Forced to make quick decision on tires, could use some advice

[some dude]

I know this question comes up too often but I really am in a pinch here. I've been doing research on tires and lift kits here and there for a couple of months now and passed the biggest obstacle already...wifey! She actually would love to have our 4runner lifted a little and have some more aggressive looking tires. We decided to get through the summer and figure it out this fall. Well yesterday I noticed a tear in the sidewall of one of the tires. Wifey took one look and said she's not driving it until we get new tires. So I need help/have a few questions about tires and lift kits.

First off...2005 Sport v8. It's not a daily driver but rather the weekend outing with the dogs and towing our camper vehicle. Max weight of the camper fully loaded is 2500, maybe 2700. (And I've gone to a scale to know this is accurate) We're not looking to go full on off roading, but we do drive through the backroads of Colorado quite a bit.

I talked to my mechanic about doing a lift and if he suggested a body lift or a suspension lift. He said suspension. Since suspension kits are more expensive, wifey got cold feet. Do I really need a suspension lift for the type of driving I do?

Can anyone give me a ballpark figure on cost of a 2" lift, body vs suspension?

Seeing as I need new tires pretty quickly, I either need to find the right tire that doesn't require a lift at this time or I need to decide what type of lift I want and pull the trigger on it all.

As for the tire size...is it accurate that a 265/70 is the "next biggest size" I can get away with without a lift?

I've been leaning heavily toward the BFG A/T KO's. If I understand correctly, they are more prone to rub than other all terrain tires in a 265/70. Is that correct? Is a lift necessary for these?

If so, are the Nitto Terra Grapplers or GY Duratracs less prone to rub?

Regarding load range...since I do tow a little, do I need to worry about paying more for the E rating or will a C do just fine?

Sorry for all the questions. I'm not an expert on this stuff and I really have done some research! Didn't expect to be rushed in my decision!

Thanks,

some dude who wants his 4runner to look sweet and not be forced to wait to do so

 

[bpowa]

I would refer you to the lift sticky but it seems you want to ignore it..

265/70/17 is likely the max size you can get away with without a lift.

Ditch the body lift idea.. Get a cheap polyurethane lift if your shocks are not leaking. Its the easiest and cheapest setup if you DIY.

If you are paying someone for labor they will likely charge you the same rate to replace the struts and shock. So you might as well get adjustable spring perch 5100 billy's like everyone else, and a spacer in the rear.

I just have a 2" spacer lift to level out in the front. With c load at tires and I can do all of what you mentioned.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

As for tire size, either 265/70 or 255/75 would be the biggest without a lift. You can do something like the Daystar 2.5/1.5 kit for under $150, and then fit 275/70 tires. That's going to be the cheapest option. For mild off road, this setup would be fine as long as your shocks are in good shape.

Your 4runner with stock P metric tires is capable of pulling at least 5,000 pounds. You are well under that, so no need for heavier tires based on your towing needs. At most I'd suggest a C rated LT...this would offer a little more durability off road. D or E rated tires will ride more harsh and cause a larger drop in gas mileage, plus be overkill for what you describe IMO.

Either the new BFG KO2 or Duratracs would be a great choice. The Terra Grappled G2 and Toyo Open Country AT get good reviews as well, although the are a bit less aggressive then the first two.

 

[some dude]

Thanks for the replies, very helpful.

Seems like the duratracs are more rounded. Does that mean less prone to rub than the KO's with no lift?

I was able to rule out a body lift because of one important thing. (for me) A body lift won't raise the hitch, which I wish to do. A suspension lift will raise the hitch, right? (My trailer has a lift on it and would hitch up better if hitch on 4runner was higher)

My goal now is to get some 265/70's with little to no rub and hopefully do a suspension lift at a later time.

Would wheel spacers help reduce rubbing if I were to get 265/70's?

Thanks.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Thanks for the replies, very helpful.

Seems like the duratracs are more rounded. Does that mean less prone to rub than the KO's with no lift?

I was able to rule out a body lift because of one important thing. (for me) A body lift won't raise the hitch, which I wish to do. A suspension lift will raise the hitch, right? (My trailer has a lift on it and would hitch up better if hitch on 4runner was higher)

My goal now is to get some 265/70's with little to no rub and hopefully do a suspension lift at a later time.

Would wheel spacers help reduce rubbing if I were to get 265/70's?

Thanks.

Yes, Duratracs should rub less since they aren't as squared off, but should not have major issues either way in that size.

You are also correct on the suspension lift raising the hitch. In your case I wouldn't even consider a body lift.

Wheel spacers actually increase rubbing. Nothing major that can't be dealt with in a few minutes, but they do not help.

Check out this page, gives some good info on fitment and trimming.
Toyota 4Runner Wheel Spacers

 

[bpowa]

Thanks for the replies, very helpful.

Seems like the duratracs are more rounded. Does that mean less prone to rub than the KO's with no lift?

I was able to rule out a body lift because of one important thing. (for me) A body lift won't raise the hitch, which I wish to do. A suspension lift will raise the hitch, right? (My trailer has a lift on it and would hitch up better if hitch on 4runner was higher)

My goal now is to get some 265/70's with little to no rub and hopefully do a suspension lift at a later time.

Would wheel spacers help reduce rubbing if I were to get 265/70's?

Thanks.

Mines did not rub with the spacer level in the front.. It was until I added the spacer; and now it slightly rubs the splash guard in the front. Only on bumps or uneven surfaces while turning. Not enough to bug me. If I were you just get the 265/70 tires and go from there. Its not enough to harm anything. Especially when there is a gash on the tire.

 

[some dude]

Thanks. I'm still leaning towards the KO's now that I know it won't be a serious issue with rubbing. I'm not against doing some trimming should I need to. I have a little rubbing in my Taco with 31" tires and I can live with it, so hopefully it isn't worse than that.

Plus I'm betting I'll find a way to convince wifey we need a lift kit soon.

Hmmm, maybe I want the tires to rub. "Oh noes the tires rub, we definitely need a lift kit now!"

 

[wadle5]

I can say I did 265/70s without a lift and you did have to do some trimming around the front wheel well towards the mudflaps. Just a heads up...it was terrifying the first time I found out when I turned the tires and the BFG's AT just sounding like they were eating my car!!

Also I thought Duratracs were pretty meaty tires so I would be a little more careful than I was in my BFG's.

 

[JP1224]

Have you considered the Cooper ST Maxx? That is the tire I am leaning heavily toward when the time comes.

 

[Oneluv13T4R]

Thanks for the replies, very helpful.

Seems like the duratracs are more rounded. Does that mean less prone to rub than the KO's with no lift?

I was able to rule out a body lift because of one important thing. (for me) A body lift won't raise the hitch, which I wish to do. A suspension lift will raise the hitch, right? (My trailer has a lift on it and would hitch up better if hitch on 4runner was higher)

My goal now is to get some 265/70's with little to no rub and hopefully do a suspension lift at a later time.

Would wheel spacers help reduce rubbing if I were to get 265/70's?

Thanks.

I have the set up the guys are talking about billy's ,FJ springs, f/r spacers etc and I have the KO 2's LT 265/75/16 and I have no rubbing. I also had these on prior to lifting with stock suspension. just had to remove front mudflaps and push the front inner liner forward a 1 1/2 and reattached ...a whole 20 mins and your ready to go until your lift. no worries no stress enjoy your trip.

 

[some dude]

Are the KO 2's considered better than the original? Is there a big difference negatively or positively?

I wasn't aware of the FJ springs mod. That's very interesting.

Haven't considered the Coopers. I guess you can say I'm more of a top brand kind of guy that also likes to use brands he's had good luck with.

 

[some dude]

I'm now the proud Papa of some 265/70 KO2's!

No rubbing whatsoever. At least in normal conditions.

As you can see it barely misses the mud flap.

Drove home in the rain and did some heavy braking and accelerating, no slipping at all and handled great. I'm half tempted to drive up pass and try them out in the snow!

Replaced the spare with a hancock 265/70 all terrain and it fit the spare well with no problems.

 

[ilyk2ski]

Glad i saw this post, helped me answer some questions also. I just ordered 265/70/17 duratracs yesterday and they will be delivered and ready to install by Saturday. I will be doin a 2" front only level in a week or 2 glad to see i'll be fine without the level with this size until that level gets installed. Thx!

 

[Oneluv13T4R]

Tire Choice

I'm now the proud Papa of some 265/70 KO2's!

No rubbing whatsoever. At least in normal conditions.

As you can see it barely misses the mud flap.

Drove home in the rain and did some heavy braking and accelerating, no slipping at all and handled great. I'm half tempted to drive up pass and try them out in the snow!

Replaced the spare with a hancock 265/70 all terrain and it fit the spare well with no problems.

Very wise choice for your tire purchase....you will definitely be enjoying many miles together in her new shoes