255/85 R16 Owners Experience

What is the real difference between the ST and the ST MAXX? They physically look the same.

 

Tread blocks and sidewall design are the 2 differences I've noticed. I think the Maxx comes in a 10ply and my old ST's were 8 ply. But there could be options for 8 or 10 on either tire, I'm not sure.

 

Just want to add this here because info like this really helps us stock guys.

Just had 255/85 R16 BF Mud Terrain KM2 put on.

Only had to remove the front little mist guards (2 10mm bolts each)
Front mud flaps have been gone for a while so can't comment if they'd rub.
Shot of the front tire close up is with the wheel stuffed and turned full lock.

Completely stock.

 

Fuck man those Mud terrains are growing on me.. but i know i need 255/85 all terrains...

 

These tires look sweet on stock ride height! Fills the wheel wells nicely.

 

The big perk is that if you aren't running spacers and half 4.5" of BS or more they will tuck up in the wheel wells rather than hitting them like wider tires do so you don't have to trim inches out of your fenders to use the full travel of your suspension!

 

Oh I know, I'm still sitting on stock wheels with these tires. I just like how little dead space there is on stock height.

 

I have read that some people have complained about gearing and shift points due to this tire size on an auto. Has anyone experienced this or have any real world arguments against that claim? Thanks

 

No arguments other than I felt no real power loss and the tranny shifted fine.

 

There's a slight change but nothing that I wouldn't expect when moving up in diameter and weight.

 

Cool. I had read about the trans hunting on the highway.

Ok thanks for the info

 

I have said this. If your in a hilly/mountain region you most likely will want to re-gear. I live in one of the flattest states around and I noticed my auto 4x4 v6 dogging it.

Never had that issue. I know how to use throttle control, but I could see how someone who did not would have issues.

 

Thanks Skip. I have to get some tires and want the 255\85 16 look and performance but just want to be prepared for what's to come

 

It depends on where you live and how you drive. I live at 5000+ ft (elevation kills power due to lower air pressure), in a really mountainous region, and pretty much always set the cruise when on the interstate.

Driving around town I have no issues. If I am doing 75mph on the interstate and wanted to pass somebody, just give it some gas and it will accelerate with no issues what so ever.

Is when I saw gear hunting, was setting the cruise at 75mph and approaching any sort of incline. I had to be on flat ground or going down hill for it to stay in overdrive. Even the slightest incline would make it down shift, so given my circumstances I saw lots of gear hunting. Setting the cruise for 80 or higher and it pretty much never shifted into overdrive. Setting the cruise for 55mph and it rarely ever downshifted to 4th.

If you live at a lower elevation your engine is likely making enough power for gear hunting to not be as much of an issue. Also if you live in much flatter areas or rarely drive at higher speeds then you won't notice it much either.


A few things cause it. Tires are heavier, one revolution of the taller tire moves you farther so more momentum (or lack of momentum anyway) to overcome, lower RPM, taller ride height which hurts your aerodynamics.

The biggest one being that the taller tires make you run at a lower RPM and you make less power at that RPM so a downshift is required more often.

 

I live in a relatively flat area (Boston) but travel New England year round. I could be up north in NH or Maine as well as down in NJ. I drive a lot of highways and most of my daily commute is at about 80mph (that is in traffic, going with the flow). I have to put some thought into this because I want the look and performance as stated before but am I willing to change my habits and driving style for a tire that is not needed except for seldom trips offroad?

 

Cruise control blows on stock Tacoma's............let alone ones with 34" tires LOL

 

It worked great for me on stock tires and was ok on 33's. And is pretty awesome with 33's on 4.88's. Haha

 

shit I hated it on my stock 265's and I'm on flat land.... it would always search for gears. I just stopped using it and now with big tires no way in hell would I handle the lag

 

You're just too picky I guess haha

 

Guys thanks for all the info but I just ordered my tires and went with a diff size cause of the cost, wait to get and the fact that I am on black top more than dirt.