I'm looking to get new tires for my 4runner it has a 3-inch lift and I am currently running 275/70R 17. The problem I have with these tires is I find they are way too wide and in being so wide the previous owner has put wheel spacers on and that's causing me to have to change axle seals like crazy. I'm not looking for the biggest tire I can fit, just something not too wide so I can remove the wheel spacers, looks good with a 3-inch lift and that has a bit better mileage.
Best Tire size for 3 inch lift
- Thread starter jak3_t
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Tyler James Inc
Senior Member
275 is not a wide tire at all- less than 1/2" wider than stock width. That shouldn't cause any rubbing on stock wheels.
Obviously you aren't running stock wheels, as they are 17's. What wheels are you running?
I wouldn't run a tire any smaller than a 275/70 with a 3" lift, but I am running 315/70R17 on a 2.5" lift; I like to be as low as I can.
Are you sure the wheel spacers are necessary? Where are the tires rubbing?
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Obviously you aren't running stock wheels, as they are 17's. What wheels are you running?
I wouldn't run a tire any smaller than a 275/70 with a 3" lift, but I am running 315/70R17 on a 2.5" lift; I like to be as low as I can.
Are you sure the wheel spacers are necessary? Where are the tires rubbing?
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tx_shooter
New member
I am running 235/85-16s with my ToyTec lift at 2.5". I really like the profile of the tire and height for DD use. I have had no problems off road in different conditions and it handles fine on road so I have everything I need in the one tire size. YMMV
Road Bull
Senior Member
The width of your tires should not be the cause of your blown axle seals. The specifications of your wheels have a lot to do with rubbing issues and where the overall tire wheel combo moves throughout the wheel well. Perhaps you could take a look up what specifications you are running for your wheel and what size wheel spacer you are using to accommodate your tire choices.
I would say, overall, 285s are the most run sizes for the average 3" lifted 4runner. Some run a slightly taller and slightly more narrow 255/80/17 depending on their wants and needs. And a few run larger tires. Some even run the smaller 265/70/17s and are happy.
As long as you aren't doing anything too extreme as far as wheel specs, sticking out way too far, of sucked in way too close, you should be okay.
Got pics?
I would say, overall, 285s are the most run sizes for the average 3" lifted 4runner. Some run a slightly taller and slightly more narrow 255/80/17 depending on their wants and needs. And a few run larger tires. Some even run the smaller 265/70/17s and are happy.
As long as you aren't doing anything too extreme as far as wheel specs, sticking out way too far, of sucked in way too close, you should be okay.
Got pics?
Tyler James Inc
Senior Member
I meant to address this too.
But he said it's the wheel spacers- not the tire width.
If the seals are being properly replaced with quality parts- and still not lasting- your axle housing is likely bent.
How many times have they been replaced? And how long have you owned it?
I actually never tried running my tires without the wheel spacer I always assumed that's why the previous owner put them on. I also only changed 2 seals (the rear passenger side and front driver side) within a month period, and now my front passenger side is gone so I guess they all go around the same time but I was always told that the wheel spacer will cause axle seals and wheel bearings to go.
DK327
Member
How wide are the spacers? I read on here that 1.25" and under should not cause any issues...
JRZEE2000TR4LTD
Senior Member
Front seals? What front seals?
JayRolla
New member
It depends on your wheels back spacing. Pics would help this thread.
JRZEE2000TR4LTD
Senior Member
What rims do you have? Some say adding spacers causes a rub. All depends on the rim.
SpidermanGeek
New member
Lol, I was gonna say the same thing...but thought maybe it may just be something I didn't know about 3rd gen 4WD IFS setup, lol.
PoorMansRunner
New member
Yeah, never knew there were front seals...Either way im in the same boat. Thinking of going up to a 17" rim. Want to run a decent tire size, considering I have a 3" lift kit from toytech coming.. Any suggestions? Also should I be changing my UCA?
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jmferg
New member
A c-load 275/70/17 would be nice.
I good size, lighter weight, and affordable that won't necessitate lower gearing
This is paddlenbike's rig that has a really nice stance
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trackboss54
New member
Tires
What brand are the tires here?
What brand are the tires here?
& does it have a lift? A set of 17's off of a Tundra came with my T4R when I got it. I have some lift & am wondering what size tire I can get away with.
Thanks.
