16" or 17" wheels?

[Wifey 4Runner]

Hi everyone,
This is my 1st post. I have a stock '02 4Runner with 225/75/15s without fender flares. I want to upgrade the wheels/tires to do some off-roading.
In looking at many setups on the board, I have noticed that some go with 285/75/16 (32.8" tall) and others with 285/70/17 (32.7" tall).
The overall diameter is basically the same with the side wall height making up the difference between the 16" and 17" wheel.

My question: Does a 16" vs 17" wheel make a difference in off road performance? Is more sidewall better or does it not make a difference?
Does it make a difference in getting the wheels/tires to fit with no rubbing?

Thank you.
Brian.

 

[flyinbrick]

If you are considering 265/75/16, then how about 265/70/17? Both are 31.6".

What I know is that lower profile tires will perform better on the road due to less sidewall deflection, but you won't be able to air down as much off road and be a bit more prone to wheel damage being closer to the ground and less air between the tire surface and wheel. Realistically, I don't know if it makes much of a difference in this case where there already a lot of sidewall no matter which you choose. I may stand corrected and have the more experienced/knowledgeable members chime in.

 

[bimrunner]

More sidewall is always going to be better for the type of off road I do. Wish I could run 16s on my 2013 runner. I'd swap my rims off my 80 in a heartbeat and run 35s and swap back to the 33s for daily driving.

 

[deverlow]

Definitely prefer a 16" wheel with 265/75s. 17s and above just get too big and heavy.

Although a 16" wheel on a 5th Gen just wouldn't look "right" in stock cases.

 

[Wifey 4Runner]

Thanks for the feedback. Very helpful.
Brian.