4.375) would the truck even have enough power to pull them? 20R/L43 combo with header. Might just save up for some 31's or 32's after I get all of the other spending out of the way.

 

IIRC the recommended gear ratio for a 33 is a 4.88. I'm running 32s with the factory 4.30 gears and I wouldn't go any taller without regearing. However, this is with the V6 and not the 20R.

 

This website is one of the best that I've seen for Toyota gear ratios and stuff: http://www.brian894x4.com/Gearratiosanddiffs.html

He recommends a 4.88 or 5.29, depending on what tranny you have and what power or fuel economy you want to achieve.

 

Well if it's an offroad rig only then I'd say forget about the power. I can also say I've done what you are contemplating doing and regretted it. that extra smidge of clearance will only get you a little bit further to get even more stuck with bald tires, if they let you get that far. I'd keep the traction you have and save my bones for newer tires. Check craigslist daily, even though I usually see half bald AT's on factory rims for way too much money, you do find that occasional guy that bought MT's then got a promotion and lifted his truck and upgraded to some serious meats and his brand new kms just kind of vanish from his mind

 

If I were in your shoes with being able to get a free set of tires, I would keep rocking the existing ones, then swap out for the Buckshots. It would buy you a little time.

Forget the clearance, like it was stated earlier, that'll just get you a wee bit further but with no real tread, it's not worth it IMO...

 

and i believe if the diameter is only 2" bigger, wouldn't you only gain 1" more ground clearance? minus the lost tread.. you wouldn't truely gain that much.

 

Yeah, I've decided to back out completely & focus on other things for now. Just gonna enjoy the truck as is until I get some priorities straightened out & then buy new tires. Not like I don't have other cars to drive. These 235's just look so lost in the massive wheel well, lol.

My93project, actually it is 2" more ground clearance. 235/75r15 is only 29" tall vs 33" so 4/2=2.