Tire/Wheel Question

I've googled this, but since I am green to tires and making modifications, I thought I should ask here as well.

My '96 Tacoma came with 31x10.5R15 tires on T15x7JJ15 rims. I'm looking at swapping out the tires for a different size, or going up to 16" rims and getting different tires.

If I stick with my existing 15" rims, I can get the same size tires or 265/75/15 (if they exist).

Go up to 16" rims and I get a few more choices:
215/85R16 (0.7% smaller)
245/75R16 (0.3% smaller)
235/80R16 (0.7% bigger)

And there are more choices, but they get farther from the original 31x10.5R15 and would have a greater effect on the speedo.

So - I don't know enough about the subject to ask which is the better choice or if I am stuck with the original size. Can anyone weigh in one this? Have you done something similar to your truck? Any unforeseen negative or positive side effects?

 

265/75-15 and 275/75-15 will both work for you, one is a little wider than the other.

I switched to 265/70-R16 from my original 31/10.50-15 but wished I would have used 265/75-16 which are a bit larger in diameter.

You don't have to use the stock size. Just keep in mind that the larger diameter tire will:
- adversely affect your performance and braking
- increase your top-end speed
- increase ground clearance for off-roading

If you go with a much wider tire, then that will increase rolling resistance, and might cause rubbing at full turn.
A much skinnier tire might look odd, but many people run them.
Whatever floats your boat.

 

Tire calculator. TW has one. It's right here.