33x10.5r15 or 33x12.5r15

First off, this is literally my first post on here. please take it easy on me. I've looked all over for a thread that talks about my question but I couldn't find anything, probably didn't look in the right places. Anyway, bought my first tacoma about 6 months ago… 96 ext cab v6 4x4. put a 3in lift on it. looking into new wheels and tires. but not sure if i should go with 33x10.5 r15 or 33x12.5 r15.. i know i can run 10.5s right now with no problem but if i get 12.5s should i run 8in wide wheels or 10in wide wheels. and what are the concerns with rubbing and proper backspacing/spacers and all that? please help.. if you can't tell, I'm clueless when it comes what setup is right.

btw, its just a dd, no off road use.. thanks

 

You should be fine with either size. 10.50 are just skinnier. I have ran both on my trucks over the years and it made no difference for the street.
If you were doing a lot of off roading, I recommend 12.50 wide because its usually better to have more tire

 

I got a 3 inch lift with brand new 33 10.5 15 toyo mts looks bad ass

 

yeah I'm probably going to just go with 10.5… just don't want to end wishing i had gone with a wider set up once i get them on.

 

I'm in same dilemma as you. My biggest issue is that my preferred tire, Duratracs, doesn't come in 33x10.5R15, only 33x12.5R15. I'd prefer the tall skinny tire over the tall fat tire, but I also want a Duratrac tire.

If I go with a 12.5 tire, I'll also be going with an eight inch rim with 3.75 backspacing.

 

i hear ya, i like the wider look but i think I'm just going to run 10.5 for now and see how it goes.

if you want 33x10.5, is BFG not an option for ya?

 

Just weigh the pros and cons. Being a DD, I wouldn't expect it to ever need a wider tire.
Wire tires are much more expensive, have more rolling resistance, lower mpg. You may have to shell out more money for new wheels.
Is there any trimming necessary for a taller and wider tire than the stock tires?

Pros: wider tires have more traction and grip, they usually handle much better, more off-road prowess.


You say "I don't want to get the skinny tires and wish I had gotten the wider ones." I'm not sure how that would happen? Would you drive your tacoma up to 2 tightropes and, with the thinner tires, the 2 tightropes are just an inch to far in or out of your track, but the 12.5s would have driven perfectly on these tightropes?

 

i just mean the look of it.. get the skinnier ones and then say, "damn should have went wider, it would have looked better." this is all simply for looks, no off roading and money isn't an issue. just want it to look good. thats all

 

BFG is basically the only option I would consider, but for my climate and wheeling needs, Duractrac is best.

12.5 is going to need spacers or difference offset wheels to clear the frame and will require more trimming than 10.5.

 

I see now. The 12.5s are definitely meatier. Usually when you lift a truck for looks, you go for that meaty image. I think you should browse around some pictures on this forum and see what you like best. There is no shortage of members posting their lifted trucks on 33s.
If money is absolutely no concern then I probably would get the 12.5s. If not just for the hell of it.

 

yeah I've been looking at a lot of pictures on here. i like the 12.5 look but trimming always seems to be involved. What usually has to be trimmed? is it a lot of cutting or just a few trims here and there?

 

Lots of plastic trimming up front (not an issue for me as I have a tube bumper, so my front end is 100% trimmed already), some fender trimming in the back, some banging on the pinch weld and firewall area, and likely swapping some bolts that hold the inner fenders on with some flat smooth bolts.

At least, if I'm lucky that's all that will be involved for my truck.

 

33 10.5 3" lift