265s with 4.10 vs 285s with 4.30

[IsaiahC]

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.

I appreciate the input. As of now I'm going to be getting 265/75r16 BFG KO2s

 

[T4R2014]

The type of tire will definitely make as big of a difference as gears. I don't run heavy LT rated tires either, since they are pointless on the FDR drive, so that may contribute to my 4Runners being perfectly adequate in the power department.

 

[tx_shooter]

I appreciate the input. As of now I'm going to be getting 265/75r16 BFG KO2s

I just transfered a set of KO2s to my '06 Tacoma. They were not a bad tire; just not great for a vehicle that does +30k miles a year.

 

[kolelt]

I don't know what my auto 97 came with ratio wise. But after dropping the manual tranny. I noticed when I was in 5 gear doing 70-80mphs the rpms were sitting higher then when I had my auto. It was only 300-500 difference. I can coast at 50 mph in a low rpm state. But higher speed it sits higher on the rpms. Now I'm sure, if my truck originally came with 5 speed. The axles would be geared to that specific transmission. I must mention I have 285/75/16.


Idk if this makes sense, but you get my point. Really ain't much of a change.

 

[IsaiahC]

The type of tire will definitely make as big of a difference as gears. I don't run heavy LT rated tires either, since they are pointless on the FDR drive, so that may contribute to my 4Runners being perfectly adequate in the power department.

Well, I can't find a non-LT ko2 in that size :frusty:
I didn't think LT made a huge difference.

I just transfered a set of KO2s to my '06 Tacoma. They were not a bad tire; just not great for a vehicle that does +30k miles a year.

I typically only do ~10k miles a year and I really need a more aggressive tire. I have Sailun Terramax h/ts that get clogged with snow/mud and suck. Also, the 265/70s h/ts look a little silly with my 3 inch lift.

 

[tx_shooter]

I ended up getting a free upgrade to Michelin LTX A/T2s but they are not a real aggressive type of tire.

 

[AirMiller44]

I put the 265/75/16 dankang mudstars on mine recently for 700 installed. Not too loud on the road and definitely do good off road. I had some HT tires on and had a blowout. I could be wrong but i feel like it messed with using overdrive off on climbs as the only con. Doesn't like to stay high in the gear like it use to.

 

[Andy in Pa]

Well, I can't find a non-LT ko2 in that size :frusty:
I didn't think LT made a huge difference.



I typically only do ~10k miles a year and I really need a more aggressive tire. I have Sailun Terramax h/ts that get clogged with snow/mud and suck. Also, the 265/70s h/ts look a little silly with my 3 inch lift.

I would just go right to the 285's if you have the clearance. You may need to do some minor trimming. You'll look at your rig after you put the 265's on wish you got the 285's. Gas mileage will suffer and it feel more sluggish, but that was going to happen with the 265's anyway...

 

[MattJakobs]

4.10s with 285s isn't horrible. Like others, I feel underpowered but the biggest change I noticed was drop in MPG. I went from about 17 to 15. Do I find in necessary to regear? No, in the long run, I'd rather buy a DD and use this as a weekend toy. You have to consider, this is a 15-20 year old SUV, not a little coupe that's supposed to get up and move, it's going to be sluggish by nature.

 

[19994Runner5spd]

I think it would be helpful to include what transmission you have when replying about this. I think MT vs AT makes a big difference. I'm running a MT and am running 265/70's right now and am debating 265/75's or 285's with my 4.10's

 

[St Runner]

AT compared to MT is a big difference especially at lower speeds as first and second are geared lower in the manual transmission. Plus it allows you to shift at a higher rpm and keep the engine in the proper powerband which is why most of the manual transmission guys say it doesn't matter. I swapped a 5 speed into mine and it was really night and day for me mostly because I was telling the engine when to shift not my trans telling me what to do. I have 4.10 and 275/70/16 which are i/2" taller and wider than stock but not as tall as a 265/75/16. If you had 17" rims you could try 275/70/17 which would split the difference between 265/75/16 and 285/75/16

 

[kolelt]

AT compared to MT is a big difference especially at lower speeds as first and second are geared lower in the manual transmission. Plus it allows you to shift at a higher rpm and keep the engine in the proper powerband which is why most of the manual transmission guys say it doesn't matter. I swapped a 5 speed into mine and it was really night and day for me mostly because I was telling the engine when to shift not my trans telling me what to do. I have 4.10 and 275/70/16 which are i/2" taller and wider than stock but not as tall as a 265/75/16. If you had 17" rims you could try 275/70/17 which would split the difference between 265/75/16 and 285/75/16

I agree. When I swapped mine. First test drive I noticed my rpms were different at different gears. 1 and 2nd are short. As far as 286 on any 3rd gen with 3.4L, you'll be fine. It you want power and speed then look somewhere else. Otherwise just drive it !

 

[IsaiahC]

I finally pulled the trigger on a set of tires. I got lt265/75r16 bfg ko2s. I've only driven about 5 miles but I'm happy with my purchase so far. I noticed a slight loss in power, a slightly rougher ride, and a slight increase in noise but nothing to complain about. If anything, it rides more like a truck than it did with h/ts. It also feels more stable (could be the spc control arms I put in). The stance is great. The pictures on here don't give justice to just how aggressive the ko2 is. I'll report back once I get more seat time and when I get them off-road.