Max Tire Size

RiverRat37

New member
I'm buying tires for my 99 Limited. I can't afford to do a lift at the moment but I'm wondering what is the max tire size I can put on it with factory suspension? I plan on doing a lift when I can afford it so I'd like to get something that will still look good when lifted a few inches. I currently have 265/75 on it now. Thanks
 
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I'm buying tires for my 99 Limited. I can't afford to do a lift at the moment but I'm wondering what is the max tire size I can put on it with factory suspension? I plan on doing a lift when I can afford it so I'd like to get something that will still look good when lifted a few inches. I currently have 265/75 on it now. Thanks

Most people on here, including me, are going to say that you're already running the biggest tires you can on a stock 3rd gen. You probably could stuff some 285/75R16's in there, but you'll rub like crazy. It might be okay for the street if you pound down your pinch weld and don't mind moderate rubbing.

If you do a search (don't have time to find the thread), you can see some trucks with 265/75R16 tires and a lift that still look good.

If you're set on bigger tires, check Craigslist. I found a used set of 285's already mounted on Taco rims for $250. If you luck out and find a set, you can see how much rubbing you'll have before you drop over a thousand dollars on tires.
 
Save for a decent 3" lift first then worry about tires after that. Once the lift is on you could get 285s under there with probably little to no rubbing. Tires first is doing it backwards. It's like putting your pants on first and then trying to put underwear on.
 
Save for a decent 3" lift first then worry about tires after that. Once the lift is on you could get 285s under there with probably little to no rubbing. Tires first is doing it backwards. It's like putting your pants on first and then trying to put underwear on.

That's hard to say if your tires are toast coming into winter.
 
I'm buying tires for my 99 Limited. I can't afford to do a lift at the moment but I'm wondering what is the max tire size I can put on it with factory suspension? I plan on doing a lift when I can afford it so I'd like to get something that will still look good when lifted a few inches. I currently have 265/75 on it now. Thanks

If you still have your 99 talls you can run 275/70R16's
I ran Pirelli Scorpions & Dueler Revo's both A/T's at that size with no rubbing.
I think 265/75 & 275/70 are around the same height but I like the wider look.

I also ran General Grabbers @ 265/70R17's on my 99 talls with no rubbing. They look taller than they really are.
 
Who replaces tires if not worn on a stock rig? Unless throwing away money is his thing. Guess I assumed he needed tires.

More than you would think. Plenty of young guys out there who immediately take off the tires and wheels and buy a new set regardless. The Craigslist comment was spot on actually, I bought a set of tires and rims off Craigslist for $200 and had lots of tread left. He wanted bigger mud tires immediately. Oh well, I got super cheap tires and wheels out of it, roughly $25 per tire and $25 per wheel lol!
 
More than you would think. Plenty of young guys out there who immediately take off the tires and wheels and buy a new set regardless. The Craigslist comment was spot on actually, I bought a set of tires and rims off Craigslist for $200 and had lots of tread left. He wanted bigger mud tires immediately. Oh well, I got super cheap tires and wheels out of it, roughly $25 per tire and $25 per wheel lol!

I understand if you install a lift. Sell old tires to help compensate. Op post makes me assume he needs tires. But I could be wrong.
 
OP

Read this thread...
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/223814-gotta-ask-2-inch-lift-255-85r16.html

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/178792-chuckles-98-manual-sr5-4runner-38.html#post2400021

I think you can easily run 255/85r16 with NO lift and NO wheel spacers on the STOCK wheels.

YOU do have to clearance them with stock suspension... no way around it.

they will rub when flexed off-road, but should have decent street manners

overall, a 33.5x9.5 tire will tuck into the wheel wheel.

I have a 2 inch and really think it's possible with no lift.

me on the otherhand, I went the 285/70r16 which is just a 1 inch wider 265/75r16 tire. really, a 32x10.5 vs 32x11.5

I do rub, but I have spacers (I bet they wouldn't rub if I took them off) and ONLY when flexed (IE, offroad or driving off my driveway)

the other reason I didn't go skinny... cause tire tucked 2 inches inside the 'flare' would look dorky/stupid, and wider wheel stance is more stable (not tire itself but distance between tires)

anyways enough of my ramblings... good luck and as always post pics/results!
 
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Its really worth putting on a lift now. A set of spacers front and rear from ebay will cost you 100 bucks. Plenty of writeups on how to do it. Spacers are a great way to lift if you do mostly highway miles.
 
I say stick with 265/75/16. replace the rear springs if it's sagging but don't lift the front. As soon as you lift the front of these things you ruin the factory engineering and start destroying axles and lower ball joints. You can wheel these things pretty hard at stock height. If you wanna wheel real hard spend your money on skid plates. Any larger tires are just going to further reduce performance and mileage.
 

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