Need Advice: Tires for 17" Method 703's

Hey all,

Long time lurker, but finally made a TW account. I need some input on a tire/suspension set up for my 21 DCLB tacoma. Here it is, in all its stock glory:

Spoiler

for wheels, I chose the Method 703's in 17x8.5 (0 offset). Now to discuss tires:

I'm looking to go with something in the 33" range, primarily to improve ground clearance, and to make the long bed look a little more proportional. Trade offs include reduced MPG and requiring a suspension lift, and I'm fine with that. My current use case for the truck is a Daily Driver and my transport into the mountains for play (skiing for now, climbing when it's warmer). I live in Utah, and I don't currently see the need for going to a dedicated winter tire setup, so I'm looking for a decent AT tire that can handle decently in snow (or try to convince me of two setups if you want).

So, looking to hear your thoughts on size (285/70R17 vs 255/80R17 vs 33xwhatever) and brand. And suspension setups as well...

 

Welcome GOAT!

I put a lift on (Dobinson's) from Exit Offroad (Mike on the forum) and love it.

I really wanted a 255/80R17 (or similar in 16 rim) but the choices are severely limited to basically Mud Terrains. Although the 285/70R17 is a wider and heavier tire, the BFG KO2 is available in C load (lighter tire) and most of the aftermarket rims are lighter.

Anyway, haven't pulled the trigger yet but that's where I'm heading.

 

I have a DCLB, just ordered 17x8.5 -10 scs F5 wheels and 255/80/17 Toyo AT3 tires. From the reviews, the narrower tire gives less rolling resistance, tends to drive better, and less chance of rubbing. Here are some pics I found and got from member Hattr1ck. They are the Toyo AT3 on Method 703’s 17x8.5 0 offset.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/255-80-r17s-pizza-cutter-thread.525039/page-22#post-24358800

A good thread about 255/80’s

 

Welcome!
I had BFG Km3s, I LOVED them.. super quiet too for a M/T and they look so good

 

I just put 265/70/17 BFG KO2s on a brand new set of Method 701s 8.5” zero offset. No rubbing but had to take off front mudflaps.

 

Thanks for the welcome!

Thanks for the link -- I've defiantly lurked around the "SKINNY on skinny tires" thread too, which put that on my radar. From what I can tell, thinner tires = better ability to cut through snow/mud. Thicker -- seems to be preferred amongst the rock crawling crowd, helps with floating on soft terrain. There's the looks preference, but for me I don't care between a 255 or a 285, I'm going for the larger diameter (for reasons of improving ground clearance, improved breakover angle(assisted with suspension lift to fit said larger tires), and for my own eye for what looks "right" on my trail limo). Going the 255 route severely limits tire options, for sure.

So I guess in terms of performance, I'm trying to decide a route (skinny/thick) given that the off road terrain I generally(or plan to) encounter is snow over roads and sandy wadis. Which kinda leads into a question about tire brands -- what handles decently in snow, and is a good all-rounder for the rest of the year?

 

How do you not rub I have 265/70/17 with general grabber ATX and 0 offset and they rub like hell

 

I'm gonna go with good karma. Seriously though, I'm not quite sure. I don't go heavy off roading though, just mainly dirt access roads in the canyon where i live. Rubbed only one time in first 3 weeks doing a K turn into a steep driveway.

 

Scs F5 17x8.5 -10 and Toyo LT255/80/17 came in today.

 

what side steps are those ?