Questions about a wheel/tire change from a newbie.

Hey everyone,

I have a base 2013 Tacoma SR5 Access Cab, my stock tire info is:

P5 LUG - 215/70R15

I am looking to go from my current 15inch wheel to a nice set of 17inch wheels that I found. I would also like to possibly go with a slightly bigger tire as I would like to increase the overall height of the truck, nothing huge, but maybe a size or two up. I am a software engineer that knows absolutely NOTHING about auto improvement... HELP!

Have any of you done something like this? What tire did you use to avoid rubbing? Did you use a lift kit? If so how many inches did you need to lift it?

I've seen from some of the threads in this forum that you guys haven't been using lifts at all, is it possible to use 17inch wheels to achieve a taller truck? Or should I do 15inch wheels with a bigger tire?

Feel like I am drinking from a fire hose here heh.

 

I'll give you my short recommendation. B/F Goodrich All-Terrains, give a "larger look" and moderately aggressive "off road" look to any wheel you choose. Typically they don't need a lift kit either or cause rubbing or ruin you gas mileage. I've seen these tires on stock rims and they change the whole truck appearance drastically. Other folks will scream about other brands or w/e, but i've seen these tires a lot on a variety of vehicle and they look sharp.

 

Bigger isn't always better. You start affecting gearing, unsprung weight, etc etc., not to mention costs of tires over the life of the truck.

I agree our base wheels are homely. I'm looking for something in a 15 or 16" size, 7" width. Likely will go with a 235 70 or 65 tire. I don't want any suspension lift, and don't want affect the gearing too much. Just a bit more rubber on the ground.

Lots of other wheels fit our trucks. You might find a real deal with something off a Sienna, Rav or Camry that strikes your fancy.

There is a tire sizing tool in the tire forum that will help you see how choices would affect the speedo/gearing aspect of things you are considering. http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/tirecalc.php

 

Thank you both for the suggestions, now I know where to start as far as sizing. Didn't really think about the gearing and whatnot.

 

I'll start by saying lots do bigger tires without it.

There, that aside, plan on regearing if you go bigger. Heck, I went to lower gearing with stock tires and it was just about perfect with 4.10 and the tiny tires. Fuel economy with 4.88 and true 30" tires is the same. I just got 23.5 corrected as my odo is off by 10-12%. And I estimated it at 10 percent so not cheating it.

The stock truck is handicapped for EPA testing, not set up to actually be driven on real roads.

Mine is a stick shift, auto is another but similar story. Maybe go a ratio or two taller than I did. You'd have to get in a gearing calculator.