Convince me not to buy these wheels / V8 AWD tire size question

[03v8raleigh]

This is my first thread here, and I've read through 1000's of tire size threads but just wanted some reassurance.

Just purchased this 2003 v8 AWD sport from a member on here, after my 2005 v8 AWD sport got totaled after only having it for 2 months.

It has a set of 265/70r17 all terrains on Dick Cepek rims. The tires have over half tread left and should last awhile. It also has a 2.5/3" spacer lifter and some cheaper kind of billsteins (not 5100 I don't think). Also 147,000 miles.

I parked next to another lifted runner which had 285/70r17 and that truck looked significantly bigger and nicer than mine.
I then came across these on craigslist:
Tacoma Wheels
For reference, these are the rims, in 17x9: Moto Metal MO955 Gloss Black Machined Custom Alloy Wheels

I could probably sell my tires and rims for $500 so this would only be a $300 jump. Similar tires, similar wear, similar rims (maybe a tad uglier?) but much larger. I'd probably have to trim the bumper a bit in the front to get them to fit but they should be about right.

My questions: So there is basically no possibility of fitting the 285/70r17 in the spare tire location right? Even if I kept 5psi in it and squeezed it down with ratchet straps? I like the 265/70r17 since its the largest size that still fits in the spare location. The truck currently has a stock sized spare so I'd need to replace the spare with a matching size now no matter what I do. I just don't want to have to keep it on the roof.

Those of you with the 285's or similarly large tires with the AWD system, what do you do with the spare?? I know the tire has to be within 4/32" to not damage the drive train so I'd need to keep a matching spare SOMEWHERE when I go on trips because I don't want to be stranded in the mountains.

Also, how much does MPG, power, etc suffer with the larger tires? I'm sure they are quite a bit heavier than the current ones. I do 5 hour trips to the mountains a lot and the current 16mpg already sucks. Then if I had to put the spare on the roof, how much MORE would my mpg suffer? I'd be going to larger size purely for aesthetics and I'm not sure if that's justifiable on my college budget. (Also I think my current rims look a bit better but Moto Metal are higher quality rims).

Are there any other significant downsides of going to such large tires? Talk me out of this! :frusty:

 

[cbr400rr]

Here my friend fit a 33in tire under the spare location.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/178513-how-make-33-tire-fit-spare-location.html

 

[CXS]

I run the 285/70/17 and you'll get some rubbing in a number of places - mud flaps, wheelwell liner and a bit of the front bumper if I'm recalling mine correctly before going aftermarket on my bumpers. You may also rub the sway bar (I do) as well as the body mount which some people have found thpugh I don't.

I carry my spare on a custom bumper. That get's pricey but you can always toss it in the back which doesn't cost anything but takes up a lot of space. Some people but it on the roof but that really hurts mpg's from my experience.

You're 16mpg is what Toyota/ EPA sticker says you'll get so that's normal. Bigger tires will take that down some depending on your driving style.

 

[blackoutt]

Looks good as is sits now, new wheels are ugly, white lettering even uglier, will decrease fuel economy, can't fit full sized spare... I think I'm done here. I'd leave it unless you plan to go bigger on lift and just have to give in to tire envy. Nice HF hitch hauler too! I've used mine for 2 years now no issues.

 

[Doozi]

Your current set-up is the way to go! Depending on the offset of those wheels, you'll have to trim a ton off of the back of your front bumper and a bunch from the back of the wheel well after removing the mud flaps. I still rub on flat pavement when backing up and turning to the right... I hate rubbing and am considering going to a smaller tire. I haven't even been off-road because I know that it'll rub like crazy with any kind of suspension flex.

 

[EdmundGTP]

Something to be aware of if/when the time comes. A 285/70/17 full size spare WILL fit in the OEM spare mount location under the back of the vehicle.. You might have to air it down a bit, but it will fit.

An exact matching spare tire is always nice, but something of the same size (worn or not) will work well enough to get you home if you ever need to do a replacement. Just don't plan on running it for an extended period of time. I never use mine for more than 75-100 miles if I can avoid it.

My operational wheels have new-ish Goodyear Duratracs and my full size spare is a 75% worn BFG MT (all 285/70/17s), and I've made use of it a handful of times with no issue (trail flats and highway flats).

And yes, I have a V8 with the AWD.

 

[duffdog]

I say get a 3" suspension lift, chop the body mounts, get a new front bumper,add a 1" body lift and get some 285's.

But thats just me. PS-- I don't like showy wheels like that. If you don't want to carry a spare, get some beadlocks and a tire repair kit and you will be all good on any trail.

 

[Morphyne]

Hmmm....

I am in Wake Forest and am in need of some new tires and in want of some new rims. I am currently running a 265/70/17 so depending on the offset on those rims, I may be able to help. Not in a big hurry so don't fret over timing. Just PM me and lets talk.

 

[03v8raleigh]

thanks for all of the replies! Good to know I can probably make 285s fit if I ever get them.

Turns out that the guy who is selling them is selling them because they destroyed his gas mileage on his 08 tacoma. He went back down to stock sizing because it was so bad. So sounds like I will be better served (mpg wise) by my 265s which are already slightly above stock size and look decent as is. And I think he is about to sell them to someone else anyway, so I won't have to contemplate this anymore! Next step is to find a used 265/70r17 spare tire to put under the truck.

Maybe I'll spend the $300 on the stereo or switching my silly little crossmember-mounted hitch receiver to the big beefy tube hitch off of a 2004+ V8...