Can I (or should I), mount a smaller tire set on my Tacoma?

My truck is currently running a set of 265/70/17 that cam on it when I got it used. And I was just given a great set of snow tires that are 235/45/17.
My question is, would it be unsafe to put that smaller size on the truck for the winter?
I know it will mess with the speedometer, but would it handle in an unsafe manner?

Thanks in advance!

 

It is going to look really funny. But there shouldn't be any real issues (other than the speedometer).

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/tirecalc?tires=265-70r17-235-45r17

 

super pizza cutters

 

Thanks, I did that calculation as well, but it doesn't answer my question.

 

Good snow tires are tall and skinny..

These are fairly skinny, but 45 is a sports car profile.

So unless you have an x runner, suggest selling those and buying a proper size for your vehicle

 

It sounds like you're trying to mount the tires on the same rim. Since you're losing over an inch in that dimension, you should probably verify that the rim width is even compatible with the small winter tire.
If it's fine, then I think you're good to go. It won't be unsafe.

IMO any benefit you'd be receiving from the softer rubber compounds is significantly reduced by the low clearance and smaller contact footprint. Not worth the headache for me.

 

Thanks, I think I will take that advice.

 

Dumb idea.

Your welcome!

 

Jesus, forget I asked. Fuckin' pricks!

 

Nothing unsafe. Snow tires are great. Not only will your speedo be off, your engine will be spinning quite a bit more. Definitely more get up and go off the line.

I'd try to get something a little closer to stock

 

I wouldn't do it. it'll be more prone to breaking loose when it's slick, which is the opposite of what you want.

 

Ignore the haters. Yes it will be more prone to break loose, if you are a ham fisted lead foot. With soft winter rubber and a narrow tire, it will be perfectly safe and controllable. Just with extra torque available in case you come across an empty unplowed parking lot

The biggest issue is that it will look ridiculous. But if you're okay that and the speedo being off, you won't be doing anything unsafe or damaging to the truck.

 

''Jesus, forget I asked. Fuckin' pricks!''

 

Username checks out.

 

Now that’s the holiday spirit!

 

Brah

 

Not recommended.



That's a -19% difference in size. You're going from a 31" to a 25" tire. You'll lose 3.14" sidewall height (that means losing 3" of ground clearance as well).

So at 50mph on your speedo you'll be doing 40mph;


That's if a Tire shop will even mount a 235 on an oem 7" or maybe 7.5" wheel.
I mean, I like stretch as much as the next 'dubber, I just don't think it's a good idea.


btw - smallest stock tire on a 2nd gen was 245/75R16. That's around -3.6% difference

 

265/70/17 tires are 31.6" tall and 10.5" wide

235/45/17 tires are 25.3" tall and 9.25" wide.

So the snow tires will make the truck have 3" less ground clearance.

And the 45 sidewall will make it ride a bit rougher.

Snow tires are typically narrower anyway - to put more pressure onto a smaller road contact area.

I wouldn't hesitate to do it and I cannot imagine how it could be unsafe in any way.

Isn't the stock tire size for your truck only one size larger (245 vs 235) ? Both a 235 and a 265 are good for a 7-8" wheel width.

For free snow tires? In an area that gets snow? I'd do it in a heartbeat. <g>