Tires size troubles

I have a 2.5” lift on a 2014 tacoma and dont know whether going with a 285 size tire and having to cut down the wheel well is worth it or would it be better to go with a smaller size like a 275 and not have to cut down the wheel well. Im starting to get into more offroading but dont know if the larger size is worth the damage being done to the under side of the car. Any help with the decision would be greatly appreciated!!

 

Generally, with a 2.5-3" lift, you don't have to do all that much trimming anyway to fit a 33" tire. Maybe hammer the pinch weld, but usually not much else. There's no "cutting of the wheel well" until you get into 35's or bigger...

But ask yourself *WHY* you want bigger tires. Is it because you think you need them (because everyone else seems to have them)? Or because you've encountered obstacles where your smaller tires get you stuck? Most people do quite well on a decent 265/75 all terrain.

A good set of tires are probably the single best improvement you can make to an offroad vehicle. Think about it, it's literally the only thing in contact with the ground. You don't need to go "big" to be good, though. Tread pattern is what's important. A good 31" or 32" all terrain will be loads better than that crap Toyota puts on these trucks new.

Have you considered the 255/85r16 size? It's the "pizza cutter 33" and what I'm looking forward to. Usually requires little to no trimming, and is actually a "better" tire in most conditions like rock or dirt. It looks a little goofy to some, but it's actually a better performing tire for that diameter. Search around and read up on it...

But if you're concerned about the "damage" from trimming the fenders, should you be off-roading with it anyway?

There's a tire/wheels section - I'd look through that, and search for your model and how to fit 33's to get a much better idea of what is involved and see if it is worth it to you.