2008 Tacoma Access Cab needs a more respectful set of wheels, with bite

This is my 2008 Tacoma Access Cab. Right now these are touring wheels(?). My use: I will be driving in snow, and on dirt roads for part of the year. I don't think these wheels (rims, tires) are designed for this.

Tacomaworld, please advise me on how to make this Tacoma whole.

 

Those are 5 lug wheels, correct? On a base model, 2.7?

There is a 5 lug forum, and some folks who've made a good bit of changes. Since the suspension & wheels are not the same as the 6 lug crowd, much of what you read here will not apply.

Keep in mind that if you don't need lift for clearances where you drive, you may be better off w/o it. Also the bigger the overall dia of the wheel tire combo, you will impact driveabilty because you are impacting final gearing, MPG will drop and your speedo/odo will be inaccurate.

Not saying don't do it, just proceed with your eyes wide open.

Have the '13 version of the same rig. Still running OE wheels/tires. When the time comes my goal is a 15 x7 or 16x7 wheel, with an appropriate tire for my use.

Speaking of which, when you say 'snow', how much, how long, how deep and road conditions matter. You don't say where you live. But a second set of wheels with dedicated winter tires are always the best answer for max pavement performance.

 

Clearwater Bill, thanks for this detailed reply. Yes, 5 lug wheels on a base 2.7 model.

Snow will be Atlantic Canada & Midwest mostly on unpaved, maintained (but not promptly plowed) roads. Followed by muddy, slippery conditions. I'll check into the 5 lug forum. I'm not sure I want to invest this year in a snow tire, but something with more grip and moderate road performance would be perfect as best I can tell.