265s with 4.10 vs 285s with 4.30

[IsaiahC]

Like many before me, I'm on the fence about which tire size is right for me. It seems people either love 285s or hate them. However, it seems everyone can agree that 265/75r16s are anything but sluggish on our trucks. I've read lots of posts on the debate but I haven't seen anyone comparing the gear ratios along with the tire sizes (I apologize if I missed it). I used a calculator to find the effective gear ratios of the tire and stock gear ratios. According to the results (picture below), it would seem that effective gear ratios are similar between 4.10s with 265/75s and 4.30s with 285/75s. I know there is also rolling resistance and weight to consider but it seems my 4.30 gearing with 285s would be similar to others with 4.10s and 265s. I'm thinking those who hate 285s have 4.10s and those who love them have 4.30s. Thoughts, opinions, or inputs?

Edit: My images aren't displaying for me (new to this).
Effective Gear Ratios:
3.96 with 265/75r16 and 4.10 gears
4.01 with 285/75r16 and 4.30 gears

 

[Singtoe]

I have 285's and 4.10s and it drives just fine. I wouldn't change anything...

 

[IsaiahC]

I have 285's and 4.10s and it drives just fine. I wouldn't change anything...

You also have a supercharged v8 swap

 

[suppra87]

I have 285's on my 98 limited with 4.30 gearing and can't complain. My 3rd gen is a recent acquisition though so I'm really enjoying the 3.4 as opposed the 3.0 in my old truck.

 

[suppra87]

Supercharging or engine swap takes presidence over re-gearing, in my opinion at least.

 

[snivilous]

There is less than a 5% gearing difference from 4.3 to 4.1--aka you won't notice anything. Some people complain about 31s and stock gearing, others complain about 35s and stock gearing, it all depends on the person. Get what tire you want, but don't kid yourself that you'll notice a difference between those two gear ratios. You get more effect on your engine from changing 1000ft of elevation (which depending on where you live isn't even that much).

 

[IsaiahC]

Supercharging or engine swap takes presidence over re-gearing, in my opinion at least.

I don't have intentions of doing either. I just want a set of tires that will DD but will also perform on the trail. I got stuck in snow today locked in my Chinese tires while my friend in his open diff ranger without rear weight flew around in super swampers. I don't have any intention of getting super swampers or mts either. The current tire I'm looking at is the bfg ko2

 

[IsaiahC]

There is less than a 5% gearing difference from 4.3 to 4.1--aka you won't notice anything. Some people complain about 31s and stock gearing, others complain about 35s and stock gearing, it all depends on the person. Get what tire you want, but don't kid yourself that you'll notice a difference between those two gear ratios. You get more effect on your engine from changing 1000ft of elevation (which depending on where you live isn't even that much).

I think the average elevation where I DD is around 50-100 feet (not a big deal). So power is mostly opinion based? My next concern is fuel economy. Do you think I'd notice a sizeable difference at the gas pump?

 

[snivilous]

I think the average elevation where I DD is around 50-100 feet (not a big deal). So power is mostly opinion based? My next concern is fuel economy. Do you think I'd notice a sizeable difference at the gas pump?

It's FIVE percent difference. If you took a shit in the morning it'll make a bigger difference. You decide.

 

[T4R2014]

Or just rock the 265s with the 4.30s and have a 4Runner that actually moves when you stomp the pedal.

 

[JayRolla]

I have 285's and 4.10s and it drives just fine. I wouldn't change anything...

More trolling ic. Holidays must be boring for yeah. Lol

 

[IsaiahC]

Or just rock the 265s with the 4.30s and have a 4Runner that actually moves when you stomp the pedal.

To be honest, right now I'm at form vs function. Leaning towards the 265s.

 

[A.Wilson013]

Though 4.10 to 4.30 is only a 5% difference, I'll say this...

I went from 4.10 to 4.56 (9% difference) in my 1st gen and the increase in "power" was VERY noticable. It was like a new engine had been dropped in that thing.

I have 4.30's with 285s and the change in "power" from 265 to 285 was HUGE. I used to consider my 4Runner quick (for a 90's Japanese SUV) but now when cruising it's just meh... However, if you stomp it, she'll still get up and go quickly to 90mph without an issue...

 

[4eigner]

When I "regeared" with an elocker retrofit from 4.10 to 4.30, I most certainly felt a difference. It probably wasn't a full second quicker in the quarter mile kind of feeling, but more like a half second difference; noticeable, but nothing to flaunt at stock power levels.
On E rated 265/75s the 4.10s just weren't cutting it. The 4:30s were a much welcomed upgrade without hardly sacrificing fuel mileage. Power/acceleration levels feel much more appropriate instead of feeling underpowered like before. Having to preplan, and doubt the trucks ability, for each pass on the highway got old rather quickly.
I think if I were to bump up to E rated 285s I'd fall back into the same boat I was in before with the 4.10s on 265/75s.

 

[tallnelyt]

It was like a new engine had been dropped in that thing.

 

[habanero]

Two pennies...

On the 96 from 4.10 to 4.30 on 285s (same tires, same truck) the difference was very small.

The greatest difference in rolling has been the change in tires, both in weight and tread styles.
Big difference between Michelin LTX M/S LT265/70 Michelin A/T2 LT285/75, BFG A/T KO LT285/75 and BFG A/T KO2 LT285/75. Especially between the first and last, of course, though that stuff below contributes mightily.

There's been a change in truck weight, suspension, height, a roof basket, and engine wear, and all that's made a difference too.

 

[Morion]

Use 285s with 4.3. earlier it was 4.1. the difference is small but noticeable. but if I changed the final gear now would 4,556. However I have it in the spring, plan on 35".

 

[sportscarfan]

My 4runner has 4.10 gears with 285/75 duratracs on stock 16" wheels. Sure there is a difference in circumference, but not enough to regret the up-size. I've got a 5-speed MT, and at 5300'+ it feels just as underpowered as it did when I bought it totally stock. It made no difference in gas mileage either.
You will need to make some "adjustments" for clearance if you fit the 285's. I believe I've done the bare minimum which is 1" body lift, '99 non-saggy springs, and pounding the pinchweld flat.

 

[JayRolla]

My 4runner has 4.10 gears with 285/75 duratracs on stock 16" wheels. Sure there is a difference in circumference, but not enough to regret the up-size. I've got a 5-speed MT, and at 5300'+ it feels just as underpowered as it did when I bought it totally stock. It made no difference in gas mileage either.
You will need to make some "adjustments" for clearance if you fit the 285's. I believe I've done the bare minimum which is 1" body lift, '99 non-saggy springs, and pounding the pinchweld flat.

Another manual 4runner guy saying gears dont madder. LOL. Get yourself an Auto and you will know.

OD is pretty much useless doing anything over 65mph. Only works downhill and absolutely no power on level ground and useless up any grade. Someday 5.29's will be installed. Till then Im a 3 speed.

 

[1985taylor1925]

To be honest, right now I'm at form vs function. Leaning towards the 265s.

That's what I would do. I'm running 32"s with 4:10 gears and I wouldn't go any bigger. In fact I have a set of 4:30s to instal to get closer to stock. I can't say I noticed much difference going from stock to 265s. But I'm sure making the jump to 285s would absolutely be noticeable. It's not just the bigger circumference, but also the added tire weight.

Another consideration is that heavier tires make handling worse on our relatively light trucks. No problem for someone using the truck primarily for off road. But as a daily driver, the 3rd gen doesn't need any decrease in power and handling.