Help me chose new tires for my wife's taco!

She's got a 2.25" level and a block in back (because the "level" made it bro height in front).

She currently has stock 16" steel wheels w/ 265/75/16 (31.6") nitto's which have been great in the winter. The wheels are just sucked way in being stock and the tires look a little small for the truck's height.

I got her some 17" six shooter FN wheels. Looking for tires

Goals:

• She wants it to look "badass"... it is what it is and looks matter
• Winter traction... MT's are out! We get tons of ice on the roads here and AT is it.
• Dirt road and light off roading... no crawling or mud pits anything like that.

Wish

• Not lose too much more power ... the truck is slow as balls as is. I understand it will slow down a bit more going to a bigger heavier tire...
• Not lose a ton of dirt road ride quality; one thing that's so sweet about a Tacoma is how nice it tackles dirt roads unlike a heavy 1 ton truck.

The contenders:

• 275/70/17 E Rated Bfg Ko2's.... only bummer is E rated! We don't tow a damn thing other than some mountain bikes (Have a big cummins truck for the trailer). 55 lbs per tire 32.2" diameter.
• 285/70/18 D rated Goodyear Duratracs. 3195lb load rating, same as BFG... not necessary at all for us! 33" diameter. 54 lbs

Both tires are highly rated and the only I found that have not just M+S rating but also the snowflake rating. She'd be happy with the look and performance of either, I think. My question for you guys.

 

Cooper ATs - not the most "badass" looking but full of win by all other criteria.

 

Since you are going for the "bro" look, I must suggest Ko2's.

 

Cooper ST/MAXX

 

Nvm just realized you're 17"

 

I would avoid D or E load unless you need a tire to perform to that level. It'll rob even more power and MPG's. Here's some other options...

These are standard load.

http://www.tirebuyer.com/tires/nitto/terra-grappler-g2/p/tv154000543

If those are bad ass enough, these are C load.

http://www.tirebuyer.com/tires/nitto/ridge-grappler/p/tv154000682

 

I think we need pics of the wife to make an accurate decision. Since looks matter and all.

 

KO2s and don't look back.....

 

Look at the 34x10.5R17 KO2, they are costly.

 

Michelin LTX AT2 look 'aggressive'

 

Just got these installed last week, great tires. Stayed with stock size for mileage (245/75/16)

 

I run E rated KO2's in a slightly larger than OE 265/70r17. I like them for my uses and they ride good with good traction so far(no ice here yet). The KO2 is severe weather rated. The downside is I took a solid 10% hit on gas mileage. I don't notice a difference in power or braking.

Bumping up to a 285 is going to suck even more gas.

 

I just did 285's and I don't notice horrible mileage.

 

34" is definitely bigger than I want to go regarding the BFG 34"

NOT going for the bro look lifted front droopy rear with mud terrains on a RWD w/ a light bar. Quite the opposite. All terrains level and clean is the goal.

I did fid the cooper Discoverer AT3 in 275/70/17, how do you guys feel about that? C rated which is great! 51 lbs.

I did also find the Ridge Grappler in 285/70/17 at 52 lbs 32.8" C rated. I like this idea but unsure of ice performance? Does look like they're just about as heavy as an E rated tire.

Cooper ST Maxx is only available in E rating and 60lbs, that's out!

Thoughts appreciated!

 

Just put on 285's Load E Hercules Terra Trac AT2's. They perform nicely so far and my Meg's have been averaging 18-18.5 unadjusted. 4x4

 

Get a C rated 285.

 

Auto or manual? V6 or I4?

 

I voted for duratracs. HOWEVER I suggest looking into the falken wild peak at3w. I've got a set you can view them in my build.

 

Toyo ATs

 

KO2's.