Tires and springs question

[Rushthezeppelin]

So a couple of things. First of all I'm trying to plan well ahead for when I need to replace my 265/70r17 Wildpeak AT3Ws. When sold to me, the PO said there was a 2" spacer lift all around (I think this is only part of the story and I'll get into that in the second part). In actuality I think I have more 2.5" front and 3" rear from stock based off searching several threads for what my axle centerline to flare measurement is. I was also told that it has 4th gen 17" wheels on it which does seem to be the case. A pleasant surprise I was not told about it that I appear to have spidertrax 1.25" spacers also on the truck (I know there are spacers and the truck has spidertrax stickers on it so seems like a reasonable assumption). Only other variable to throw in is that I have stock UCAs and LCAs So with all that accounted for and doing some research it appears I have 4.18" of backspacing. I've got probably at least 30k before I have to worry about this but I would like to eventually put some 33s on this truck and probably no more. What would be some good options to look at to achieve this? I would love to ideally get some wildpeaks again as they drive great in the rain and snow and are reasonably priced. I would also love to upgrade from SLs to C load rated tires (I'm hesitant on going to Es although I'm pretty sure even with Cs I will probably want to regear from 4.10 on my 5 speed to 4.3 or 4.56).

Getting back to lift though I'm reasonably sure that one of the POs put different springs on this truck given that there are only 2" spacers but I think I have more than 2" of lift. The one thing that really clues me in on this is that I have obviously progressive rate springs in the back (top has tight wraps, bottom looser wraps). Am I correct that the stock rears are not progressives? Is there any obvious clues I can look for to try and nail down the exact springs I have both front and back? I'm probably going to pull the rears tomorrow to put LC 8 wraps in with some LC shocks so I can get a closer look at the springs then. I will also have a better look at the fronts as I'm going to put new bushings in my LCAs here hopefully this week also.

 

[Rushthezeppelin]

I've had 4 Voodoo ranger ipa's.

So, What's the question?

Trying to figure out what tires I could put on this with no modification and what exactly I do have as far as springs go. Sorry that was a bit winded. Also to add on here the 4th gen wheels are 17x7.5 (not that this matters so much since I gave the backspacing).

 

[blairracd]

If you’re already lifted, you can most likely fit 33s pretty easy. If you get new UCAs, that’ll help as well.

You’re gonna need to make more room in the wheel well if your spacers and wheels don’t provide enough backspacing. Look into the pinch weld mod. Also known as the BFH mod. You’re just gonna need to cut and bash some stuff.

The most common 33” size with a 17” wheel is 285/70/17. I would encourage you to look into 255/80/17. This is actually a true 33” whereas 285/70/17 and 285/75/16 are not. I actually just checked and apparently 285/70/17 is even further away from a 33” than 285/75/16 is, that’s pretty funny.

Anyways, the 255 is skinnier so you are not going to have to do as much work. Many 3G owners have even reported the 255 fitting stock.

 

[Rushthezeppelin]

Is also true that skinnier is actually better in many off-road scenarios too (except sand) because you actually have more PSI per area of contact patch? Seem to remember hearing that bit I'm a newbie so not 100%.

 

[the_welfare_wagon]

Is also true that skinnier is actually better in many off-road scenarios too (except sand) because you actually have more PSI per area of contact patch? Seem to remember hearing that bit I'm a newbie so not 100%.

I’m running 255/85/16s which is the same size but more sidewall. Not only does it make the steering feel better but it requires basically no effort to fit them. Keep in mind I have NO front lift and a 110lbs winch hanging off my front bumper. Took me about 10 mins per side to clearance them and the rear didn’t require any work at all and I’m using extended travel shocks. Probably will ruffle some feathers saying this but 285s are not worth it. All the extra work you have to do to fit them would be annoying and they aren’t even a true 33

But to answer you question coming from 265s…. No I have not noticed any off-road difference in the width. I deal with mostly mud and east coast rock as well as sand.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Pyral]

Is also true that skinnier is actually better in many off-road scenarios too (except sand) because you actually have more PSI per area of contact patch? Seem to remember hearing that bit I'm a newbie so not 100%.

No, if it's a soft surface like snow or mud your skinny tires will sink in further. Larger tires are like snowshoes while skinny tires are like walking in normal boots. Even on hard surfaces the smaller contact patch means you have less area to grip. This is why larger tires also make your fuel economy decrease.

A skinnier tire will make steering fell better and more precise.

Also didn't the 5 spd 4runners have 4.56 gears? I know mine does, says it on the window sticker. And it's the same year as yours

 

[Rushthezeppelin]

No, if it's a soft surface like snow or mud your skinny tires will sink in further. Larger tires are like snowshoes while skinny tires are like walking in normal boots. Even on hard surfaces the smaller contact patch means you have less area to grip. This is why larger tires also make your fuel economy decrease.

A skinnier tire will make steering fell better and more precise.

Also didn't the 5 spd 4runners have 4.56 gears? I know mine does, says it on the window sticker. And it's the same year as yours

Maybe it's the fact that you have the four banger. Mine is definitely 4.10 from all my research. I haven't tested it with wheels off the ground which I should probably since I've had several surprises with this truck so far. For all I know someone regeared.

 

[Pyral]

Okay, the 4.56 gears according to my sticker were part of the SV package that included 265/70R16 steel wheels and the chrome fender wheel arches.

So not standard I guess, don't know if the 4 cylinder had different gears.

 

[JoeT4R]

Just for reference in case anyone needs to verify their gear ratios...

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/195517094@N03/52248226037/in/dateposted/" title="3rd gen T4R gear ratio codes"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52248226037_4808af12c5_k.jpg" width="946" height="2048" alt="3rd gen T4R gear ratio codes"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>