One week old 09 Taco = already blown tire off roading!

Hey all: bought my 09 double cab long bed TRO Sport with Tow package one week ago.

Went offroading on my hunting lease yesterday with the following badness: bottomed out left tire rod on rock (no damage); took stem in left front sidewall with flat in about 10 secs. Spent > 1 hour to put on spare in open field

It seems I need help. I live in NE Oklahoma - woody. I want to get bigger, stronger tires than my standard Dunlop AT20 P265/65R17.

I am thinking about a simple raise: Readylift front leveling strut extension 2.25 inch and Readylift 1 inch rear block kit.

Please give me input on tires that would raise my truck bottom up off ground and that are tougher.

Thanks in advance!!!

 

I assume I'll have the Dunlop's when my truck gets here and I'll run them as long as I can stand before switching them out to Michelin's. I had LTX AT's on my F-150 and they were awesome. That's most likely what I'll go with again. Awesome tread wear, quiet and smooth ride on the highway and great traction in all sorts of conditions. Probably not the best "pure" off road tire, but for a daily driver needing all round performance, I was VERY happy with them. They aren't cheap, but I don't tend to skimp on tires. It sort of like good shoes, spend the dough and they will treat you right

 

That sounds like more than average damage for a tire...They aren't horrible tires. but the Nitto Terra Grapplers and Bridgestone A/T or A/T Revos are popular.

If you are going to be off-roading stay away from rear blocks. Look at Add-A-Leaf (AAL) packs either thru Toytec or Wheelers Off-Road. There are other options for the front as well- depending on if you just want to level the truck or if you want to lift it. If you get a 3" lift and some wheel spacers you can stuff 285/75R17's or so under the there which will help with ground clearance as well.

Welcome to the site and enjoy learning!!