33s or 31s? Decisions, decisions

It's not just VA. No chain tire store will mount a tire that is not specified on the vehicle manufacturer's approved list of tires for the vehicle. It's a liability thing that started happening after the Ford Explorer/Firestone debacle. I got the local garage to mount them, but he couldn't touch the price I got from Costco on the tires. No skin off his nose. He was happy to get the $90+ for the mounting/balancing and he'll get the alignment as soon as I get my steering squared away. Found out my inner tie-rod isn't the problem. It's my rack and pinion. There's another $400.

Also, while I was under the truck checking my tie rod, I noticed some rust on my frame. Found a spot where the frame is already starting to rust through. Looks like I may be talking to Toyota to see what my options are. I love the truck so much that maybe I can talk them into giving me a new frame. I have no desire for a trade-in on a newer truck. Time to start researching past threads.

 

Pics, finally! My new BFG T/A KM2s, 33X10.50X15 on stock rims, Bil 5100s front and rear, fronts set at 2.5" lift (but I know my springs have sagged a bit, so it's more like 1 3/4"). No rubbing issues, love the ride, quiet. Since I have 4.30 diffs, no noticeable power loss, and my rpms are finally back down to the "stock" range. I used to find myself trying to shift into 6th gear at around 60mph (don't have a 6th gear), but now it feels right. 65mph at about 2500 rpm. 55 at about 2000. Life is good!

Next up: ARB Bull Bar and OME 883s.

 

^^ them 33's ?

 

Yup. I haven't measured them yet, but they are definitely a bunch taller than the Cooper 31X10.50s they replaced. The Coopers were nothing but trouble. I'll never have another set. I'm very pleased with these BFGs so far.

 

Nice nice, so 33s fit a 2" lift no problem?


And the ARB won't disappoint you! They're so sick.

 

Nice, 98.

STLharry: I get a little touch at the rear of the front wheel arch once in a while when I turn, particularly in reverse, but very light and not often. Not enough for me to worry about trimming or anything. Now, I haven't had it out wheeling yet, so I may eventually need to at least do the "pinch-weld" thing. My lift is actually less than the 2.5" the Bils are supposed to give in the front. I had to replace my spring packs in the rear, due to a broken leaf in the left stock unit. I went with Skyjackers and didn't notice they indicate a 2" lift until after I ordered. Oh well, good excuse to go with Bilstein 5100 now to level out.

I ended up getting almost 4" of lift in the rear over what I had, because the stock springs had sagged so much. My front springs have also sagged. I measured 1.75" of lift with the 5100s set on the highest setting, but that is 1.75" above what it was, not 1.75" above stock. I have no idea how much lift I really have above original spec. I bought, but didn't install a diff-drop kit, because I don't need it. My front axles are barely out of parallel to the ground. Since I plan to add an ARB Bull Bar, or something similar in the future, I will probably replace my sagged old stock front springs with OME 883s. I should have no problems with rubbing at all with those, except maybe at full articulation. Not likely it will be a problem for me, at least not enough to cause any damage. I'll install the diff-drop then.

 

hey, i run a set of 33x10.5x15 BFG T/A KM2's on my 15x8 wheels on my '98. i like em. not too loud either. tread pattern took some getting used to. i installed a complete 3" OME suspension lift on my truck last fall with AAL's in the rear and new front strut assemblies. the max recommended tire size is a 265/75/16. i ran those for winter tires with no rubbing. my 33's rubbed a bit on the inner splash guard of the front fender. i modified this as shown here: http://www.expeditionswest.com/equipment/tacoma/bfg_mt_km.html it did the job perfectly. no more rubbing! the 2.7L is a little sluggish w/them tho. i'll try to post some pics soon.

 

now im thinkin about goin 255/85/16 instead of 285/75/16, those look real good on there

 

Anybody wanna buy a brand new set of 33X10.50-15 BFG T/A KM2s? Looks like Toyota is going to get my pickup. I'm going to be moving up to a Dodge diesel. I'm getting ready to retire and I'm going to need a work truck that can haul a good sized trailer for my second career. I'm going to remount the old tires before I turn it in.

Sad as I am to lose my Toy, you can't beat the buyout offer and I know I'm going to have to get a full-sized truck within the next couple of years anyway. Might as well be now.

 

Is there a recall on 1st gens??? Or you just selling your truck for a larger??

 

i know that i am real late but have you sold your km2s yet?