How do I know which size tire to get?

M

MSBX4RUNNER

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I am currently riding on 265/65R17 BFG Rugged Terrains, Bilstein 5100 adjustable shocks on the .85 setting and FJ Coils. My current tires are getting pretty run down. I am wanting a little bit bigger tire and I am not sure if I will need spacers. I am looking at the BFG All Terrains or the Nitto Terra Grapplers. I know there are a lot of people out there with a similar set up, what size tires are you running and do you have a spacer?

Thanks!

Becca
 
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I was running 265/70R17 BFG All Terrains on that same lift. I also had spidertraxx spacers but they're not necessary, except for looks. The spacers required me to remove the front mud flaps and trim a small triangle from the fender. You can see what I trimmed here - http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/68031-gaterose-build-thread-3.html#post603278 (it's like the 5th or 6th pic down)

You probably won't be able to get away with anything larger without some serious trimming.
 
chaz said:
do you want wheel spacers or are you asking if you need them? either way this link should tell you want size tires work with your lift, scroll down to what gaterose posted. http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/102272-4th-gen-suspension-options-faq.html
Click to expand...

I am not sure if I need spacers or just want spacers. Are they just for looks like gatorose said or do they also have a purpose? I am assuming spacers place the tire out a little wider to be even with the opening of the wheel well. Mine currently are set about an inch inside the wheel well. If spacers will make them ever with the opening I think that would look cool but are they actually needed? I'll check out the link provided as well. Thanks guys!!!

Becca
 
They widen the track width like you said, but for those with 285 or wider tires they also move the tire away from the upper control arm. Wider tires can rub the UCA if spacers (or wheels with less backspacing or new UCAs) aren't used.

If you're just going with 265s then they aren't actually needed.
 
gaterose said:
They widen the track width like you said, but for those with 285 or wider tires they also move the tire away from the upper control arm. Wider tires can rub the UCA if spacers (or wheels with less backspacing or new UCAs) aren't used.

If you're just going with 265s then they aren't actually needed.
Click to expand...

Did you like having your spacers? Will it ride any different with/without spacers? Any pros v cons of having spacers/not having spacers? (Sorry for all the questions)

Thanks - Becca
 
Yeah I liked the spacers just because I like the wider stance. Some people claim it corners a bit easier with the wider track but I never really noticed a vast improvement. The only con I can think of is that some tire places are weird about mounting wheels on the spacers, I've never had a problem but I've seen others complain about it
 
gaterose said:
Yeah I liked the spacers just because I like the wider stance. Some people claim it corners a bit easier with the wider track but I never really noticed a vast improvement. The only con I can think of is that some tire places are weird about mounting wheels on the spacers, I've never had a problem but I've seen others complain about it
Click to expand...

Do you have any side profile pics with the Bilstein5100 at .85 set up and the 265/70R17 tires? I know you have changed a bit since then. I am just trying to figure out if I want the spacers or not and what it would look like with/without them.

Thanks again for all your help/advice!
 
Yeah check the link I posted earlier, that post shows before/after shots of the 5100s. The second pic in each set should be that setup.
 
OK, so I bought the BFG ATs 265/70R17 and they look awesome. However, my gas milage does not look awesome. I went from 18 to 15mpg! Is this normal? I went from a 265/65R17 to a 265/70R17 tire. Crap!
Also, I had an alignment right after the tires were put on and now it seems to "wander" a lot. I feel like I am driving my 82CJ7. There is a lot of play in the steering wheel and my 4runner just seems to ride all over the place. Are both of these problems normal with these tires? I love the way they look but not sure about how they feel while driving :-/
 
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18 to 15? Are you sure you're not driving more aggressively? I only lost about 1-1.5 mpg when I switch to the BFG ATs, I lose a lot more mileage from my roof rack & lights, and I'm still getting 16.3 right now.

I wonder if they aligned it well? Or maybe left something loose? The wander shouldn't be caused by the tires. I would take it back ASAP and tell them about the wander, maybe even tell them to test drive it if they don't wanna listen.

Mine definitely doesn't wander on the BFGs, but did once when firestone forgot to fully tighten one of my alignment bolts.
 
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OK, I knew something had to be wrong. I'm going to take it back and see whats up. I tried to upload pics from photobucket but their website is being redic. I'll try again later. Thanks!
 
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