Skinny tires on 1st Gen.

I posted this in the wheels and tires forum, but thought it might get more interest here.

Please post pics of your 1st generation with skinny tires.

I currently have 285/75/R16 BFG Mud Terrains on my 2002 xtracab with 3 inch lift. I just bought a set of oem steel wheels that i'm going to put 235/85/R16 tires on. I saw the skinny tire thread, but there were very few 1st gens in it, so I thought I'd see if there were more.

Also need opinions on the currently available skinny tires in 235/85/16. I'm currently considering:

Toyo Open Country A/T III
Falken Wildpeak A/T 3w

I love the look of the Yokohama Geo M/T g003's but don't know if I can justify another mud tire when I do mostly pavement driving. I'd like something aggressive looking, because it's cool, I'll admit it.

A little information.

Currently live in upstate, SC but travel north sometimes, so an A/T would be good with the snow rating.

Might move up north, where there is a lot of snow. In that case I could probably go with anything as I would get a set of snow tires for winter. I'll have the stock alloy wheels that are on there now for spare wheels.

There is 8-9/32nds left on the current BFG mud terrains, so I may keep them or pull them.

I'll probably drive 5000-7000 miles a year, so not a lot. I'm just looking for opinions of tires you've had, especially skinny sizes. Thanks

 

I've been running 235/85-16 BFG AT KO and KO2s with OME suspension (abt 2" lift) on my Gen 1 and Gen 2 trucks for years. I like 'em a lot. They honestly don't look that skinny to me -- more "normal" I'd say -- although by most peoples' standards I guess they are skinnies.

 

That looks great! That is pretty much the set up I'm going for, I'm looking for a used topper and like the ARB for the front bumper. Still deciding on the rear though. I don't think the KO2's have the snow rating, but I'll double check.

Any rubbing issues with your tires? Thanks.

 

33x10.5... which look ironically "un-skinny"

 

Nice!

 

I have a set of the Yoko G003. Killer off-road very smooth ride even at low speed, some other MT can feel chunky until you get going. Freeway noise is pretty good too. Offroad they're killer. I have only got stuck 1 in a big ol mud pit. They do good on road off road snow and rain. FYI the taller the sidewall the more roll you'll get. The only downside is they don't last that long. Id guess 30k ish. For whatever you buy watch the load rating as you don't want a stiff sidewall.

 

The 235/85-16 BFG AT KOs went on my 2001 before the Old Man Emu suspension kit (those wheels-tires got moved to the 2003 I have now). With the stock suspension the 235/85-16 tires would rub occasionally when the wheels were turned pretty far and the truck's suspension was compressed, as in exiting a parking lot ramp onto the road. After the OME kit went on the 2001, the tires never rubbed again. (On the 2003 the tires went on at the same time as an OME kit.)


EDIT: This image is NOT the 2001's final configuration! This photo shows the original un-lifted suspension with the 235/85-16 BFG AT KOs that would rub sometimes. The Old Man Emu kit installed soon after this photo lifted the truck about 2 inches and completely eliminated any rubbing.

 

All of the 235/85/16 I've seen I think have an E1 load rating and 120R load index/speed rating, so not much choice there. I'm not sure I can justify the Yoko G003's but for some reason I keep them in the running.

 

My current tires rub a little if I cut it hard, but this should confirm that the 235/85/16 shouldn't'. I'll post some pictures tomorrow if I can to show what is currently on there. Both of your trucks look great.

 

Ah ha! Thank you for this.

Was hoping to see 2" and 235's.

 

A few more of that configuration (on the two Gen 1 Tacomas I've run it):

 

255 85 r16 Cooper Stx max on atx mojave teflon's kings set at 2"

 

My first attempt at uploading a picture. Here is a 235/85/16 Falken Wildpeak next to my current tires.

 

Thank you!

Did you ever feel they were too skinny? How do they handle curvy/hilly roads at say 40-45 mph, I ask as my commute is mostly TN backroads.

 

Since my Tacoma is not lifted pictures will not help .

I use 235/75 15" on everything.

 

Never too skinny. In fact, I see these as more "normy" than "skinny". They handle as well as the truck is capable of in any weather or road condition. I do like (and recommend) ARB's Old Man Emu suspension kit for the Gen 1. It's quite nice. Better'n the kit for the Gen 2, IMO.

If I notice anything it's the fact that the 235/85-16 BFG AT KO/KO2 are load range E, probably because that size is a common dually fitment. One is likely to notice the stiffness of the tire on a lightly-laden Gen 1 truck in terms of sidewall compliance over things like expansion joints on the road.

 

Any pictures of skinny tires on first generation Tacomas are welcome. It can always help someone out.

 

I have a thread in the suspension forum asking questions about lifts that can accommodate plate front and rear bumpers. If you get a chance, can you check it out and offer any advice? Thanks.

 

Had some 235/85r16 Wildpeaks mounted four years ago. Overall very happy with them, feel like the skinny tires look proportional on a smaller truck. Have been impressed with their performance in wet conditions, not too loud on pavement. Main negative would be that the 10 ply Wildpeaks seem to ride a little more harshly than my last set of 6 ply tires.