Tire size dilemma...

A few months back I did a three inch lift on my 03, I'm still running 31s and want to move up to 33s, however before I do that I want to know if anyone else has done this and what they thought about loss of power? Decrease in MPG? Additionally, I want to mount them on my stock 16" rims but I'm not sure how far I would have to space them out to clear the UCAs, any suggestions would be nice. thanks.

 

I had 32's and upgraded to 33's and I seemed to have lost 2mpg! I would figure in 1mpg for the bigger size and another mpg due to the fact they needed to be aired down a tad more to even out the tread. You'll also more than likely have to do the pinch weld mod. As well as very slight trimming of the bottom corners of the stock bumper valance. That's what I had to do anyways. Maybe even get smaller fender washers on the bottoms for the fender flare if your tread rubs that too. As far as spacers go, you'll probly just have to wait and see how it fits up. I've got aftermarket rims (15x10) and they clear with a 1/4" spacer/washer and my tires don't rub on the frame. Spacers were there when I bought it. Planning on getting 1" bolt ons or smaller if I can find em.

Edit: I do also have camburg ucas too. I think that spaces them out a bit too. So with stock ucas that may play a factor too on rubbing. Not sure. I'm sure someone will chime in with better info.

 

I have a set of 285-75-16's on my 98 with a bit less than a 3 inch lift overall and I needed a set of 3/4" spacers from Bora to stop any frame rub. Had to trim the bumper valance a bit and remove the front mudflaps and all seems fine. Remember that there can be a difference in the overall size of tires by as much as half an inch, also depends on the kind of driver you are as to whether you will see a lot if any rubbing.

 

Did your 32s seem to fill out your wheel wells with the lift you had?

 

Um. Not quite as much as I liked them to that's why I got the 33's. And they do for sure though.

 

I'll also say it seems like she struggles more now on hills or even wind. She doesn't like going past 65mph. It kicks down more often now than it did before. I've just adjusted my driving habbits to compensate. But I think I may have a bit of a clogged cat too playing a part in that. I'm gonna be testing it soon. But yeah it is a noticeable difference for sure. I'm averaging 14.5mpg sometimes lower if I decide to have a lead foot a couple times. Before the new tires I was getting 16.5 almost 17.

 

After my llift I went with 265/75/16 on the stock wheels as I didn't want the headache of triming pinch welds etc.

The tires look perfect on the truck and there is only minor rubbing on the frame at full lock. It's also a flat smooth part of the frame so I'm not worried about it cutting up the tires.

 

Check my build for a side by side shot of 32s (265/75/16) & 33s (285/75/16). 33s fill the wheel well better but 32s aren't bad. 255/85/16 is also an option if you want a 33 and less rubbing. Might rub the frame at full lock but shouldn't be bad.

As for mpg I can still get 18/19 hwy with the 285 MTs. If I stay below 70 and don't get crazy on the gas to often. I think my bumper(s) kill more fuel mileage than tires. Back before the armor I didn't notice a MPG difference going from 255s to 265s.

Edit since I feel like being nice today:
265s

285s

255s (~2" lift)

 

do you think I will see less of a difference based on the fact that I have a manny as opposed to the automatic?

 

My wifes 4 runner is an automatic tranny, my taco has the manual. Both have 4.10 gears & 4wd. 4 Runner is stock with 31s. FWIW the automatic has a higher geared OD gear. The 33s seem to mellow out the rpms a little at highway speed on my taco. However 1st gear does kinda suck however even with the lift/armor the taco does seem more peppy when putting around half throttle. The auto likes to let the motor rev where with the manual I can control things better.

Best fuel mileage I ever saw on the taco was when running the 265s or 255s. Neither were as aggressive a tire as I now have. 285 ATs may not be as bad (but will require spacers/wheels and pinch weld mod). Depends if/how you wheel. I see some mud/sand occasionally and like the wider tire. FWIW if I had the money I'd put in dual cases and leave the 4.10 gears for the highway driving. Anything bigger than 285s, like 295s or 315s (34s or 35s) I'll definitely regear.

Hope that all makes sense. It's not what the taco wheeling normal setup is but it works for me.

 

so i would be better off on mileage and power loss because i have the manual? how do I find out what my truck gearing is? would i be better off with a narrower 33s? i love wheeling on occasion but i still commute around 25 miles a day so im very concerned about my mileage and power on the interstate. i know im probably asking a bunch of goofy questions but i just want the best setup.

 

Your manual will do just fine. 1st gear will just suck on take off. Do some googling on figuring out your axle ratio. My TRD was easy to figure out so I've forgot about all the other options. I commuted 23ish miles one way on my 285s at my last job. I just didn't drive fast and took my time. It'll do it. Truck will still do 75-80mph but just gets 15ish mpg so I just take my time.

I'd hate to tell you what to get. All roll just do something a little different than the other. 265s are probably your only no mod/cut option. 255s & 285s will need pinch weld mod. 285s will need aftermarket wheels or spacers. Just be aware of that.

 

I just put some 265/75R16 AT KO2's on my truck with worn out suspension. It let me see where things sit before I choose a lift.

I have some rubbing on the frame and with the wheels turned halfway, the corner of tire tire barely rubs the plastic at the pinch weld.

Here's what it looks like as of today.

 

A little math will tell you that the 285-75-16's are only about 8 percent bigger than the stock 31-10.5-15's that cam on my truck, I don't notice any difference in performance. As to the gear ratio went from 4:10 down to around 3:90 with the change.

 

My two sets of 255x85R16s only rubbed at full suspension compression and tight turning.
It seems that most rubbing comes from wider tires (10+") not necessarily taller tires (up to 33").
Yes it effects MPG some but your not driving a Prius. It is a truck. 4x4 at that.
Good luck!

 

there was a noticeable difference for my truck (automatic with 4.10s) going from 265s to 285s. so much so that i ended up regearing to 4.88s. absolutely worth it. truck looks great and it drives like stock (if not even a little more grunt on the low-end)!

 

awesome! if you think I can run the 33s with minimal loss of performance then that's what ill do. what is the sizing you would recommend for the easiest fitment without having to trim much. also if I am going to mount on the factory rims ( split six spokes 4runner style rims) what size adaptor should I use to space them out from my control arms, break assy, etc. spyderco offers 1.00, 1.25, and 2.00. Would spacers eliminate the need for trimming?

 

How are your RPMs on the highway with 4.88s?

 

255/85/16

 

See here:

1" or 1.5" spacer would be max needed for 285s. Make sure the spacer is hub centric.

Also, for me on stock wheels & 255s rubbed the frame at full lock when turning. Not bad but did. That's why 285s need a spacer, but the spacer puts the tire into the fender more making the pinch weld (and sometimes a little more cutting) necessary.