Tires - Need some feedback

L

LHB2

New member
Choosing tires is starting to become a headache, so thought I would try to get some opinions here. I thought I was set on 285/70 17 Duratracs (2008 4runner V6 4x4). After doing some reading here is where I am at:

1. 285/70 17 Duratrac: May run into some powerloss issues (especially if towing), can't fit spare in stock location, good overall reviews especially with snow/ice/winter conditions. Good looking design.

2. Goodyear MTr with Kevlar: Could go with 255/75/ 17 or 275/70 17. With the 275's, probably same powerloss issues as with the duratrac. Both sizes would still fit in stock location. Getting alot of mixed reviews, seems to be better offroad than the duratrac but worse in winter conditions (but not scary/whiteknuckle either. Some wear/life issues? Design is starting to grow on me.

3. Firestone Destination MT: I would go with the 255/75 17 on this one. Weighs less than all the previous, narrow for less rolling resistance, fits in stock spare location, etc.., only bad reviews I am finding is some lug chunking when/if rock crawling. Gets surprisingly decent reviews in snow/winter driving even with lack of siping (if I would go this route would probably at least look to get the center blocks siped for added traction in winter. Design looks decent, nothing special, pretty plain.

I live in WI, so winter is an obstacle but want an aggressive look. Most offroading is during hunting season (Logging roads, swamps, turned farm fields that get really muddy during fall). I am starting to think the destination MT with siped center lugs would be the better choice.

Sorry this is so long, but I keep going back and forth. Anyone have anything to say about the above tires? Wear/life, traction, etc..,

Thanks!
 
Register to hide this ad
You didn't mention the BFG MT's as they are about 3lbs lighter than both firestone and goodyear according to tirerack for the 255/75/17's. I think this tiresize is awesome but i'm a little biased. Because the outer diameter changed you do get some drop in power fyi.
 
Thanks for link, checking it out now.

I didn't mention the BFG MT due to its new size 255/80 17, tirerack has 33.3" has the diameter. Since the 285/70 is 32.8" (and I have read where people have had issues with the body mount at this size) I took it off the list. I may be able to get around the body mount issue by having the caster set as far forward as possible, I have read that at about 4-5+ degrees positive caster people are able to clear the bodymount with the 285's. I do have the LR UCA's so I should have the ability to get there, also talked the techs at Tiresplus they say they also are confident they can get there with my set up.

I would also like to keep the spare in the stock location (at least for now), but its not playing a deciding factor.

What would it take to clear a 33.3" tire in that section width and what about the bodymount with a caster of say 5 degrees postive? And any issues with clearance in the rear? The one thing I won't do at this point is chop the bodymount (not comfortable there at all).

I need to figure out how to get my set up in my sig, but i have the toytec 3" lift w/Bilsteins up front (I think I actually got slightly more than 3") and the 2" lift springs in the back with bilsteins, also have a 1.5 daystar spacer in the left rear and a 10mm spacer in the right rear (overall I think I got 2.5-3" of lift in the rear) I have a slight rake, 1.5" spidertrax wheel spacers all around.
 
The body mount interference with 285's is more to do with the width of the tread an not the height of the tire. Out of curiosity why are you comparing an all terrain to true mud radials?
 
rebelbowtie said:
The body mount interference with 285's is more to do with the width of the tread an not the height of the tire. Out of curiosity why are you comparing an all terrain to true mud radials?
Click to expand...

Looking for an aggressive design, but yet functional in winter/rain on the pavement, so I have been leaning more to the MT tires with some siping and the more aggressive AT tires (like the duratrac). I also really like the 255/75 and 275/70 sizes but my options are limited there. Right/wrong/indifferent - I have been comparing tires in those sizes and looking at what compromises I need to deal with and whether I'll accept/live with.
 
I'd look into Jeep rubicon take off's, they're a special BFG KM1 hybrid just for jeeps. I've seen a set locally for $600 for 4 with 90% tread. They are 255/75/17 in size as well, I plan on a set for my 4th gen v8

Also this is my own opinion but there really isn't any compromise to running that tire size if you can fit it. I exclusively ran 255/85/16's on my 2500HD and they rocked in every terrain and handled the towing duties of a full size rig very well.
 
I run Goodyear Silent Armor. I will replace this set with another set when these wear out. Outstanding handeling on snow and ice. Excellent all around offroad tire.
 
rebelbowtie said:
I'd look into Jeep rubicon take off's, they're a special BFG KM1 hybrid just for jeeps. I've seen a set locally for $600 for 4 with 90% tread. They are 255/75/17 in size as well, I plan on a set for my 4th gen v8

Also this is my own opinion but there really isn't any compromise to running that tire size if you can fit it. I exclusively ran 255/85/16's on my 2500HD and they rocked in every terrain and handled the towing duties of a full size rig very well.
Click to expand...

What size are you referring too?
 
Desert Fox said:
I run Goodyear Silent Armor. I will replace this set with another set when these wear out. Outstanding handeling on snow and ice. Excellent all around offroad tire.
Click to expand...

Another good option I have looked into..., looking for a bit more aggressivness (I know, I want the funtion and the looks)! I still always come back to the duratrac!
 
For those running sizes that don't fit in the stock spare location, what is your preferred method of carrying a spare?

Could I get away with my stock spare if needed (265/65/17), I.e., turn off any 4wd and put on the front?

Thanks!
 
LHB2 said:
What size are you referring too?
Click to expand...

255/75/17 and 255/85/16 are the same size minus the wheel diameter. I ran the latter, I was suggesting you look into Jeep Rubicon KM1 take offs because they are 255/75/17 size and aggressive mud terrain that you want. You can have them siped later and still be out ahead.
 
rebelbowtie said:
255/75/17 and 255/85/16 are the same size minus the wheel diameter. I ran the latter, I was suggesting you look into Jeep Rubicon KM1 take offs because they are 255/75/17 size and aggressive mud terrain that you want. You can have them siped later and still be out ahead.
Click to expand...

This is incorrect....255/75/17 is a 32" tire, 255/85/16 is a 33" tire. You'd need a 255/80/16 to be equivalent to the 255/75/17.

The 255/75/17 is a great size and fits the factory location, and won't kill your gas mileage. ALso, with the V6, the spare isn't quite as big of a deal as the V8 since it's not full time 4wd.
 
Last edited:
Well, after going near blind on the internet I have narrowed it down to the Goodyear MTr w/Kevlar in either the 255/75/17 or 275/70/17, both are almost the same diameter and will still fit in the spare location. I guess it comes down to whether the extra width of the 275 is worth the extra 5lbs/tire. But then again the narrow tire should work better in the winter. The 255 is C rated whereas the 275 is E rated, I am guessing that the C rated 255 would be more ride friendly as well.

Starting to look like the 255, but I still have a few weeks before I can pull the trigger..., so who knows what I will find by then.
 
I am running the BFG KM 255-75-17. Works great all around for me. Only place I don't like them is in sand, just not enough float. I am running the 'c' load rated.
 
Thanks for all the feedback!

Another question..., and didn't catch this unitl now. The 275/70/17 GY MTR Kevlar is load range E..., the 285/70/17 is load range D. I am ditching the idea of a full size spare in the stock location to save cash (will just use the stock tire if needed in a pinch)..., so anything goes at this point.

Any comments on the load range differences as to ride quality..., i don't mind a somewhat stiffer ride, but I don't want it to ride like a dump truck either.

2nd question: The body mount, I have seen older posts, but nothing current, on avoiding the body mount chop with 285's by setting the caster further forward (+4 degrees or so and keeping the other setting stock). Is this still accurate, any issues?

I think I am set to order the 285/70/17's next week, but wanted to double check on the above.

Thanks!
 
go with as close to C load as possible. D and E will be very rough, Might be better if you are carrying a lot of weight, bumpers, rocks in the back.. even C load is kinda rough. I cant even imagine D's, or E's, unless they're boobies :rofl:
 
Well, pulled the trigger today. Put the GY MTr Kevlar 285/70/17 on. So far so good, no clearance issues, no rubbing, etc..., but have not taken offroad yet. I have not noticed any power loss issues, but have not had it over 50mph yet. I had the wheels turned fully both ways and looks like there where will be no issues with the bodymount. I am quite pleased at this point. I actually like the way it rides better then the stock tires.

They put the tire pressure at stock or 32 psi. They are rated to 65 psi, anyone no the proper PSI to run these at? Or can direct me where to find it?

Also anyone know how to upload pictures? I don't see anywhere to attach an image, it wants a link.
 
Nevermind on the pics..., figured it out.
 

Attachments

  • IMG_2270.jpg
    IMG_2270.jpg
    76.3 KB · Views: 157
  • IMG_4114.jpg
    IMG_4114.jpg
    100.1 KB · Views: 164
  • IMG_5892.jpg
    IMG_5892.jpg
    96.1 KB · Views: 163
You must log in or register to reply here.

Members online

No members online now.
Total: 183 (members: 0, guests: 183)

Forum statistics

Threads
278,306
Messages
3,554,045
Members
248,016
Latest member
Advally Service

Share this page

Trending content

Back
Top