Standard Cab V6 4x4 16" wheels tire size

I've got a 96 Standard Cab with a V6, factory locking diff, everything stock except the previous owner added 16" steel wheels. I'm carrying a 350 lb. Flippac camper and maybe another 150 lbs of gear. It's currently running 245/70 R16 freeway tires that need to go. I was set on buying KO2s in the same size, but have gotten conflicting recommendations... 245 is too small, 265s are too big, 265/75s will fit just fine, no they won't they'll rub, stick with 245s, go back to 15" rims, etc., etc. So I'm asking here.

I want to keep the 16" rims and I want the largest tire that won't interfere AT ALL with the turning radius. I love this thing's short wheelbase and tight turning radius. It's my daily driver, and when camping I drive long highway distances and then go down pretty hairy dirt roads... no mudding, no desert races, just 4x4 camping in remote locations.

What is the best size tire (and if you have strong opinions about KO2s vs ? I'll take those).

Thanks.

 

@Taco critter

 

70 or 75?

 

The stock size for the later model 1st gens is a 265/70r16. Assuming the wheels you have are a similar width and backspacing as the stock wheels, you'll be more than fine with the 265/70's.

With 265/75's you MIGHT rub. I did. I have 265/75r16 KOs on stock SR5 wheels and they rubbed the frame until I did some other suspension mods (not just a lift, btw...).

So if you want to be SURE you won't have any rubbing issues, stick with the 70s. The 75's definitely don't make it undriveable, but it's annoying trying to turn sharp in parking lots.

 

I have 265/75/R16 E-Rated KO2s. They fit fine, even when I only leveled the front to .85 with the Bilstein 5100s. I have a 3 inch lift now and it fits really well.

 

Thanks guys. I got 265/70s and they're perfect. Looks like 75s might have been just a hair too big. Thanks for the help.

 

how's your gearing? some 95-01 had 235/75-15s as stock sizes with higher gearing (3.91?) https://www.tacomaworld.com/tirecalc?tires=245-70r16-235-75r15 which could be why they used that size.

 

Frissman I think you nailed it. I just went on a shakedown cruise to a valley behind Santa Barbara called Santa Ynez, and I had trouble getting up and over the 154 San Marcos Pass with the usual ease. I had to downshift a few times, became one of the slow vehicles. It felt like I was carrying too much weight, but I was carrying my usual camping equipment, my bike on a bike rack, and my 350 lb camper shell. I was warned that KO2s were “heavy tires” but as I have the V6 model I thought that would be OK. How can I find out what gearing I have? And what are my options?

 

look on the VIN sticker on the door jamb. the code will tell you which gearing you have. here is an example:

 

also, here is the official thread for the gearing

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/oem-gear-ratio-chart.365138/

 

Mine is the same as yours B03A.

• B = 8" ring gear

• 03 = 4:10

• A = 2 Pinion, Open

So, is this the problem with my up hill acceleration?

 

honestly it shouldn't be. that's standard for most of our trucks. BUT if you were used to the smaller tires then you would notice differences, I'll bet the previous owner put the smaller tires on thinking it would save mpg or make it easier. for 4.10 ratio the 31" tire is pretty standard across the board for most brands/models of trucks nowadays.

you may need stronger springs later on to deal with the added weight, or at least an AAL. moving up to the Tundra brakes will help stopping the added weight as well. but those are future plans