OH NO! Not again! This has to do with tires

[poov69]

Hello all. I have been following this website for a while now and I am enjoying doing so. I have a 1998 4runner and would say that I am at a “stand still” as to what direction I should take for and tires. Trust me when I say that I have drained the search option dry, and google and I are well acquainted. Please forgive me for beating the same horse, but I, like many others, need a more direct leading against my confusion/dilemma. Here it goes: My 4Runner has 4.10 gears or possibly 3.90’s. I know for sure it’s not 4.30’s. I have no plans of re-gearing. My driving style is patient but I don’t want to feel like there’s an anvil attached to me either.

1. For those running 285’s with similar gear setup, is this a tire size that you regret using? Gas mileage decrease is clear to me on this, so I suppose power loss is my main concern. I have read many reviews on this and it’s so mixed in opinion that it leaves me still in limbo.
2. If I choose to go with 265’s and run an E load tire, is this also a regrettable decision due to the stiffness of the tire? Once again, I have read many reviews on this and it’s so mixed in opinion that it too leaves me in limbo.
3. Anyone running a 285/70/17 D load tire? I thought about this direction too. I know this would be a very similar size to a 285/75/16. Any input for this size as well would be appreciated.

In closing, I feel that my preference is the 285’s due simply to cosmetics. Please forgive me for repeating the same subject that we've all read so many times, but I need to speak directly concerning this. I'm stuck even after all the searching! I’m hoping to hear from those who might have had the same reserves on this as I do but took the chance anyway. I’m in hopes that this will lead me to finally make a decision after way too long of over thinking this. I have a wife and two babies, so I can’t afford to be unhappy once I’ve spent the money if you know what I mean. Thanks to all those who will participate in this positively.

 

[Richard808]

I'm running 275-60/20 which is a 33 so it should be similar to the 285s. I currently have 4.10 gears. I think the main reason for the mixed opinions is the vast difference in location people drive. Me personally when driving flat roads there isn't much of a notice in power loss at all. However if you drive uphill for a decent distance you will definitely notice the difference. I find that when going uphill at freeway speeds I have to take it out of overdrive. I've never had to do this before my new tires. Also I tow a small trailer regularly and the power loss is even more noticeable while towing uphill at freeway speeds. I've had times where there's been a strong wind coming at me while going uphill and I've ended up in second gear by the time I get to the top of the hill while towing.
If you don't tow or do long steep inclines you probably won't notice much difference. If I didn't tow I would be fine leaving the stock 4.10 gearing personally. But since I tow and frequently drive uphill I have a set of 4.88s I bought waiting until I have time to install it. Again this is just my opinion and I think it has a lot to do with the type of driving you do.

 

[Millerad1651]

I'm currently running 285s with the same gearing as you. Lost 1mpg, no big deal. To be honest, I really didn't notice a huge power loss. I drive the same as you, no real big hurry. I am very happy with them. They are D load FYI.
I did have a set of 265s in an E load and I was not happy at all with them. Stiff, loud, and rode like crap.

 

[RussToy]

I have similar observations to Richard808. I have a 2000 with 4:10 gears with 305-70-16 (33x12.50). I've only had these tires on for a month or so, which replaced a set of 265's (31's). I live in a 50/50 area for hills and flat ground and live less than a 1000 feet above sea level. Most of the time, I do not noticed the difference of the larger tires, which suprised me. I still have no problem getting on the freeway or getting up to speed. Definitely not a rocket ship...but then, its never been lol... Something I have noticed is: when on long hills at freeway speeds, I catch the transmission dropping out of overdrive (I have an automatic) to keep the same speed. Once the hill top is crested, it shifts back in overdrive. This is something new and never occurred with my old 265's.

As it stands now, I have no plans to re-gear...I don't feel there is any need to. Now, if I towed something, I think I would drop down to 4:88's. I have no real regrets on my choice of tire size and would buy them again. Very happy with them.

I say no real regrets, because of my fuel mileage. The first tank of gas that I calculated for mileage, I lost 2 miles per gallon...but I'm not sure that was accurate; therefore, I'm doing it again as we speak. Good luck with your decision.

Note: I installed a 3" lift at the same time I installed my larger tires.

 

[the great him]

i am running 285/70/17 e rated nittos, and do not regret it in the least, the ride is nice, mileage is good(when aired up to at least 50), and i have no significant power loss. -after all this is a truck not a sports car and so i dont think it should be fast. but i could get speeding tickets if i wanted or cared too... im also 4:10 geared - you are not 3:90 unless you are a 2wd

 

[Dark Lord]

I'm currently running 285s with the same gearing as you. Lost 1mpg, no big deal. To be honest, I really didn't notice a huge power loss. I drive the same as you, no real big hurry. I am very happy with them. They are D load FYI.
I did have a set of 265s in an E load and I was not happy at all with them. Stiff, loud, and rode like crap.

I have the same tires as this guy, and they are great! I've had them for two days now, so far so good!

Falken Rocky Mountain ATS by the way. 285/75/16, D load. I haven't noticed much of a power loss (coming from 265/70/17's). Haven't had enough time to calculate fuel mileage, but I don't really see it being that big of a difference.

 

[techno]

I ran duratracs 265/75's E load. They were harsh. But off road they were tough as nails and took a beating, even when aired down to 12-15. I sold them after 12 months and would not buy an E load tire again for my 4Runner.

 

[Ride_Red]

I have a 2000 LTD and I am running stock gears with 285/70/17 D's. Unfortunately, I never calculated the gas mileage prior to installing the tires, but my gas mileage is not that great? There could be other factors contributing to the lower mpg, which I will be addressing soon. As far as power, I didn't really notice an major loss.

Prior to the 285's I had 265/70/17 and they didn't look right with the 3" lift (too small). I like the look of the 285's, but I maybe looking into the Bridgestone Revo 2 (almost 8lbs lighter than most AT tires) because they weigh less and I'm assuming less rotating mass will help with my gas mileage (still researching this).

My 2 cent$
Good luck!

 

[bak3rme]

i had 265/75/16s for a while..load range E..nitto terra grapplers...i liked them..they didnt suck up gas at all really..but i just didnt like the look of them being small.

now running 285/75/16 nitto terra grapplers. i drive moderate..so not a big dip in gas mileage. I almost didnt even notice the gas dip. look wise..they look alot better than running a smaller tire. i'm happy with the choice i made.

 

[poov69]

Just want to stop back in and thank you all for your replies. You had the chance to bury me in "USE THE SEARCH BUTTON!" and you did'nt. I appreciate that too. This is exactly the kind of advice I am looking for.

 

[ID_DTD]

I'm running e rated 265/75's and they aren't that harsh at all, and that stiffness definately is noticeable on the trails; in a good way though.

 

[RussToy]

Just want to stop back in and thank you all for your replies. You had the chance to bury me in "USE THE SEARCH BUTTON!" and you did'nt. I appreciate that too. This is exactly the kind of advice I am looking for.

Ok...so now you have to keep us updated on what you decide to do. And how you like your new tires...remember....Go BIG, or stay on the porch!