Thoughts and feelings...
33s vs. 35s
Power Loss was minimal with the 4.88's. Steering is tighter, assuming from the extra weight and bigger footprint. Had to trim a small part of the inside of the fender flare, and had to cut the fender liner about 5 inches up. Also pounded out the pinch weld. Still rub the frame at full lock, but the new axle will be slightly wider so I should be off the frame after the swap. Truck feels so much higher, even with just the tires.
BF Goodrich KM2s vs. Goodyear MT/Rs
The MT/R is quite a bit quieter than the KM2 even with the extra 2 inches of diameter. They still aren't balanced so I can't yet comment on road manners, but even with no weights, shimmy is minimal. The Kevlar sidewalls seem to hold up well in the corners (had someone in a giant lifted Chevy chase me through backroads and I took turns NOBODY should take in a lifted 4Runner and she handled like a dream...turns out it was my friend in a new truck, btw). KM2s will WALK MT/Rs in the snow...the MT/Rs are borderline dangerous in the snow and that's compared to the KM2 which is known to be one of the less-capable snow tires. Disappointed on that front.
FJ80 9-wraps vs. OME 851s
851s stood next to the LC9s they are actually 2 inches shorter, but they ended up lifting the truck about 3 inches over the LC9s. The spring rate feels unchanged so they're probably very close. Frame height is now 22.5" right in front of the rear LCA frame mount. My e-brake cable is VERY tight with the truck at ride height, and there's not much slack left in the brake line. If my driver's wheel hangs I do believe it will tear the brake line. Luckily my Marlin brake line kit is getting delivered today :tongue:
