Can i fit 255/85/16 tires?

[frohbego]

I have the Sonoran Steel System 7.2 Suspension on my 2002 4Runner -
About: 2.5" Front & 3" Rear.
2001-2002 - System 7.2 - $1,294.00 : Sonoran Steel, Sonoran Steel Custom Metal Fabrication L.L.C. Custom Toyota Truck Parts

I currently have on the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO Tires 265/75R16.

My question is can i go up to the next size BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM 255/85/16?

WIll they fit without any rubbing? I live in PA and wheel spacers are illegal. I have attached a few photos with my current tires.

With 255/85/16 tires can i get away without re-gearing?

Some photos of my current tires and the space i have right now -
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LwMrytalKiU/TbMEAhgMuGI/AAAAAAAAAOk/fUmxyfRZNgo/s1600/4RUNNER-tires1.JPG
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dStLvnf8oUo/TbMECniP52I/AAAAAAAAAOo/9Xmz-Hjjl5s/s1600/4RUNNER-tires2.JPG
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IUYh7ILp7Qk/TbMEEmoZusI/AAAAAAAAAOs/aTrXS6HBBlw/s1600/4RUNNER-tires3.JPG

Thanks!
- JON

 

[durrell]

You might rub a little bit up front, but since they are not quite as wide as 285s you shouldn't have any problems. Brian or someone with 255/85s could say for sure.

You can get away without re-gearing, but it may not be pleasant. I'm in the midst of downsizing from 285's to 265's because I couldn't stand the constant gear shifts during my commute. The 255/85 is a lighter tire, though, so it's possible they may not be as bad. Again, someone with 255/85's could answer that better than I could.

But the short answers to your questions are yes, yes, and yes.

 

[Gerdo]

Will you have rubbing? Probably
I have Yokohama 265/75-16 that are taller for their size and even without wheel spacers I rubbed the top of my inner fender wells. I'm sitting higher than you. The 255/85-16 are still taller than mine. They shouldn't rub the upper control arms so you shouldn't need wheel spacers. If they rub it would be on turns and would be the rear side, of the fronts, inner fender well. This usually can be easily taken care of with a little pounding and a heat gun to soften the inner fender so it can be molded back. You will get most of your rubbing when you stuff a front tire. The rears may also rub at full stuff but would be the top of the inner fender too.

Re-gear? That is personal preference. A lot of people don't re-gear when going to a 33". If you live in high altitude and already loose power then you would more prone too. You don't NEED to but you may want to.

Let us know how it turns out.

 

[ChildrenOfBodom]

People who run these tires usually have at least 1" body lift to eliminate rubbing, but theres always some in certain circumstances I think

 

[brian2sun]

^Good advice from Gerdo and COB. I beat my pinch welds in with a hammer and I also have a 1" BL and I can still hear the fronts rub here and there off road. It's not bad though, I hear it maybe once or twice in an 8 hour day of wheeling. Without the BL, I would hear it a lot more. The rears don't rub except for when I'm fully flexed, the D/S rear rubs the plastic piece that covers the gas filler hose inside the rear fender, but that's no big deal.

I didn't feel any real power difference going from 285/75s to 255/85s so like Gerdo said, regearing is up to you and it depends on if you feel you need to or not. I live in the mountains so regearing was a must for me, especially with the weight of all my armor.

I noticed a power loss also when I went to steel wheels. Going to those from the stock aluminum wheels felt like I went up a tire size.

 

[Mr. Leary]

Yes they will fit. They are taller then a 285/75/16 but far narrower. You will not rub your uca. Pound the pinch weld in. L

Yes to a 1" body lift. This shoul keep the rubbing to a minimum.

You will probably want to re-gear to 4.88

 

[cj80cruiser]

^Good advice from Gerdo and COB. I beat my pinch welds in with a hammer and I also have a 1" BL and I can still hear the fronts rub here and there off road. It's not bad though, I hear it maybe once or twice in an 8 hour day of wheeling. Without the BL, I would hear it a lot more. The rears don't rub except for when I'm fully flexed, the D/S rear rubs the plastic piece that covers the gas filler hose inside the rear fender, but that's no big deal.

I didn't feel any real power difference going from 285/75s to 255/85s so like Gerdo said, regearing is up to you and it depends on if you feel you need to or not. I live in the mountains so regearing was a must for me, especially with the weight of all my armor.

I noticed a power loss also when I went to steel wheels. Going to those from the stock aluminum wheels felt like I went up a tire size.

Brian, don't you have wheel spacers up front also?

 

[brian2sun]

Brian, don't you have wheel spacers up front also?

Yes, and they probably contribute to my (very) minor rubbing. I didn't need the spacers to clear my UCAs (255s will clear the UCAs easily without them). I only needed them because my wheels won't clear my brake calipers without them. Plus they give me a more stable stance and lower my COG so they are well worth it for me.

 

[cj80cruiser]

Yes, and they probably contribute to my (very) minor rubbing. I didn't need the spacers to clear my UCAs (255s will clear the UCAs easily without them). I only needed them because my wheels won't clear my brake calipers without them. Plus they give me a more stable stance and lower my COG so they are well worth it for me.

Ok cool, I've been wondering for a while why they were needed. I figured you found they rubbed less or something but now I know the answer and it has to do with your brakes with a bonus of more stability.

 

[brian2sun]

I should add that I have aftermarket wheels (Cragar Soft 8s). The OP won't need any spacers to clear his brakes or his UCAs with stock wheels and 255s.

 

[88xtraSR5]

Running maxxis bighorns in the 255/85 flavor, they rub with the wheels cut hard..... just a little. Recommend a body lift if you plan on flexing it out any, pinch weld modifications are always great. Re-gear? Well you have to learn how to fool the computer with some fancy footwork to stay in the gear you want and expect to drive slower to keep decent mpg's. So yes to a re-gear, not needed right away, but will help.

 

[vthokie]

i understand rubbing is a bad thing, but what are the consequences if something does rub? I was planning on getting a ome 3" lift and getting 255/85's also. I didnt want to get a body lift, but would it be necessary?
-sorry for the trhead jacking

 

[Gerdo]

i understand rubbing is a bad thing, but what are the consequences if something does rub? I was planning on getting a ome 3" lift and getting 255/85's also. I didnt want to get a body lift, but would it be necessary?
-sorry for the trhead jacking

It depends on what/where and how hard it's rubbing. If it's just rubbing the plastic inner fender or frame at full lock a little then no big deal. If it rubs something like the metal bumper of steel wheel lip then you have bigger issues, that will cut the tire. If you have fender flares and the tire hits them it could pop them off.

Mine is just rubbing soft plastic so I'm not concerned. But the tire will wear holes in that too.

 

[frohbego]

Can anyone post photos of 255/85/16 on their 4runner?

Where is the pinch weld located? Anyone have any photos of it pulled back.

Thanks everyone!

 

[cj80cruiser]

can anyone post photos of 255/85/16 on their 4runner?

Where is the pinch weld located? Anyone have any photos of it pulled back.

Thanks everyone!