265/75 versus 235/85

Looking at new tires and want to know peoples thoughts on the 2 sizes in title. Rims are 16". Goal is to keep weight at current 49 lbs/tire or less. With this goal in mind I have lots of options in the 235/85. My top ones are all Coopers. ST, ST Maxx, or STT Pro. In the 265/75 I am limited to Duratracs and Cooper STs. Mud and rocks are main off road conditions. Sand and snow are fairly rare. How much will the narrower tires affect on road handling? Also how is the road noise with the STTs? If no worse than Duratracs then I am fine with it. Will the 265s give me an appreciable increase in rim protection in rocks?

 

I am having the same thoughts and I am leaning towards the BFG KO2 vs ST MAXX in a 235/85/16. In the past I have run 33/10.5/15 on my wranglers and 33/12.5/15 on my CJ and Samurai. Over all I think the narrow tires served me well and handled better than the wide ones, and they were significantly lighter when it came to pulling the tires off and putting them back on.

 

Cooper st in 255/85/16 is 49lbs...

 

in a 235 they are 45lbs. Another good thing about the 235s is the cost. Looks to be about $30 less per tire.

 

I forgot about that Pro to buying the 235's right now BFGs are pretty cheap through http://www.4wheelparts.com/Tires/LT...aspx?t_c=13&t_s=536&t_pt=101509&t_pn=BFG75445