Problem swapping LE 20's for TE 17's

[esto70]

A few months ago, I picked up a set of 2014 Trail rims (7 spoke) to replace the wagon-wheel 20's on my 2013 LE. I did a bunch of internet research, and finally decided on michelin latitude tours (no, I don't off-road). I finally got around to getting them installed today, and I ran into snags everywhere I went. Any help/advice/workarounds would be appreciated. Here goes...

I started at Costco (Strongsville, OH) to get some michelin latitude tours installed. The tech wanted to compare my 245/60 R20 OEM tires to the 265/70 R17 michelins that I wanted to have mounted to the TE rims. The outer diameter is the same, but he noticed that my LE spec was for an "H" speed rated tire and the TE spec was for an "S" rated tire. He said there was no way they would mount and install a tire with a lower speed rating on my truck. He said they would be happy to mount the tires to the rims, but I would have to install them myself. I'm happy to do that, but that leaves my TPMS sensors stuck in my old 20" wheels. As you know, TPMS sensors are expensive. I went to two other tire shops and a toyota dealership and they all told me the same thing.

So, right now I'm not sure what to do. To be honest, the whole speed rating thing caught me totally by surprise. I'm not sure why different trim levels on the 4runner spec with different speed-rated tires. It has turned what I thought would be a simple tire/rim swap into a major PITA.

So, what to do? I know there are some people on here who have done exactly what I'm trying to do. How did you get a shop to install a "S" rated tire on your LE? I'm all ears.

Mike

 

[Maz]

I started at Costco (Strongsville, OH)

Mike

You should have started somewhere else Mike, as Costco is no place to go for changing rim or tires sizes. Don't get me wrong I love Costco and they're a model for taking care of their employees well, while at the same time providing a cutting edge shopping experience.

However as a deep pocket corporation their emphasis is on not assuming liability, so their policy is to stick for like to like changes. Hopefully someone on the forum from your area of Ohio will have a recommendation, as most any well appointed shop can handle what you're looking for.

 

[philsey]

This is so obvious that I am reluctant to post it, but can you not get the Michelin in an H-rated tire?

 

[esto70]

This is so obvious that I am reluctant to post it, but can you not get the Michelin in an H-rated tire?

Honestly, I didn't think of that. Like I said, the whole speed rating thing caught me by surprise. I never would have thought that an LE would use a tire rated for 130 mph (18 mph faster than SR5/TE). I can't think of any reason for that.

A quick internet search shows that michelin does make the H rated latitude tour HP. So, what would be the physical and performance differences in H vs S rated tires, all things being equal?

 

[Americas High Five]

have you already purchased the tires and are looking for a place to get them installed? If so, the retailer you purchased them from (i.e. tirerack.com) should be able to point you to a recommended installer. Besides H vs S shouldnt matter that much unless you plan on topping out your 4runner..

what would be the physical and performance differences in H vs S rated tires, all things being equal?

Major but minor differences would be MPG and life of the tires.

 

[esto70]

have you already purchased the tires and are looking for a place to get them installed? If so, the retailer you purchased them from (i.e. tirerack.com) should be able to point you to a recommended installer. Besides H vs S shouldnt matter that much unless you plan on topping out your 4runner..

No, I have not purchased the tires. I'm looking to purchase and have them installed.

And, I agree that the speed rating SHOULD be a moot point on a 4runner. It's not a BMW or porch cayenne. Unfortunately, Costco, Mr. Tire, NTB, and a Toyota dealership feel differently and will not install the tires because a LE comes spec'd with H-rated tires.

 

[Jhalko]

Discount tire did my swap and never questioned anything. My specific tire is R for the rating so it's not to "spec" but since I've never gone over 95 and won't it's a nonissue.

Edit: they would not mount anything else on the factory 20" rims while others have.

 

[Maz]

Since you're not going off road and have chosen a high speed Interstate design tire I would recommend you stick with the rated specs. Yes it's overkill, however it will get rid of your installation problem and should you resell to a stickler for specs, the "mismatch" issue will be moot.

 

[philsey]

A quick internet search shows that michelin does make the H rated latitude tour HP. So, what would be the physical and performance differences in H vs S rated tires, all things being equal?

These specs will be on the Michelin and TireRack web sites.

I can't think of any reason for that.

Guessing, the LE's tire size is uncommon, so it's more to do with what is built in that (unusual) size rather than some more esoteric speed rating thingy.

I say "screw it" -- quit already, and just put on the H-rated Michelins.

 

[1engineer]

Jeez man, either go to a mom and pop shop to do the swap or buy different tires with correct spec. Two solutions no worries.

 

[harper7]

No, I have not purchased the tires. I'm looking to purchase and have them installed.

And, I agree that the speed rating SHOULD be a moot point on a 4runner. It's not a BMW or porch cayenne. Unfortunately, Costco, Mr. Tire, NTB, and a Toyota dealership feel differently and will not install the tires because a LE comes spec'd with H-rated tires.

These 3 aren't far and usually have people with common sense working there......
Find the lowest price online or at a local tire shop and they'll match it too.
From google/discount tire/wooster........................

 

[FrontRange4Runner]

Tell them it's a Trail and your going back to stock.