Tire suggestions

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

It's not quite time yet, but I know I need to be looking at tires for my 03 4runner. When I do tires, I'm also gonna be lifting the front ~1.5 inches (unsure how I'm gonna do that at the moment, but it will be done). My 4runner spend probably 90% of the time on the road. The other 10% is spend on dirt/gravel roads and minor off roading (mud). I live in Arkansas, so winter weather isn't a big deal. I need something good on wet/dry. I'd like something that would do fairly well in light snow/ice (usually never get more than 2-3 inches at a time and only 2-3 times a year). Here's my dilemma: I know I need a light A/T tire; however, I absolutely love the look of an aggressive tire. I've done enough research to know that as far as my driving habits, Revo's or Revo 2's seem to be the perfect fit (other choices may be Nitto Terra Grappler or Firestone Destination AT). However, I was really hoping for something more aggressive looking. I was really thinking about BFG A/T's, but not set on that yet. A tire I love as far as looks and would be my goal is something like the Goodyear Wrangler Duratracs. I love the tread on those things. However, I really wonder if my on road driving would suffer. What do you guys think? My second problem is with size. With the lift (again, ~1.5 in the front, stock rear), I'm thinking I'll want a little taller tire. However, as most of my time is spent on road I don't want to sacrifice gas mileage. I'm really thinking about a 245/75/17. The inch narrower will help in rain and snow, but I'm not sure how it'll effect dry performance. It should also save weight and get better mpg due to less contact area. And finally, mud is of little concern so loosing the width shouldn't hurt much. I'm sure something like the Revo I may be able to do 265/70/17, but still not sure. What size would you recommend? Thanks for any input.

 

[Clemsonfan15]

What should you get, probably something like a Revo 2, LTX, or TerraGrappler, but I think the Duratrac would work for you. I personally believe it handles better on road (rain) and probably better offroad than the BFG KO.

 

[eskimochaos]

It's not quite time yet, but I know I need to be looking at tires for my 03 4runner. When I do tires, I'm also gonna be lifting the front ~1.5 inches (unsure how I'm gonna do that at the moment, but it will be done). My 4runner spend probably 90% of the time on the road. The other 10% is spend on dirt/gravel roads and minor off roading (mud). I live in Arkansas, so winter weather isn't a big deal. I need something good on wet/dry. I'd like something that would do fairly well in light snow/ice (usually never get more than 2-3 inches at a time and only 2-3 times a year). Here's my dilemma: I know I need a light A/T tire; however, I absolutely love the look of an aggressive tire. I've done enough research to know that as far as my driving habits, Revo's or Revo 2's seem to be the perfect fit (other choices may be Nitto Terra Grappler or Firestone Destination AT). However, I was really hoping for something more aggressive looking. I was really thinking about BFG A/T's, but not set on that yet. A tire I love as far as looks and would be my goal is something like the Goodyear Wrangler Duratracs. I love the tread on those things. However, I really wonder if my on road driving would suffer. What do you guys think? My second problem is with size. With the lift (again, ~1.5 in the front, stock rear), I'm thinking I'll want a little taller tire. However, as most of my time is spent on road I don't want to sacrifice gas mileage. I'm really thinking about a 245/75/17. The inch narrower will help in rain and snow, but I'm not sure how it'll effect dry performance. It should also save weight and get better mpg due to less contact area. And finally, mud is of little concern so loosing the width shouldn't hurt much. I'm sure something like the Revo I may be able to do 265/70/17, but still not sure. What size would you recommend? Thanks for any input.

Man you really like to type dont you? You write, by far, the wordiest posts ever.

Bigger tires will decrease mpg regardless of size and performance will be noticeably reduced.

Go 265/70/17 - you wont regret it.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Man you really like to type dont you? You write, by far, the wordiest posts ever.

Bigger tires will decrease mpg regardless of size and performance will be noticeably reduced.

Go 265/70/17 - you wont regret it.

Haha, not too sure how to take that one, so I'll take it with a laugh. I've been into the sports car thing, so all of this stuff is new to me. There are so many different choices out there, it's hard to choose. I actually understand tires, but most of the stuff I don't fully understand so it's hard to explain. Anyhow, on with the thread. I really want the Duratracs, but I know something like the Revo 2 is much more suited for my driving style. I am hoping there isn't as big as a difference between the two as I thought, or that you guys would encourage me to get what I "need" and not what I "want".

 

[eskimochaos]

Haha, not too sure how to take that one, so I'll take it with a laugh. I've been into the sports car thing, so all of this stuff is new to me. There are so many different choices out there, it's hard to choose. I actually understand tires, but most of the stuff I don't fully understand so it's hard to explain. Anyhow, on with the thread. I really want the Duratracs, but I know something like the Revo 2 is much more suited for my driving style. I am hoping there isn't as big as a difference between the two as I thought, or that you guys would encourage me to get what I "need" and not what I "want".

Well I was in a similar predicament to you I was between the Duratracs, BFG's, and Revos. After reading about the Duratracs I learned of weak sidewall construction that would lead to a severe amount of tire slop especially at high speeds. Furthermore, the sipes (grooves that move water from under the tread) are not the full depth of the tread so....after x amount of miles your left with an MT basically which suck in the rain. Lastly, its new, nobody knows how it will wear etc etc.

I decided on the BFG's because its what I wanted looks wise - would the Revos suit me more - absolutely Did I loose acceleration...yes, braking increased....yes; however, I believe on road driving characteristics improved drastically. They snug the road and feel glued to it and are not nearly as gittery as the stock rubber especially over bumps. I cant corner as well but just the other day dodged a monster pothole for the fun of it and they performed perfectly.

My driving style - spirited to downright scary aggressive. The BFG's have not let me down yet. They slay the snow, are perfect in the dry; however, I noticed a little more hydroplaning - again nothing you cant compensate for my going easy on the skinny pedal.

Oh yea, I got 265/70/17. Have 1300miles on them and could not be happier from heavy snow to 100mph on the highway.

Regarding your lengthy posts, it deters some readers, me especially, when I open your post and see that many words - especially with no paragraphs or breaks etc etc. Call it constructive criticism.

Hope the helps

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Thanks for the info. As for the posts, I'll see what I can do and thanks for the tip! The BFG's are a proven tire and should do well. I just like a tire with good sidewall grip (at least the look). I'm really leaning towards Revo's just because on road handling and ride quality are very important. As for size, it's a toss up between the 245/75/17 and 265/70/17. I like the cheaper price and better mpg. However, as you mentioned the 265's are great. It seems with a tire like the Revo the mpg loss should be less than the BFG, so that kinda play in this as well.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

So far my 255/75's GYSAs are using less gas, period. Full throttle performance must have suffered due the change in gearing but I don't feel it. Braking feels very close to the same. Handling is great.

The GYSA, the Revo 2, Hankook RF10 and Destination A/T all come in that size. If you weren't lifting at all and then 245/75 might be a really good choice. It's still an ok choice with a little lift IMHO. Given that you are doing a small front-end lift consider the 255/75's. Many times they are cheap too...

Back when I was a boy all full-sized, 1/2ton pick-ups came with H or L78-15's, that's like a 235/75/15. Tires have gotten huge over the years. To 'downsize' a bit can have advantages. Know that you will lose all-out dry pavement stick and add a couple of feet to your 60-0 distance. Tenguns used 235/80/17's on his rig, he seems very pleased with the choice and it looks good too. Tenguns rig. I'm not suggesting you use 235/80's I'm just saying don't fear a little narrower tire.
:cheers:

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

So far my 255/75's are using less gas, period. Full throttle performance must have suffered due the change in gearing but I don't feel it. Braking feels very close to the same. Handling is great.

The GYSA, the Revo 2, Hankook RF10 and Destination A/T all come in that size. If you weren't lifting at all and then 245/75 might be a good choice. Considering a small front-end lift consider the 255/75's. Many times they are cheap too...

I have considered the 255/75/17's after reading your post. It seems some tires I was looking at don't come in that size, but it'd definitely be a size to consider if it did. The Goodyear Silent Armor seems to be a good tire I may consider as well, just haven't heard as much as the others. Revo's and Revo 2's seem to be the tire of choice by most. My parents run the Firestone Destination AT's and they seem to do fine for our needs, they just don't seem to last as long as I feel they should. Will the 255/75/17's fit with ~1.5 inches of lift in the front? You've got more than that and yours are awfully close judging by the pics. Thanks!

 

[Clemsonfan15]

I would say either 265 or 255, 245 is just too narrow.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

I have considered the 255/75/17's after reading your post. It seems some tires I was looking at don't come in that size, but it'd definitely be a size to consider if it did. The Goodyear Silent Armor seems to be a good tire I may consider as well, just haven't heard as much as the others. Revo's and Revo 2's seem to be the tire of choice by most. Revo 2 are sweet. They come in the 255/75. My parents run the Firestone Destination AT's and they seem to do fine for our needs, they just don't seem to last as long as I feel they should. Will the 255/75/17's fit with ~1.5 inches of lift in the front? Yes. You've got more than that Nope, 1.5" is all I have. and yours are awfully close judging by the pics. Thanks!

It is close but it clears. Search BFG M/T's and you'll see some 255/75's with no lift. In all fairness I must add that a 255/75 from BFG may measure a hair different than a 255/75 from Bridgestone but it's going to pretty darn close. More here: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/perfo...uperchargers-more/58635-pics-2xx-75-17-a.html

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Hmm, I thought I saw where you had either the 2 or 3 inch front lift, guess not. That's great then, I know they'll fit! I'm going with at least 1.5, and as many of you know from my other thread I may do adjustable shocks to go 1.75 or maybe even 2.5 in the front, so then clearance won't be an issue regardless of brand. The more I think about it the more I think Revo 2's are the ticket. I currently have Bridgestone Dueler H/T's, and honestly they do all I want. However, I know there are better options, and I'd like to be able to go off road if I desire. Revo 2's fit this need. Thanks guys, and I'm still looking for more opinions!

 

[Will_4R]

Does the siping on the GYSAs go the full depth of the tread?

I am curious about the weak sidewalls on the Durtrac. I thought the Durawall compound GY uses is suppose to be pretty tough stuff.

 

[Clemsonfan15]

Does the siping on the GYSAs go the full depth of the tread?

I am curious about the weak sidewalls on the Durtrac. I thought the Durawall compound GY uses is suppose to be pretty tough stuff.

I've only seen two maybe three people talk about this.

I think the majority of the Duratrac owners do not have problems with the sidewall.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

Does the siping on the GYSAs go the full depth of the tread?

No. Without using the precise tread gauge it appears to go to 4/32's or twice the height of the wear bars. I wish it went all the way but super deep siping can cause squirrely handling when the tires are new and it can weaken tread block making them easier to rip off. Everything is a compromise:shrug: IIRC the Hankook does go all the way.

 

[RonMAIDEN]

I was concerned about the weak sidewall talk of the Duratracs before i bought them since I'm a bit of a spirited driver and was happy to find there was no sidewall slop feeling and off road the Duratracs have performed quite well and I don't fear any issues popping up with the Duratracs but only time will tell.
On road my TerraGrapplers had the stiffer sidewall so they handled tight cornering a little better but in the snow the GYs have an slight edge over the TGs and I'm very happy with the Duratracs.

 

[paraordnance]

I've only seen two maybe three people talk about this.

I think the majority of the Duratrac owners do not have problems with the sidewall.

I read dosens reviews of Duratracs and seems like only people complayning about soft sidewalls is a 1 ton heavy truck owners