Hey everyone,

I'm new to this forum and i'm not sure if anyone has a thread with this open but i just got myself a 2003 4runner SE v8 and was looking at getting new tires. I am contemplating between the two and my buddy said he can get me the BFG A/T KO w/ 10ply? Im not sure what that means, but he said they can handle a lot heavier load and suggests them over the Nitto Terra Grapplers but the Nitto's are a couple hundred bucks cheaper so I was wondering if anyone had some advice on which tire I should be getting? I live in Vancouver, BC and there's lots of rain and snow here in the winter, my T4R is my DD and i go snowboarding lots so i'll need good snow traction but would like to do some off-roading as well.. hitting up trails etc... anyone ideas?

Thanks!

Welcome! (I am somewhat new here myself, so not sure I actually have the authority to welcome you.) I don't know much about the Grapplers, but reading other peoples comments and reviews, it would seem there are better choices than the BFG for our climate (rain and snow). Revo's and Destinations seen to be good choices for wet/snowy weather (as far at ATs go).

Welcome. I'm kinda new, too. If that's the only two tires you're looking at, then get the BFG AT K/O.

I'm not entirely stuck on those 2 wheels, i am open up for suggestions of other tires as well. Thanks for all the input guys!

Welcome. There's many threads in the "Performance Zone" & "Off Road" section that covers this very topic. A couple of longtime members have spent many hours debating the merits and weaknesses of both.

The Reader's Digest version as I understand it:
1) Both are great tires.
2) The BFG's are arguably better offroad due to more robust sidewall construction. If you air down and 4wheel with sharp rocks etc the BFG is the choice. Both tires have good off-road traction, neither tire is as good as a M/T, duh...
3) The BFG has the snowflake embossed on it freeing you from chain requirements where enforced (mainly a CA thing with some in OR and WA). The Nitto is reported to work very well in the snow but it lacks the legal endorsement of the snowflake.
4) The Nitto rides better.
5) The Nitto is better on wet pavement.
6) BFG's can take some effort to get a good balance on them.
7) Having driven both I'd say the BFG is slightly louder but it's a lower frequency, more pleasant sound. Both are very tolerable.
8) With stock rim offset the very square tread vs. sidewall on the BFG will cause very minor UCA (upper control arm) rubbing. It only rubs when the wheel is cut full left or right. It rubs lightly on a smooth part of the arm, most don't worry about it.


Your question sparks one of the fiercest debates we have. Both sides are very loyal. I don't think you can wrong with either. I do a lot of highway driving and place a high value on easy-to-balance and wet-pavement performance and less on off-roading so I'd go for the Nitto.


Both Ron Maiden and Thai have good feedback and comments on these tires. Look around and read some of their stuff... HB4x4 and BlairB too.

Again, welcome and good luck!

Thanks for the great information CJ3Flyr and sorry for posting in the wrong section, just curious, when you mean "better ride" are u referring to comfort when driving on-road?

No worries about where you posted... It's all good.


Yes to the ride; better on road, dirt roads etc. The Nitto's come in P rated and LT rated. The P rated which is what most use and you'd be most likely to get are more compliant over small bumps, grooves etc. The BFG only comes as an LT and therefore has extra weight (unsprung weight is bad for ride quality) AND they should be run at a higher pressure. To prevent overheating and failure LT's must be run at higher pressures too (45psi or so typically). That combined with the unsprung weight issue contributes to the slightly rougher ride too. Some discussions here: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?t=55329

Running LT's too soft can ruin the tire and cause a deadly blowout on the highway. It's one of my soapbox issues. More here.

I was in the same situation between the TG and BFG. I cracked yesterday and bought BFG's in 265/70-17 and Pro Comp 7089's in 17x8 to compliment the newly installed lift. Should be coming in within the next week or so.

My BFG 265/70 /17 do not rub at all.

I had a set of the BFG A/T on my 1993 4Runner and I loved them. I will be getting them for my 2004 4Runner once the current tires wear down a bit more.

Thanks for all the input guys, due to our conditions here I think i'll go with the Nitto Terra Grapplers if I can find em for cheaper then the BFG A/T KO