Ready to move on from KO2's...but to what?

Okay, so the route I took (sticking with a stock-ish tire size with a M/S AT tread, E rating) for similar use out west is the Cooper AT3 LT in 235/80/17. Yes, 235’s.

This tire stands nearly 32” tall (31.8), so only a skoosh taller than stock. Although an E ply tire, it only weighs 43lbs. I’m quick to air down off road (even if it’s just to smooth out washboards) day-to-day on the blacktop I keep them right around 55psi. Wear is pretty even. Steeps, rocks, and snow have all been a non issue. Haven’t ventured into serious mud yet.

I’m now over 2.5yrs and 15,000 miles on these treads with really zero gripes. Would buy again tomorrow in fact. They steer easy and roll like a dream. Coming off of Toyo 285/75/17 tires and stock Duelers before that, I felt like I was taking a bit of a chance, but now, I don’t miss those in the least. I dare say these pizza cutters have me more sure-footed and capable than ever, but readily airing down/up is key IMHO.

Anyway all that is to say Cooper’s 235/80/17 AT3 LT may be a win for the OP.

Could you post a few pics of yours from the side and front? Really curious how these look on a 4R.
 
Okay, so the route I took (sticking with a stock-ish tire size with a M/S AT tread, E rating) for similar use out west is the Cooper AT3 LT in 235/80/17. Yes, 235’s.

This tire stands nearly 32” tall (31.8), so only a skoosh taller than stock. Although an E ply tire, it only weighs 43lbs. I’m quick to air down off road (even if it’s just to smooth out washboards) day-to-day on the blacktop I keep them right around 55psi. Wear is pretty even. Steeps, rocks, and snow have all been a non issue. Haven’t ventured into serious mud yet.

I’m now over 2.5yrs and 15,000 miles on these treads with really zero gripes. Would buy again tomorrow in fact. They steer easy and roll like a dream. Coming off of Toyo 285/75/17 tires and stock Duelers before that, I felt like I was taking a bit of a chance, but now, I don’t miss those in the least. I dare say these pizza cutters have me more sure-footed and capable than ever, but readily airing down/up is key IMHO.

Anyway all that is to say Cooper’s 235/80/17 AT3 LT may be a win for the OP.

wow lets see some pics then again the limited edition 4runners run a 235 so it wouldnt be too unusually skinny... correction they run 245
 
Here you go:
 

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Right on! Those look fine to my eye, and I've always been a function over form kind of person anyway. As you stated these work well for you. I didn't even think to look at anything skinnier than a 255, so thanks for sharing!
 
This functionality ain’t too shabby either. Just saying...
 

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I have the E rated Wildpeak at3's on my third gen. 3 tires are ok but one I can't get to completely balance. It's not bad but once that tire is rotated to the front it has a small amount of shimmy. I'm not sure I'd buy them again...

Sent from my moto g power using Tapatalk
 
My 265/70/17 wildpeaks are awful can’t be balanced discount tire ****ed up the install and and to have them re balanced again the next day. 6000 miles I return for a rotation and balance and when I get my 4Runner at 60-70 I fell like I’m in a paint shaker. Had to have them balanced at a small shop who said they were way off and that the tires were hard to balance. Had these tires for 7000 miles on. The tires this is sorry. Love the look but it’s not worth the time and money to get them lined out. Debating on pulling them off what a waste.

Psi’s anyone wants to buy a almost new set for 200 bucks I’m in east Texas
 
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Try increased tire pressures I had same issues as well many others with different brands the Toyota 4Runner is very sensitive and playing with psi got rid of my shimmy and I would always recommend the falken wildpeaks best all around tire for any truck :bolt:
Mike
 
Good thread, thanks. I'm also on 285 KO2s now and I'm not really happy with them. Balancing issues, just like many experienced and even a warranty issue with 1 of the tires that just could not be balanced -- required 15oz of weights.

The shop I'm working with did a great job trying to balance -- they used the adaptor plate and road force to get it right, and they did. It's just a pain to have to go through this every rotation because it seems that they need rebalanced at that time.

Frankly, I'm probably going to go with something more aggressive as I drive purely for leisure now that I work from home, and leisure usually involves wheeling. KM3s and Toyo MTs are on my short list.
 
Late to this thread. I am super pleased with my Les Schwab Open Ranges in 265/70/17. I got them during the founders day sale a few weeks ago and then left for a week in Jackson Hole. Quiet while cruising 80 in Montana and like glue in snow and ice, I averaged 20mpg in 2h and 17 in 4h. Just something to add to the mix!
 
My 265/70/17 wildpeaks are awful canÂ’t be balanced discount tire ****ed up the install and and to have them re balanced again the next day. 6000 miles I return for a rotation and balance and when I get my 4Runner at 60-70 I fell like IÂ’m in a paint shaker. Had to have them balanced at a small shop who said they were way off and that the tires were hard to balance. Had these tires for 7000 miles on. The tires this is sorry. Love the look but itÂ’s not worth the time and money to get them lined out. Debating on pulling them off what a waste.

Sounds a lot like my experience with the LT KO2's. :shrug: At one point, DT told me they were "too heavy" for my vehicle...strange, they didn't mention that when I bought them there.
 
Try increased tire pressures I had same issues as well many others with different brands the Toyota 4Runner is very sensitive and playing with psi got rid of my shimmy and I would always recommend the falken wildpeaks best all around tire for any truck :bolt:
Mike

What tire pressure worked for you?

I see someone on this thread states they always run their tires at 55 psi. That seems very high especially if you're not towing.
 
Late to this thread. I am super pleased with my Les Schwab Open Ranges in 265/70/17. I got them during the founders day sale a few weeks ago and then left for a week in Jackson Hole. Quiet while cruising 80 in Montana and like glue in snow and ice, I averaged 20mpg in 2h and 17 in 4h. Just something to add to the mix!

Unfortunately, LS hasn't made it to southern Nevada!
 
Sweet! I really would like to try the 235's. Do you notice any differences at all in drivability?
As for Drivability, yes, I notice. My last set being 285’s these 235’s steer, roll, and accelerate so much better too since they’re closer to stock diameter and weight. I do run them at higher pressures so that may also have something to do with it. Although I do tow a trailer frequently, based on wear thus far, this is where I’m at. Maybe it just over compensates for all those miles driven at 20psi, I dunno?
 
What tire pressure worked for you?

I see someone on this thread states they always run their tires at 55 psi. That seems very high especially if you're not towing.

The guy running LT235/80R17 keeps his at 55psi on pavement. The Tire Pressure Calculator suggests 49psi for his application, so he's not that far off. Recommended psi will vary based on tire size.

"Passenger tires are fitted with a 10% overage in load capability when used on SUV's, Light Trucks, and Vans because of the difference in load handling. This load overage can be removed when changing to an LT tire."

That brings the equivalent load capacity of the oem P265/70R17 down to 2205 lbs when switching to a LT265/70R17. That equivalent pressure is what you're trying to replicate with any size LT tire. This is just intended to get you in the ballpark. The only way to really dial it in on your truck is by doing a chalk test.

OEM Size (P265/70R17 SL) Load Capacity: 2425 lbs. @ 32 psi
New Size (LT265/70R17 C) Load Capacity: 2219 lbs. @ 44 psi
New Size (LT265/70R17 E) Load Capacity: 2219 lbs. @ 44 psi
New Size (LT235/80R17 E) Load Capacity: 2227 lbs. @ 49 psi
New Size (LT255/75R17 C) Load Capacity: 2230 lbs. @ 45 psi
New Size (LT255/80R17 E) Load Capacity: 2209 lbs. @ 42 psi

Give 44 psi a try with your oem size KO2's to see if it gets rid of the vibration.
 
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I have a 2021 TRDORP with KDSS, Fifteen52 Turbomac HD wheels (17x8.5 0 offset), stock otherwise.

These are my first AT tires, I always had highway tires on all my vehicles prior.

EDIT: I went for another drive, alone this time (without the kids) and having reduced the pressure to 32 PSI (dealer had them at 35 which was too much). I really focused on driving dynamics again, reassessing acceleration, braking and comfort. Also tried to pay close attention to wobble and shake at high speed. Either I'm getting used to the tires or adjusting pressure solved a lot of issues.

They are good. They actually slightly rub on my passenger mud flap, but that's also due to the more aggressive wheel fitment. They are much bigger than stock however, certainly much wider.

They are slightly louder than the (highway) winter tires I had on the stock wheels since taking delivery in November 2020 (Bridgestone Blizzak DMV2, stock size SL load rating) at lower speeds, but barely louder (if at all) at highway speed.

The ride is slightly harsher and I do feel the added weight versus the "stock" setup in acceleration mostly, braking and cornering to a small extent, but not by much. I just feel like there is more inertia if that makes sense. The overall driving experience feels (very) slightly less refined and forgiving.

I feel like they may be more sensitive to the "grooves" worked in the road or the overall condition of the road if that makes sense. They tend to wander a bit more than less wide highway tires but it could also be due to the wheel width and offset, but it's likely a combination of both.

As for balance, I initially thought I felt a wobble but I can't anymore. I was just on the highway up to 80-85 mph going through turns, inclines and declines, and there was no wobble or shake.

They're definitely great in the rain. I drove in rain at near freezing temperatures and there was no slippage or hydroplaning.

I'll give them a bit more mileage to see what happens. The definitely feel A LOT better at 32 psi than 35.

I also realize, I've always driven sports/luxury cars and I am very sensitive to driving dynamics overall. Probably more so than most. It's all quite subtle, but I'm get used to the feeling already.

The wheels weigh 26 lb each so very similar or slightly lighter than stock, so it's not coming from there.

I have to give credit where it’s due, they do look great! Ok some pics:

b19e032d75cb72595a0bc6324586c185.jpg
95757e359a4871845445122ac8c52b26.jpg
5d78ec748242fabb7cf461caa59bec5a.jpg
087807bed64683b3d67a0ce01bcb11d4.jpg
 
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