255/70/r16 or 265/70/r16 on a 3rd gen

[jrm27]

Hi all,

I am in need of new tires on my 3rd Gen 2002 sport. I'd like a larger tire in order to give my 4runner a little more of an aggressive stance. So, I'm thinking of either going with a 255/70/r16 or a 265/70/r16. If I am understanding tire terminology correctly (a big assumption), the 265/70/r16 will not only be a little bit wider, but also a little bit taller than the 255correct? It's my understanding that the second number in the measurement (the rise?) is a percentage of the first number (the width). Is that correct?

Currently, I am all stock on eveyrthing but the tires. The last owner put a mismatched set on there and it's time to get rid of them before the winter hits. I'll be driving in the snow a lot as I live in the mountains. I like the look of bigger tires, but with snow would it be better to go with the 255's so that the slightly narrower tire can cut through the crud a little easier?

What might you recommend?

 

[Clemsonfan15]

You are correct. The 265's will be wider and taller.

I'd go with the 265's.

Do you have 235's on there now?

 

[jrm27]

well.. I'm ashamed to say this, but just this morning I realized that my tires are quite mismatched. The previous owner put 265's on the front and 255's on the back. I knew the back tires were "new", but I didnt realize they were a different size... That can't be good for my 4R right?

I'm thinking of going to the 265's just because I liek the look of a larger tire....

 

[manhunter]

265/70R16 is the original stock size for 2002's. Not sure why they put 255's on there unless they found a good deal somewhere and didn't think it would matter.

 

[jrm27]

Thanks for chiming in manhunter! You know what I just realized? I still owe ya for checking out this 4runner for me! I feel like a total louse that we weren't able to meet up in Dallas... It was a quick early morning turnaround when I picked this 4runner up. Thanks for the long distance insight both then and now my friend.