I'm really torn between a 285 and 265 tire. I offroad some, but the majority of my driving is on pavement. I want my 03 to be decently capable off-road, but I'm curious if stepping up to a 33" tire will really make much difference.? Also, I notice that MOST of the aggressive AT tires are 10 ply, is this a big deal or detrimental?
285 vs 265 Tire: Much difference off-road?
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Mr. Leary
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a small increase in tire size will help a little, but its not going to be a true game changer. Make sure to get a tire with a 3 ply sidewall, with the possible exception of some of the Bridgestone carcasses, as they have a very durable 2 ply design.
My advice, get 265/75/R16 (or 265/70/R17) tires and install a rear selectable locker. There is a reason why it is called the easy button.
Pretty much decided to go with the Cooper S/T MAXX with the ArmorTek3 sidewall in a 265/70/17. I got tired of having my spare sit in the back on my 99 4Runner and I don't see how approx. 1/2" is really going to help me on the trail. Is ARB about the only selectable option for a rear locker on these?
you could retrofit a factory elocker, if you can get a full elocker axle that matches your front diff ratio, it would probably be cheaper than an air locker.
Mr. Leary
New member
Your options for a selectable locker are:
Eaton E-Locker (LSD or Full Lock)
ARB Air Locker (Open or Full Lock)
Toyota E-Locker (Open or Full Lock)
I would recommend the ARB. They are very strong, and you will need an air compressor anyways (they can also run off of a CO2 tank for you decide on that route). I would also recommend that it be professionally installed. Most problems with these are due to improper installation.
Eaton would be a good option as well, the benefit being that its solid state (unactivated) is LSD, which will provide better traction.
I have Toyota E-Lockers in my Land Cruiser. My only problem with them is that they take a little while to lock up and unlock. If you are already in a tight spot, you will have trouble getting them to lock. In my LC, I have had issues when teying to unlock the front diff so I can turn.
Eaton E-Locker (LSD or Full Lock)
ARB Air Locker (Open or Full Lock)
Toyota E-Locker (Open or Full Lock)
I would recommend the ARB. They are very strong, and you will need an air compressor anyways (they can also run off of a CO2 tank for you decide on that route). I would also recommend that it be professionally installed. Most problems with these are due to improper installation.
Eaton would be a good option as well, the benefit being that its solid state (unactivated) is LSD, which will provide better traction.
I have Toyota E-Lockers in my Land Cruiser. My only problem with them is that they take a little while to lock up and unlock. If you are already in a tight spot, you will have trouble getting them to lock. In my LC, I have had issues when teying to unlock the front diff so I can turn.
