Four new tires?

[Mr.Barley]

Hey gang. I have a 06 SE V8. I had a side wall puncture so i brought it to a big name tire shop. Guy #1 said he could order me two new tires. I called back three days later and a different guy said I needed four new tires since the 4R is awd. Then guy#2 says he could order me one of the tires to match my three good ones, put it on the rim but won't put that on the truck.

Which one of these guys doesn't know what he is talking about and what would you do in my position?

 

[KidVermicious]

Hey gang. I have a 06 SE V8. I had a side wall puncture so i brought it to a big name tire shop. Guy #1 said he could order me two new tires. I called back three days later and a different guy said I needed four new tires since the 4R is awd. Then guy#2 says he could order me one of the tires to match my three good ones, put it on the rim but won't put that on the truck.

Which one of these guys doesn't know what he is talking about and what would you do in my position?

Check your tread wear. If it's not too bad, write the first shop a nasty letter and tell them you don't like being nannied and won't be back. Then take the tire and rim to another tire shop. Buy another tire, have them mount and balance it, and take it home and put it on your truck yourself.

Or, buy two tires, mount them on the back, and save the good tire off the back for a spare.

 

[Mr.Barley]

From receipt for the current tires the previous owner left, they have had 13k of usage. I'm pretty green but that seems like there is a lot of life left in them. I'm leaning towards two new ones in the back. Anyone else care to chime in? Oh the rubber is Firestone Destination LE 265/65/17 if that helps.

 

[kai920]

I looked into this once and spoke to numerous Toyota service advisors. No one could give me a straight answer but I finally got one and he told me as long as the other tire on the same axle is not less than a certain amount, it's not an issue. Only problem is.....I can't remember what that number was. I wanna say 4/32", but I can't say for sure.

I'd say with only 13k on the tires you should be fine.

 

[mrpanic7]

In your situation its most important to just have both sides matching. I would agree with KidVermicious and by two new ones and keep the extra as a spare.

However with all wheel drive there is a point to having atleast the same kind of tire. I'd say if you just get the two new ones, as long as they are the same make, model, and size, you're good

 

[MikeInNH]

I could be wrong.....

I know SOME awd systems this is true. I don't think this is true for the 4runner. From my understanding with the V8 it's actually full-time 4wd. That's NOT the same as AWD. I don't believe the 4runner has the same problems that other AWD systems do. When turning the front and rear tires will spin at different speeds. Most AWD systems can handle the different tire speeds for short distances...but NOT 100% of the time (which would happen with different tire sizes). But I'm pretty sure the 4runners system can handle this.

If it can't the OTHER option is to have the tire dealer shave the new tire to match the diameter of the existing tires. If this tire shop won't/can't then find another shop.

Did you check your owners manual??? This should be spelled out in the owners manual if it's a problem.

 

[JB.]

From receipt for the current tires the previous owner left, they have had 13k of usage. I'm leaning towards two new ones in the back.

Assuming even tread wear, I agree. At half that mileage I'd say one. Twice that mileage and I'd say all four.