33s or 34s?

I'm in the process of choosing new tires to replace my decently used, and very resell-able 265/70/17s. I would love more under axle clearance so I'm leaning towards 285/75/17s but am not sure if they are worth the headache making them fit for only half an inch more of lift.

Thoughts?

 

255s less headache and still get 33's.

 

I'm not a huge "for looks" kinda guy...that being said i can't stand how 255s look. On a 1st gen, super good looking, but the 2nd and 3rd gen are just too wide. Plus most of my offroading is in sand, which would like a wider tire.

 

It seems 285/75/17s tend to be a lot more expensive than the 285/70/17 and options are limited although there are a few popular tires available in that size. They just don't get discounted as much as the smaller tire. I don't know if it's a typo or not but the Geolandar MT G003 in 34" is narrower than the 33". Same goes for the Wildpeak AT3W.

If you're thinking KO2 then I'd personally go larger since they often run small anyway.

As for 255s, cool if you just need height but for snow wheeling and sand I'd stay wider. Assuming you're willing to put in the work to make them fit.

 

I'm thinking about going with falken wildpeaks. I have KO2s right now and they are irritating. They never were able to be balanced and i have some strange wearing patterns on a couple of them. They are also pretty slippery on wet roads.

I'm still debating if I want to go to MTs. Trying to weigh out pros and cons.

 

It's a tough decision unless you're constantly wheeling in thick mud or a serious rock crawler.

I liked my Wildpeaks in general but they didn't have enough void between tread blocks to allow me to climb rocks and ledges like I needed so I stepped up to the Patagonia. My 1st choice was the Geolandar G003 in a 285/75/17 but the price difference was nearly double that of the 285/70/17 Pats. So far the Wildpeaks are better on road but off-road and even in snow the Pats are way better. If you don't need the larger tread gaps then the Wildpeak is a good tire and does very well in sand.

 

38s

 

My truck had 295/70 R17s on it when I bought it with 4" lift. Replaced a couple sets at $1000+. Went to replace third set and finally realized I could get 285/70 R17s for about $700. Wish I would have realized the price difference sooner. Would never be able to tell the size difference. The 295's only rubbed on full turn, while hitting a dip/curb. 285's, no rubbing at all, cheaper, still 33's.

 

Think about where you plan on having your spare tire too. 285/70r17 will be easier to get into the stock location.