Ride quality 16 vs 17

I'm looking to replace the worn and dried out 31's on my 2003 Sequoia with some 32's. Priority for me is comfort and road vibration/bump absorption. My truck has 17" rims and I was planning on putting on a set of P265/70r17 Michelin MS2's which will already increase the sidewall height over what I have now.

My question, is should I pick up a set of 16" wheels for a couple hundred bucks and run the P265/75r16 MS2 for a smoother ride? Anyone have experience in ride quality changes switching between same make/model/outer diameter tire when switching rim size??

Thanks.

 

Cost of wheel switch isn't an issue.

 

I think the difference is minimal if anything I believe 16 inch tires cost a hair less then 17s. More or less depends on the tire itself for ride comfort.

 

I don't expect a huge difference but even a noticeable improvement would be worthwhile for me. I was hoping someone had experience - same tires, different size comparing ride comfort.

Also, of interest - I heard the LTX Defenders are stiffer than the MS2 and shops are having a harder time balancing them. I'd like to get a set of the ms2's before they're gone.

 

Just buy a good set of tires. Not worth going from a 17 to a 16 for an extra 1/2 sidewall height and having to send up shelling out the extra $ for the wheels.

 

I went from a 16 to a 17 and noticed a very slight firmer ride. Very minimal.