16" or 15" Wheels

Hey guys I need to buy new tires before winter, so I have been looking for a tire I like. I have 16" Alloy Wheels on my truck but they can't seem to keep the air in the tires. They slowly loose pressure I have seen this in the past with other alloy wheels not holding a good bead. Tires are more expensive for the 16s as well.

I am thinking about getting some steel wheels in 15" and then buying tires in 15s instead of 16"......

my tires are 265/70R16 or 30.6x10.4x16 I'm looking at BF GoodRich Mud Terrain T/A KM2 tires which come in 265/75R16 $190ea or I can get them in 31x10.5x15 for $153.ea saves a lot of money...

Any thoughts about doing this from guys who have done it?

Thx

 

I have a 2003 tacoma with 15" steel Wheels with a 235 75 15r tire there bfg all terrians. love them.

 

If i decide to get 15" wheels what tire size would I have to run for the truck to be the same height? currently running -16x7 Alloy wheels 265x70R16 tires

 

use the tire size calculator under the mods and tutorials link at the top of the page.

 

There are certain wheels in 15's that fit the 01-04. Just make sure you do some research or prepare to bust out the grinder on the caliper.

 

I run 32"x11.50x15" BFG AT's on factory alloys, here's a couple of pics....

A couple of pics are 31"x10.50x15" ( I have 2 sets of tires & rims)

The ones on truck are the BFG's , it gives you an idea anyway.

 

I'm thinking of going with 32 11.5's... do you have any lift on your truck at all?

 

I prefer 15" wheels with a taller tire sidewall. Just what I happen to like. So, I'd go with 15" wheels myself. I need new wheels also, and was thinking of getting stock 16" wheels from 01 to 04 Tacoma's until I saw the prices of 16" tires. Much more expensive than 15" tires. I'm getting a stock set of 15" wheels in about 2 weeks or so, then will get either 31x10.50 or 32.11.50. Kinda leaning to the 32's "IF" I don't need a lift. Little tire rub on full turn doesn't bother me. If I can get 32" tires without any changes, then that's what I'll get. Maybe a lift down the road if really needed.

 

Yeah, I'd like to know also.....

 

My 2000 TRD 4x is bone stock suspension wise & the BFG 32"'s fit nice,ride nice & the only lifting mod thats gonna happen is a set of 5100's to level things out, I've had full size trucks with as much as 5"-6" of lift, the only reason to lift a truck anyway is for ground & tire clearance, personally some of these super lifted trucks only feed the ego & actually make your ride a less offroad performer, I say this only because I've owned & experienced both.

 

From what I have researched 15" tires are less expensive and If I change over will run 265/75R15's.

But if you start changing to 32.11.50 then you are spending the money you were saving with say 265/75R15's rather then more expensive 16" tires. So if your running 16's you mine as well stick with em..IMO

 

I have 15"s stock on my 2000.... The ONLY reason I'd go 16" would be IF I found a stock alloy set used for a decent price. I did find a set of 15"s, so that's what I'm getting, which I prefer anyway. My stock wheels are pitted, and dirty way beyond ever looking good. So, I'm looking for a set to replace them. I was looking for stock Tacoma alloy 15" or 16" wheels. I found a set of 15"s.....

Just wanted to clarify. Maybe a misunderstanding.....

 

Hey Doug,
Since we have the same truck, and I'm getting BFG 32"s also, I was wondering if you could post or email me bigger PICs like the first 2 you have. They're kinda small..... Thanks

 

Hi Werloc, here's a couple more pics I think they're a little bigger

 

i have a 2000 trd 4wd bone stock also... so i could fit some cooper stt's 32 11.50 r 15 without a lift and it wont rub?

 

You can not run 15" aftermarket rims on 1st gen Tacomas. The factory 15 inch rim that came on the 95.5 - 2000 may not work on your truck so just to be safe try on the stock alloy 15" rims that came on the 95.5 - 2000 Tacomas, or just go with a 16 inch rim.

 

yes u can run 15 inch aftermarket wheels here are the pro comp 8069's in 15x8 and 32x11.5 tires on my truck




Although the 15inch wheels that you can run on the first gens in general are very limited due to contact with the calipers. You can always run wheel spacers or grind the calipers, but thats up to you. I suggest checking out wheelersoffroad.com they have their own 15 inch steelies that clear the calipers or the Pro Comp alloys that i have in either chrome or black. I have also seen people that clear eagle alloy 15 inch wheels and Mickey Thompson Sidebiters as well on the first gens. But i would def recommend getting 15 inch wheels since the wheels themselves are cheaper and the tires as well