Since I am 58 years old this August and have been driving a truck, 4WD of some sort since I was 14, yes 14, I got my learners permit at 14, I have seen the tire-rim size evolve over the years...
Time was when a 15" rim was the big size, we ran 33" tires on a 15" rim. Guys also used this size in a 14" rim.
Then everyone went through the tall-skinny phase. Real narrow tires from the local farmers co-op.
I now see Hummers with the 24" rims, which is just plain stupid.
My 4Runner came with 17" rims, will stay with 17" rims and the the 265 tires are just fine. If and when I do lift it, 3" max, more than likely will be in the 1.5" leveling type, the largest tire I will run will be a 275. Only when I need new tires.
Look at it this way, the difference between a 265 and 285 on a 17" tire is 20mm X .7 / 25.4 = .55" in height. And if this is the difference in making or breaking, you need to rethink your set up. I know the lift gets more ground clearance and articulation, but I just think this set up not only works but looks great.
Now for stupid looking set up, there is a guy running around my town with a F250, looks like a 6" lift with normal/OEM tires, this looks ridiculous. That I will say, I may a little older, but I know silly when I see it.
Again, I am looking at it from 57.5 year old perspective and seen a lot of changes.
My 77 Bronco has a 3.5" James Duff lift, un cut rear fenders and I am running monster 235 X 15" tires and it looks great.
I ran through places and situations that you would not believe with my 1982 Bronco sporting 30" tires on 15" rims.
77
