Tire and Wheel size basics.

[bass-o-matic]

My 2002 3rd Gen has

15" wheels and 225/75/R15 tires.

I don't off road but I will be doing some towing.

Can I put 17" wheels on there?

How tall/wide a tire can I put in my wheel well WITHOUT having to lift the truck? Experience Rubbing Etc?

Isn't there a downside to a bigger tire? More work for the tranny?

Thanks for any insights

 

[I_bRAD]

ultimately smaller tires are better for towing as you have more mechanical advantage.

 

[jeremyc74]

You probably don't want to go much larger than stock without a little lift. Your truck looks to be one of the ones that is on the lower end of the factory ride height (it varies from year to year).

You could probably bump up one size taller than factory without a problem, but much more than that and you'll probably rub under certain circumstances.

Here's a pretty good website that lets you plug in different numbers and compare the effects. It's not 4Runner specific, but you can at least see where things will get closer, and by how much.

Custom rims, wheel tire packages for your ride - RIMSnTIRES.com

 

[white_n_slow]

If it's for towing, the smaller the diameter, the better. Larger tires will act essentially like a taller ring and pinion gear ratio, which means less torque to the ground, lower revs, less "oomph."

Or to put it another way: tall tires make your truck slower and weaker in any condition, but it will be very notable when towing or climbing hills. There is zero benefit to a larger tire when it comes to towing.

If what you're looking for is what looks cooler--that's a different question all together.

 

[I_bRAD]

Or to put it another way: tall tires make your truck slower and weaker in any condition,

Higher top speed, yo!

 

[88toy4x4]

I was in the same boat as you. My ride was a 2000 2wd with the smallest tires from the factory(225/75r15) and 3.73 gears(gear code A01A). When I had to go to 16's for the Tundra brake upgrade, I went with tires that were the same outer diameter as the 225/75r15(about 28.5") but for 16" rims. I ended up with a 225/70r16 which is very similar in diameter and width to the factory tire.

My next move was putting my tacoma rims with 265/75r16 AT tires on the 4runner. Being that mine was a 2000 2wd, it was as low as yours but they did fit and did not rub at all. However, it was definitely slower all around.

Since you want to run 17's and tow, I would suggest keeping the diameter/width the same(as factory) to retain the performance you have already. A 225/65r17 would be very similar in size to what you have now. You just need to get on the tire manufacturers pages and look at the specs for the tire diameter and width so you can get something that is close to what you have now - roughly 28.5" diameter and 9" wide.
Hope this helps!

 

[white_n_slow]

Higher top speed, yo!

maybe downhill