The Lair

It’s fun. Definitely challenging on open diff with not much droop. Once I switched to b110 I walked up it fairly easy making an S on the way up to ride the walls.

 

Ive got a library of books you can read on suspension design, geometry, and engineering. They get into the dynamics with instant centers, roll center, antisquat, etc.

 

I understand at a high level, it's just the fine tuning of each component and how that adds little by little (like the shackle flip) to your overall suspension travel. Then choosing a shock to match lol

 

I will say that there is always fine tuning that even the best enginerding cannot calculate that takes some trial and error and some real world work to get right.

 

@EatSleepTacos random question..you have the cooper MTP tires right? How are you liking them compared to your old cooper tires you ran.
My duratracs are getting near the end of their life and I can't decide to go back with the same or switch it up. My duratracs have given me 8 solid years of no issues, but I'm wondering if there is something even better out there and a little cheaper.

 

The st maxx that I previously had are definitely a better overall tire. Not quite as aggressive, but still really get after it off road.

The reason I went mtp is because they’re cheaper and lighter. They do awesome off road with good on road manners, but you can tell there an MT. A little noisy and below 10mph it rumbles from the lugs being so aggressive.

Of the two I would recommend you get the maxx for your truck.

 

Good to know! There was a guy at the event I was at this weekend with 255 width maxx on his 3rd gen 4runner. He really enjoyed them too. Definitely between keeping my duratracs or switching to team cooper. That narrowed my choices down some thanks!

 

I had them in 255 as well!! Such a trouble free size. No rubbing and still crushed it off road. No real reason to switch to 295s other than looks. I love the wide stance.

 

255s

 

So much to consider. If I go maxx I may try the 255. I think they are slightly shorter than my 285s but I'll have to see what they measure too. I just don't want them to look to small.

 

They should be a hair taller, at least compared to the 285 maxx. Not sure how they’d stack up to the duratrac. I think on your truck they’d look great since the 3rd gens are pretty small.

Oh actually, here’s 255/85r16 on joes truck.

 

They actually look pretty beefy for the amount lift he has, so they might not be too bad for my height either.

 

The aggressive sidewall really helps.

That’s another perk of them is the sidewall construction. It makes them heavier but they’re super stout and resilient in the rocks. I *think* it’s 3 ply instead of the standard 2.

 

First set of 255 Maxxs I had for about 60k miles and only got a new set cuz I found a deal not to pass up for freshies. I still have them now stored away for trailer build. Even wear on ever tire, no plugs or patches. 255 Maxxs will look great on your truck. The tires can sure take a beating and keep on going.. Im a St Maxx fan boy on my third set. They have taken me everywhere I wanna go.

Edit with a pic. 255/80/17

 

I vote 255 st/maxx! Couldn't be happier w/ them.

 

Ahhh wow looks like the lair has spoken! Thanks guys

 

Thd ones on the bed are #5and 6 for me, so i can have 2 spares for rotation. Came from @twheat40

 

I don't have experience personally with the Maxx but know a guy with a 3rd gen that's running them and they are a good aggressive AT. I've seen him put them through their paces and they've done really well. I think you'll do good with them

 

Spares for your spares is always a good plan! My spare is on a 16" steel wheel tire is the same size but can't really put it in rotation, it's for emergency purposes only.

 

Easy side by side comparison for me thanks to @Chux