18" v 17" ?

[swegen]

I bought a 2008 V* limited which has OE 265/60/18 and wonder what difference might I experience with 265/70/17 ? Lots of 17 stuff for sale, 18 not so much My thinking is the larger xsection on the 17 will soften the ride, yes?
BTW, just did the 5100 shocks and FJ coils and with the extra 1.5" front x 1.0 rear my wife complains, " feels like its gonna tip over" . Shes used to driving a Miata with race suspension and tires so this rig feels like a "High Rise" to her.
Any thoughts / comments appreciated !

 

[ZebRuaj]

Wheels and tires seem to be a big question, more so when I was in the tuner car scene. Here's a link I always referred other folks to. ...Click...

You'll have a thicker side wall, so expect a bit higher truck, and your speedo will be a bit off.

"Soft" is in one's perspective. You would think it would be since more rubber, but every manufacturer uses different tire compounds.

 

[PWD4R]

Look at load ratings more than much else too. You can have pillow tires or brick tires depending on rating and manufacturer


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[swegen]

Here's a couple more tire/wheel fitment sites
for me the prob is not fitment as much as ride experience
AFAIK all SR5s and FJs are 265x70x17, only the limited is a 265x60x18.
My experience is a shorter sidewall is a stiffer tire xsection that is conducive to cornering but that's not the trucks strong suit.
I like the 17 because of availability and price both new and used but
I'm really thinking the 18 is the choice for me and my driving.
Altho if I find a nice wheel/tire set at a really good price I would probaly jump on it. No hurry as I still have rubber to burn


Rim & Tire Size Calculator. Custom Offsets - Wheel-Size.com

Wheel-Tire size comparer - RIMSnTIRES.com

 

[kevinpt]

you can always go with a taller tire on the 18s

im running 255/70/18 on my truck and the added tire size is about the same as going with a 17 on stock tire size.

 

[swegen]

The conundrum is I want sports car handling but want to go off road as well.
Pretty sure the two are not compatible but I will continue to search for the info that will cause an informed decision
Until I figure out what I want I guess I'll Just stick with stock wheels/tires.

 

[Knight-Errant]

The conundrum is I want sports car handling but want to go off road as well.

Sports car handling?

First....v8 4runner 6005 lbs Miata 3078lbs The 4runner is 2 miatas!
Second, you raised the center of gravity further by lifting it (even if it was only modestly). So the handling won't be as great.


If you think wheel and tire choice will make a 4runner more miata like, then give up now.

The miata is light, and low to the ground, with a sporty suspension. The 4runner is heavy, tall, with a squishy-er longer travel suspension. Completely different machines.

 

[swegen]

Well Knight, you are 100% ! One more piece of the puzzle is to get the alignment done now that I have the new springs and shocks. After that I may be done. Currently I can see slight neg camber after the suspension mods.
This is a whole new adventure for me after all other vehicles I've had so I imagine posting many more questions will be posted to this forum. Thanks to all for the contributions of knowledge and experience. Looking forward to more learning

 

[Knight-Errant]

Well Knight, you are 100% ! One more piece of the puzzle is to get the alignment done now that I have the new springs and shocks. After that I may be done. Currently I can see slight neg camber after the suspension mods.
This is a whole new adventure for me after all other vehicles I've had so I imagine posting many more questions will be posted to this forum. Thanks to all for the contributions of knowledge and experience. Looking forward to more learning

Some people say the 5th gen with KDSS handles really well. I have no experience with that (I've never driven one) but my trail with the standard suspension is slooooooow in the corners and curves for sure.

 

[li_runner]

There are tires that fit, I went to 18" purposely to fit 285/60R18. Nice fat tire that puts a wider footprint on the road.

 

[No Name]

You have options with the stock 18's and a mild lift. FWIW I went with 265/65-18's, E-rated. I wasn't looking for plush though, more focused on trail durability.

 

[swegen]

Great bumper ornament !

 

[swegen]

Pete,
285? OE wheels or didja get something wider?

 

[li_runner]

Pete,
285? OE wheels or didja get something wider?

OEM 18" limited wheels, it's not suggested but 80k miles says no issues so far. I am on my second set.