'05 4WD SR5 Tire Up-Sizing Question

[swmtnbiker]

2005 4WD SR5 Tire Up-Sizing Question

Hey all! First post, and my apologies for bringing up a subject that has been discussed to death on the forum. That's actually the problem! There's SO much information here about slapping bigger rubber on your 4Runner that it's difficult to sift through it all.

I just bought a used 2005 4WD SR5 in absolutely awesome condition, but the Pirellis that are on it only have a few thousand miles left. I've run the Yokohama Geolandar A/T-S on an '02 XTerra before and really loved the tire so I'll probably go with them again. HOWEVER, I'm thinking about upsizing from 265/65-17 to 265/70-17. My main concern is loss of fuel efficiency. I do moderate off-roading and would like to get just a *little* more than stock clearance without resorting to a lift. So I thought I'd go with the slightly larger tires and removing the running boards to accomplish this.

Can anyone who has gone to this specific 17" tire size from stock give me some idea of the mileage penalty and whether or not there was any noticeable benefit to the truck's off-road performance? I'd REALLY appreciate the input before dropping 8 Franklins on tires. Thanks!!!

 

[fourwd1]

The 70 series tire is about 1" taller than your current tire. You'll never/barely notice the change in mpg or power.

 

[LOSTR4]

With my lift and slightly larger than OEM tires, I lost about 1mpg...worth it if you ask me.

 

[swmtnbiker]

Thanks guys! I appreciate the info.

 

[DiskDoctr]

I've been running 265/70 R17 for a couple of years. Here's what I've found.

1. You definitely want LT tires for the stiffer sidewall. BIG difference. 6 ply at least, though I just added 10 ply rears last night.

2. Barely rubs in extreme turns, but doesn't catch

3. 70 mph = 74 mph ground speed

4. Fuel mileage the same or a bit better on highways. Your computer doesn't account for the 4 extra miles, so swag 1-2 mpg extra.

5. Highway cruising is sweet! Continues to ride like a luxury vehicle, even over rough roads. My V8 doesn't even feel the difference.

6. There is still a bog spot in the V8 in mid-RPM range, but changed the exhaust and replaced the dreaded "squashed" Wye pipe, removed rear cat and resonator and turned the tailpipe out the side. Smoothed this out, barely noticeable now. I know you have the V6, but mention this as larger tires can magnify any spots like this.

7. Nice wide stance, firm enough to ride true (even when loaded and sharp corners at speed), yet the suspension smooths out all but the roughest roads.

8. Doesn't require any suspension lift, spacers, or mods.

It is one of the best things I did for my 4Runner. Hope this helps!

 

[swmtnbiker]

Thanks for the detailed info about your experience with the 70s DiskDoctr. VERY helpful. Regarding the LTs, when I spoke with reps at Discount Tire and TireRack.com I was told by both that the LT Geolandar would be overkill for the 4Runner and would result in a harsher, louder ride than the P265/70 with poorer gas mileage. They're 12 pounds heavier and $40 more per tire than the P265, and are designed for use on vehicles in the 1/2 ton pickup class. Thoughts?

 

[DiskDoctr]

Thanks for the detailed info about your experience with the 70s DiskDoctr. VERY helpful. Regarding the LTs, when I spoke with reps at Discount Tire and TireRack.com I was told by both that the LT Geolandar would be overkill for the 4Runner and would result in a harsher, louder ride than the P265/70 with poorer gas mileage. They're 12 pounds heavier and $40 more per tire than the P265, and are designed for use on vehicles in the 1/2 ton pickup class. Thoughts?

Thoughts? They have never tried it. I have about 100k of experience with LT's

The 4Runner has a very good suspension that more than counters any stiff tire ride, resulting in a firmer, more secure ride IMHO.

I am not certain I would say the 10 ply are necessary, I am just trying them out. But the LT 6ply are DEFINITELY a substantial improvement, especially in you haul a lot of stuff and trailers, campers, etc.

Consider for a moment the 4Runner Limited has a 7k tow rating. There are many who would deny such a thing was possible and would throw the Earth off its axis if you would try it

Whether you want to go with LTs or not is up to your personal preference, but IMHO, certainly not overkill.

Oh- I don't get road noise from the tires. I am familiar with the hum of truck tires from my truck days (even revisiting them sometimes). Road noise is more a factor of tread style, alignment, any lift, etc.

To be fair, your tire guys can't possibly be an expert on every vehicle. Many do not understand the limitation on rubber valve stems, either. (They are usually only good up to 50-60 psi).

My V8 gets as good and even better highway mpg with the larger tires. Probably the extra torque when not loaded. I can't say for sure how the V6 will react, maybe someone with the V6 can chime in?

Hope this helps.

 

[swmtnbiker]

Sounds like the LTs fit your needs perfectly DD. Since I won't be towing anything and do mostly city/highway driving with a moderate off-road excursion a few times a month, I decided to go with the P265 Geos. Bought 'em at Discount Tire and walked 4 out the door for $710 installed with lifetime rotations/balancing. They're being installed on Saturday. I think they're a better match for what I'll be doing with my 4Runner and I'm saving $160. That should cover the fuel and beer bill for my trip to the North Rim of Grand Canyon on the 4th of July weekend.

Thanks again for your input everyone. I appreciate it!

 

[swmtnbiker]

Got 'em installed last week:

 

[ghkdkrtfuyhu]

With my lift and slightly larger than OEM tires,