SoCal 4Runner Owner Narrowing Tire Options

S

Stephencovar

New member
Hello friends. I just bought my 2019 TRD ORP and absolutely love it. I couldn’t be happier with such an amazing truck! I’m sorry for yet another tire post. I did my research around here and I need some help from the community.

I currently have the stock 17" Alloy Wheels P265/70R17 Tires. I’m planning to get the black TRD wheels eventually (the ones that come with the pro). I think I’ve narrowed it down to these two tires:

1. Cooper AT3-4S
2. BFG KO2

I’d like to keep the stock size. I’ll eventually upgrade the suspension but not anytime soon. I do most of my driving on the paved LA roads. I would like to occasionally go on offroad trails like Joshua Tree, Alabama Hill, etc... I would also like to go up to Big Bear when it snows. What does everyone think I should get?

My concerns are, an inaccurate speedometer, steering wheel vibrations and rubbing. I really don’t want to modify things to just yet. Thank you in advance. Again, sorry for yet another tire post, I’m just flat out lost...
 
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Agreed with poster above, the Cooper's will be fine for what you plan to do with the truck and no rubbing issues with those stock tire sizes.
 
Just out of curiosity, why not the BFG KO2? I’m just trying to learn and make sure I’m making the right choice. I’m definitely leaning towards the Coopers.
 
I have the grey trd wheels and 265 ko2, no rubbing, run smooth as long as you get a tech who knows how to balance properly. I love them in the Phoenix area. They did great in snow the one time I was in it with them.

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I purchased the Cooper AT3 4S's a few weeks ago and had nothing but problems getting them to balance. 4 balances later and still had problems. Needed two rows of weights to come close to balancing. I had some serious steering wheel wobble and seat vibrations.

Returned them and got Nitto Terra Grappler G2 and problems went away. They required very little weight to balance.

With that being said, I've heard a lot of good things about Cooper. Maybe I just got a bad batch.
 
If you haven’t bought the TRD rims yet I would recommend you do a hard search before you get them. I regret not looking around harder for other rim styles. EVERYONE has the TRD rims, yes they look great but it’s so common it may as well be a stock rim. Icon and VTX make some good looking rims.

Also, to stay on your topic, I’m going with Falken Wildpeaks when my stock tires go.


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BCMUSA said:
I purchased the Cooper AT3 4S's a few weeks ago and had nothing but problems getting them to balance. 4 balances later and still had problems. Needed two rows of weights to come close to balancing. I had some serious steering wheel wobble and seat vibrations.

Returned them and got Nitto Terra Grappler G2 and problems went away. They required very little weight to balance.

With that being said, I've heard a lot of good things about Cooper. Maybe I just got a bad batch.
Click to expand...

I believe I read your post because that's when I started to worry about the steering wheel wobble and my decision on getting the Coopers. The Nitto Terra Grappler G2 look comparable. Geez... I really need to make a decision.
 
AlphaVII said:
If you haven’t bought the TRD rims yet I would recommend you do a hard search before you get them. I regret not looking around harder for other rim styles. EVERYONE has the TRD rims, yes they look great but it’s so common it may as well be a stock rim. Icon and VTX make some good looking rims.

Also, to stay on your topic, I’m going with Falken Wildpeaks when my stock tires go.


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Click to expand...

Thank you for your suggestions, I am going to check out the Icon and VTX. I really like those TRD ones though.

I'll do some research on the Falken Wildpeaks.
 
Also here in AZ. Big fan of KO2’s here. Excellent on rock and I hear also excellent on snow. When the Nitto TG’s that came on my Pro are shot it will be C load class KO2’s. Cant comment on mud. Arizona, what mud??
 
Stephencovar said:
I believe I read your post because that's when I started to worry about the steering wheel wobble and my decision on getting the Coopers. The Nitto Terra Grappler G2 look comparable. Geez... I really need to make a decision.
Click to expand...
Keep in mind, they are pretty loud compared to the Coopers. I don't really mind it though.

Also, Discount Tire will give you 30 days to try any tire I believe. If you go back within 30 days, they'll swap them out for another tire if you're having issues. They didn't give me any grief when I asked for a swap.
 
Another outside suggestion for wheels would be fifteen52. Coming from the Audi world, where they are well respected, they have launched a line for Offroad vehicles.

I have the Nitto TG’s (stock TRDP) with no complaints. Although they do hydroplane a little easier than I’d anticipated. This may be more me not being used to A/T tires, not the actual tire, though.


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AlphaVII said:
If you haven’t bought the TRD rims yet I would recommend you do a hard search before you get them. I regret not looking around harder for other rim styles. EVERYONE has the TRD rims, yes they look great but it’s so common it may as well be a stock rim. Icon and VTX make some good looking rims.

Also, to stay on your topic, I’m going with Falken Wildpeaks when my stock tires go.


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Click to expand...

To add to this post, the TRD rims do not really add anything over OEM rims except aesthetics and in reality you could argue the are worse then the TRD Off-Road rims in that they are only 7” wide compared to 7.5” for the off-road and the off-road rims have better valve stem protection. This allows you to be “in spec” for larger than a 275 Tire. Not worth the couple of lbs of weight savings IMO. If a person wants the same look for about the same price contact FN wheels and ask for the FN pro...same look but 8” wide.
 
Cymon said:
To add to this post, the TRD rims do not really add anything over OEM rims except aesthetics and in reality you could argue the are worse then the TRD Off-Road rims in that they are only 7” wide compared to 7.5” for the off-road and the off-road rims have better valve stem protection. This allows you to be “in spec” for larger than a 275 Tire. Not worth the couple of lbs of weight savings IMO. If a person wants the same look for about the same price contact FN wheels and ask for the FN pro...same look but 8” wide.
Click to expand...


Thank you for this suggestion. I’ll take a look at them. What you mentioned makes a lot of sense.


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I went through this same thing.

Can't go wrong with either, but get the C-load KO2 if you go that route. I went KO2's, balanced well, smooth, reasonably quiet, look great, no issues in the rain as others have had (I think this is based on living in a warm climate). The cooper's probably a bit quieter, lighter, better mpg, cheaper, better in rain in colder climates.

Just pick based on what's more important to you. If cost doesn't matter and looks do, go KO2's. If cost matters or you value quiet and wet traction over looks and toughness, get the cooper's. Just remember if they don't balance at 12 lbs or less, don't accept them. They should order you a new set until they get you a good one, no matter which tires you get.

If you don't care about weight and mpg, then the options open up considerably, there are a lot of 50lb+ tires to add to your list. If you want 45lb or less and an all-terrain, you basically have the pick of KO2, cooper, or Nitto TG2.

If you don't care about looks at all, then get Micheline LTX M/S2. Worlds better on-road, and fine for occasional off-road, unless you're in a bunch of mud.
 
Fellow SoCal 4Runner owner with homes Fullerton, Big Bear Lake and Stevensville, MT. We're running the Cooper AT3 4S with good results on and off-road and in the snow.
 
renau001 said:
I went through this same thing.

Can't go wrong with either, but get the C-load KO2 if you go that route. I went KO2's, balanced well, smooth, reasonably quiet, look great, no issues in the rain as others have had (I think this is based on living in a warm climate). The cooper's probably a bit quieter, lighter, better mpg, cheaper, better in rain in colder climates.

Just pick based on what's more important to you. If cost doesn't matter and looks do, go KO2's. If cost matters or you value quiet and wet traction over looks and toughness, get the cooper's. Just remember if they don't balance at 12 lbs or less, don't accept them. They should order you a new set until they get you a good one, no matter which tires you get.

If you don't care about weight and mpg, then the options open up considerably, there are a lot of 50lb+ tires to add to your list. If you want 45lb or less and an all-terrain, you basically have the pick of KO2, cooper, or Nitto TG2.

If you don't care about looks at all, then get Micheline LTX M/S2. Worlds better on-road, and fine for occasional off-road, unless you're in a bunch of mud.
Click to expand...

Thank you for your input. Looks are up there along with functionality and comfort I am leaning towards the Cooper AT3-4S or the AT3 LT. Simply because I do plan on going out on some rougher roads and want a reliable tire that can get us out of situations.
 
Stephencovar said:
Hello friends. I just bought my 2019 TRD ORP and absolutely love it. I couldn’t be happier with such an amazing truck! I’m sorry for yet another tire post. I did my research around here and I need some help from the community.

I currently have the stock 17" Alloy Wheels P265/70R17 Tires. I’m planning to get the black TRD wheels eventually (the ones that come with the pro). I think I’ve narrowed it down to these two tires:

1. Cooper AT3-4S
2. BFG KO2

I’d like to keep the stock size. I’ll eventually upgrade the suspension but not anytime soon. I do most of my driving on the paved LA roads. I would like to occasionally go on offroad trails like Joshua Tree, Alabama Hill, etc... I would also like to go up to Big Bear when it snows. What does everyone think I should get?

My concerns are, an inaccurate speedometer, steering wheel vibrations and rubbing. I really don’t want to modify things to just yet. Thank you in advance. Again, sorry for yet another tire post, I’m just flat out lost...
Click to expand...
Congratulations on your new 4Runner. I’m in SoCal and go to all the places you mentioned. I would upgrade the suspension with the 2015-18 Pro Bilstein package. I think you can find it for $500 new. I like my KO2’s. I have 275-70-17’s E rated tires on my Pro with Cornfed 1.5”/1” spacer lift. Total lift is 2.5”/1”. As you probably know the Pro is 1” higher up front. The Pro also comes with the fender liner mod at the port. Something you could easily do to yours. The Pro wheels are great looking and match the design of the vehicle well. Also, the narrow width is advantageous for clearance issues with the body mount, mud flaps, etc. The KO2’s in a C rated tire would be ideal. It is not available in the 275 KO2’s. The KO2’s have the “snowflake” icon if you’re running up to Big Bear or the Sierras and wanting to avoid chains. Great looking and long lasting AT tire. The reason I mentioned my suspension setup is that prior to the spacer lift and tires, the nosedive was ridiculous. Now it is gone. That in itself was completely worth it. If you want to stay with a 265, be sure it has the snowflake, and add some small spacers to preload the springs to eliminate the nosedive and level the truck. If you’re planning on adding weight you may want to look at some aftermarket suspension.
 

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