255/75 LR C or 255/80 LR E?

[atalarico]

So I'm finally deciding to try 255's out. Quick background: I have a V8 with a 3" OME lift on Sport rims, and I actually wheel my 4Runner here in Colorado. It's not my DD, but 4-season performance and a reasonable ride on pavement is appreciated.

I'm between the Cooper ST Maxx's in a 255/80 or a BFG KO2 in 255/75. I chose the KO2 in 75 because it's a true 32", LR C, and significantly lighter according to tiresize.com, whereas the Maxx in 75 is 31.77" and a lot heavier.

However, I'm really tempted by the Maxx in an 80 since it sounds like I could fit them with minimal trimming needed, but it only comes in a LR E in 80 and I've had bad experiences with stiff suspension and LR E tires before.

My previous bad experience was years ago with my 3rd Gen with Bilstein 5100 Tundra suspension and Geolander AT-S's in a LR E. It rattled my teeth and I was relieved when I finally got LR C Duratracs and changed to Tacoma 5100s instead. I swore I'd never do a LR E tire on stiff suspension again.

Will a LR E on OME suspension be a similar experience, or will the added weight of a 4th Gen V8 mitigate some of that LR E stiffness? I might just pay a little extra to get them from Discount so I can return them if I really hate the ride.

 

[Monkey Wrench]

The ride with the 255/80r17 Cooper ST Maxx isn't too harsh, felt about the same as BFG KM2 load C in 255/75r17 (Jeep Rubicon take-offs). My V6 Runner definitely was slowed down by the heavy 33s!

How tough of trails do you plan of wheeling? Do you need a burly 33, or would a lighter 32" tire be "enough"?

Let me know if you're in Lakewood or Evergreen and want to take a ride in my 4Runner. I have OME Sport shocks with 884s and Superflex rear springs. Its a v^ but should give you an idea how yours would feel.

 

[atalarico]

The ride with the 255/80r17 Cooper ST Maxx isn't too harsh, felt about the same as BFG KM2 load C in 255/75r17 (Jeep Rubicon take-offs). My V6 Runner definitely was slowed down by the heavy 33s!

How tough of trails do you plan of wheeling? Do you need a burly 33, or would a lighter 32" tire be "enough"?

Let me know if you're in Lakewood or Evergreen and want to take a ride in my 4Runner. I have OME Sport shocks with 884s and Superflex rear springs. Its a v^ but should give you an idea how yours would feel.

Thanks for the input! Since that Tundra 5100/LR E debacle years ago, I've been in the camp of "enough is plenty" and not "impractical over-kill". I just checked and saw that my 3rd Gen had 32" Duratracs. I never once said to myself "I need bigger tires" while wheeling with those, but that had more ground clearance than this does anyway, so I'm already starting at a clearance deficit.

I certainly appreciate the huge power improvement going from my 3rd gen to this V8, so I'd hate to neuter that by getting heavy ass tires. Hah!

 

[RonJR]

I can't speak to the Cooper 255/80 LR-E, but I have the BFG 255/75 C's on my '06 Sport V8, and I couldn't be more pleased. I wheel moderate trails with it, and they do just fine. Highway manners are superb, very quiet and smooth, good on snow, and no noticeable MPG hit. I've got 26,000 miles on them now, and they look to be good for another 25K.

 

[Dirtrider216]

I’ve got the Cooper 255/80s with toytec 650# springs and blistein 5100 all around in a v8
To me it rides like a dream, however I may be biased because my last vehicle was a 4” all leaf spring lifted f250 diesel

 

[atalarico]

I can't speak to the Cooper 255/80 LR-E, but I have the BFG 255/75 C's on my '06 Sport V8, and I couldn't be more pleased. I wheel moderate trails with it, and they do just fine. Highway manners are superb, very quiet and smooth, good on snow, and no noticeable MPG hit. I've got 26,000 miles on them now, and they look to be good for another 25K.

Definitely a good recommendation for the KO2's in 75 then!

I’ve got the Cooper 255/80s with toytec 650# springs and blistein 5100 all around in a v8
To me it rides like a dream, however I may be biased because my last vehicle was a 4” all leaf spring lifted f250 diesel

Yeaaah, the 5100s have a much nicer ride compared to the OMEs, so I have a feeling they're doing their job in softening that ride with the LR E tires. But as you said, coming from a leaf spring lifted F250, I think you have higher tolerance for pain! haha

 

[Diamond_D]

Regarding weight, there's also the 255/80r17 E-rated Nitto Ridge Grapplers, which at least on paper are a bit bigger (33.3" vs. 32.8") and lighter (55lbs vs 58lbs) than the S/T Maxxs. No experience with them, but they are tempting!

 

[atalarico]

Regarding weight, there's also the 255/80r17 E-rated Nitto Ridge Grapplers, which at least on paper are a bit bigger (33.3" vs. 32.8") and lighter (55lbs vs 58lbs) than the S/T Maxxs. No experience with them, but they are tempting!

Oh great, one more in the mix! lol

They do look pretty sweet, but they're almost $30 more a tire, so I'll probably pass. They are tempting though and the reviews on the forum are good.

 

[MightyP]

I've had the 255/80R17s ST Maxx for about a year now. Had 265/70R17 Terra Grapplers before. I haven't noticed any ride difference. The Coopers are a little noisier and I lost about 1 mpg, but the ride is fine and they are incredibly capable off-road. And while I only have the V6, I can still tow a 5000 lbs trailer at 75 mph, no problem.

 

[RCFJ]

There are also Toyo AT2s in 255/80. 50lbs 33.1” off the top of my head reasonably priced too.

 

[atalarico]

I've had the 255/80R17s ST Maxx for about a year now. Had 265/70R17 Terra Grapplers before. I haven't noticed any ride difference. The Coopers are a little noisier and I lost about 1 mpg, but the ride is fine and they are incredibly capable off-road. And while I only have the V6, I can still tow a 5000 lbs trailer at 75 mph, no problem.

Those look great on your rig! I'm planning on painting my sport rims black too, so it's really nice to see that on yours to give me an idea.

What suspension do you have?

I just took a look at the little 265/65's I have and I have a ton of room to grow height wise. I feel like another two inches of wheel isn't going to come close to the wheel well liner and other stuff, so I think I'm leaning 80s now. I can tell wider would cause problems though, so I think this will be a good call.

 

[C-RAIG]

I just did 255/75/17 Duratracs standard load. I can't even tell that I went bigger.

 

[Monkey Wrench]

As a long time 255/80 guy it kills me to say I’m considering the KO2 in 285/70r17 load C at 50 pounds. It’s the new Rubicon OEM size so I’m hoping to score some cheap take offs. Seems like the ideal year-round 33” tire. It’s almost 10 pounds lighter than the Cooper ST Maxx in the 255/80 size.

 

[ElZilcho]

I run E rated Duratracs and have no complaints about the ride. That said, when they're due to be replaced I will stick with the Duratracs but drop to load range C. C's have plenty of capacity for towing in the 4runner, are lighter, and are more compliant when aired down off-road. For my purposes the Duratracs snow rating is more important than an extra inch of tire I might get with an 80 aspect ratio. Although, I would buy the biggest damn snow rated tire I could fit... load rating be damned.

I know this isn't perfectly analogous, but it's the best input I can give.

 

[atalarico]

I just did 255/75/17 Duratracs standard load. I can't even tell that I went bigger.

Weird. I mean, I have 265/65s and they look puny, so I think I'd notice even an inch. Also, doesn't the SL rating freak you out a little given the rocky conditions of our trails here in the Rockies?!

As a long time 255/80 guy it kills me to say I’m considering the KO2 in 285/70r17 load C at 50 pounds. It’s the new Rubicon OEM size so I’m hoping to score some cheap take offs. Seems like the ideal year-round 33” tire. It’s almost 10 pounds lighter than the Cooper ST Maxx in the 255/80 size.

I mean, I'd consider 285's but the chopping and spacers and what not required to make them fit scared me off.

I run E rated Duratracs and have no complaints about the ride. That said, when they're due to be replaced I will stick with the Duratracs but drop to load range C. C's have plenty of capacity for towing in the 4runner, are lighter, and are more compliant when aired down off-road. For my purposes the Duratracs snow rating is more important than an extra inch of tire I might get with an 80 aspect ratio. Although, I would buy the biggest damn snow rated tire I could fit... load rating be damned.

I know this isn't perfectly analogous, but it's the best input I can give.

Yeah, if I could get a C rated Duratrac in this size, I would. I had a set of 265/75's on my 3rd Gen and they were the best. Unfortunately, the closest size they have is 255/75 but in an SL, which I've read is very inappropriate for wheeling on sharp rocky trails.

 

[C-RAIG]

Weird. I mean, I have 265/65s and they look puny, so I think I'd notice even an inch. Also, doesn't the SL rating freak you out a little given the rocky conditions of our trails here in the Rockies?!



I mean, I'd consider 285's but the chopping and spacers and what not required to make them fit scared me off.



Yeah, if I could get a C rated Duratrac in this size, I would. I had a set of 265/75's on my 3rd Gen and they were the best. Unfortunately, the closest size they have is 255/75 but in an SL, which I've read is very inappropriate for wheeling on sharp rocky trails.

I meant as far as drivability. They look big. It seems like most of the wheeling I do is dirt roads. I’ve had a few near tip overs so I keep it tame.

 

[atalarico]

I’ve had a few near tip overs so I keep it tame.

There are stories there to be told. :lol:

Nothing like getting 15-20 degrees up on your side to make you seriously reconsider off-road driving. "Everybody lean to the left!"

 

[LOSTR4]

I too recommend the Cooper ST MAX tire! Nothing but happiness for me and the E-rated will be great both on and offroad!

 

[MightyP]

Those look great on your rig! I'm planning on painting my sport rims black too, so it's really nice to see that on yours to give me an idea.

What suspension do you have?

I just took a look at the little 265/65's I have and I have a ton of room to grow height wise. I feel like another two inches of wheel isn't going to come close to the wheel well liner and other stuff, so I think I'm leaning 80s now. I can tell wider would cause problems though, so I think this will be a good call.

Thanks! I have Icon Stage 2. I do rub a little at full flex, but it's not much and, as slow as I'm going when I'm flexed that much, I don't worry about it. My only complaint is, with everything I've done, I struggle to get over ~14 mpg. That means 300 miles per tank and not much wiggle room.

Anyway, good luck and let us know what you decide!

 

[Daddy4Runner]

ive tried load road range E tires and a few other kinds on my V8 4runner and the LR E tires were by far the worst handling/driving ive had. I now run 265/70/17 Monsta Terrain Gripper tires on my fuel D583 rims. I imported them from Australia so no one else probably has these but i absolutely love them.

Added a pic of the tire.