Larger tire affect things other than speedometer?

Okay, so I know this has been previously discussed ad nauseam but I need to check my understanding. I have 2015 TRD Off Road that is in need of new tires. The stock size is 265/70R16 and I still have stock suspension, but I have read that 265/75R16 will fit with out any issues. I'm planning to go with the BFG KO2s in one of these two sizes, and am leaning toward the larger as I'd eventually like to install a lift, and I've recently discovered that they are significantly cheaper.

discounttire.com has the larger tire for $183 each vs $249 each for the stock size. Is there anything special I would need to know or do when making this change? I know the larger tire will affect the speedometer a bit, but will it affect other things like alignment? Also, would it be wise to also go ahead and replace the spare or would it be okay short term in a pinch to use the original spare? Shame on me, but I've not had it in my rotation.

Anyway, I appreciate any constructive feedback.

 

Larger tire doesn’t change alignment. If your alignment is already good, then you won’t need one after new tires. How did your current tires wear?

265/75/16s fit fine. You may have to remove or trim mud flaps as some people rub on them while reversing at full steering lock.

Personally I always get a matching spare just for peace of mind.

 

You're correct - the bigger size fits. Not only that, but it will make your speedometer accurate. I didn't have any problem with mudflaps or any other rubbing (until I went to 33s). If you off road much at all, consider a load range C tire for added durability. I got a lot of flats when I was still running passenger (standard load rating) tires. I had fewer punctures/ tears with load C. Not a single flat since going to load E (much heavier and more $$)

 

Thanks for the feedback. My wear was pretty even, but I'm probably due an alignment anyway. With the money I'll save going larger I could pretty much get 5 for the price of the standard 4, so I may just go for all 5. Thanks again for the feedback.

 

if you want to keep the stock performance keep the stock size

 

You ALWAYS need an alignment after new tires no matter what. 265/75R16 fit my truck with the stock pro suspension and zero trimming, can't imagine them being too much trouble on stock suspension. If your alignment guy is good you can add caster and get the tires away from the rear of the fender.

 

Why

 

Citation needed

 

Might as well throw your money away if you plan to get new tires and no alignment. The chances of it still being in perfect alignment are astronomical, plus tires of the same size are not exactly the same across every manufacturer. It's insurance for the life of your new set of tires.

 

The alignment goes out of spec over time from suspension settling and wearing in (bushings, balljoints, etc).

Please explain how putting new rubber on each rim has an effect on tie-rod adjustment or caster/camber adjustment. These adjustments are changed/affected with wrenches and cam bolts.

A vehicles alignment (at least in the front susp) depends on the relationship between the frame and steering knuckle. New tires would only change the relationship between the knuckle and the ground

 

Exactly, the alignment goes out of spec from wear. How long do tires last? You're saying there is no wear in bushings/balljoints to change alignment over the life of the tires?

 

No I said bushings and ball joints wearing over time does change alignment overtime. What I'm saying is the tire tread wearing down is not going to affect the alignment of the suspension. Quite the opposite, the degradation of the alignment will cause adverse tire wear over time. But remember, tire tread wearing down from normal use and adverse or unfavorable tire wear like cupping and are two different things

 

This is what I was thinking. Wanted to be sure. I'm planning an alignment soon anyway, just wanted to know how high a priority it needed to be. I wasn't sure if the larger tire would somehow need a different camber setting, but your explanation make sense. Thanks.

 

The "tire calculator", on the front page of this site, will tell you a lot. The only difference the 265/75 will be 1.04" taller (total diameter) than the 265/70. Divide that by 2, cause 1/2 of that will be in front of the hub center & the other 1/2 will be behind the hub center. That means the outer edge of your tire will be only .52" closer to your mud flap or fender well. As a rule, tires usually last 40,000 to 60,000 mi. That makes a really good time for a reg. maint. alignment. If the alignment has got off a little, you'll have it corrected before the new tires start wearing out of wack. Tire size has nothing to do with alignment, getting it done will be just as important if you go with a larger tire or stay with your exact orig. size. That's my opinion, & it ought to be yours.

 

got it. Thanks guys.