Wheel/Tire help

[chintown]

I have a '97 Limited pretty much stock. 188K miles and running great.
Currently have the original 16" alloys on 265/70/16 BFs, which are about bald.

Choices
a. stick with the original rims and get Michellins which will cost about $900 and last me the for probably the rest of the trucks life
b. I've been looking at upgrading to XD Monster rims in an 18". Tire Rack says I can go with a 285/55/18, and the local rim guy says that I can only do a 265/60/18.

Who is right? Do I need to upgrade the suspension for this setup? How much will this hurt my mileage? How are the Falken Wild Peaks?

Any other suggestions or thoughts?

Thanks!

 

[PitbullRescuer]

Can't do 285's without a lift. And even then you risk rubbing. Local tire guy is right.

 

[Stick Figure]

I've only got about a week of driving on the Wild Peaks, but so far I'm happy with them.

couple pics of my "testing"
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...on-eventualy-upgrade-thread-7.html#post908585

 

[Running4life]

Google search tire size calculator. I use the 1010 tire size calculator which allows you to put in multiple sizes and see a side by side comparison of them. It appears a 265/70/16 and the other two you have listed are about the same size height wise (width is more on the 285). The 265 is closest to the stock size in both height and width. So if that is the case, you may have a rubbing issue (UCA) on the 285 unless the wheel is backspaced properly.

 

[IanB]

You can go as big as 265/75/16 or equivalent in other wheel sizes (265/70/17 or 265/65/18)without needing a lift.

 

[Gerdo]

Just remember that the bigger the wheel, the smaller the sidewall will be.
The smaller the sidewall the rougher the ride. Also the bigger chance of popping a bead when wheeling and air'd down. Also the bigger the wheel the closer it is to the terrain/rocks and will probably get damaged more. Smaller wheels with the same size tire (diameter) will tend to conform to obstacles better due to the taller sidewall.

 

[Stick Figure]

Also the bigger the wheel the closer it is to the terrain/rocks and will probably get damaged more.

One of my FJ wheels is living proof of that statement. lol

 

[chintown]

Thanks guys... So looks like I'll be getting the monsters 18" on 265/60/18.
So again, this all cosmetic. I don't off-road at all, and I live in San Diego, where it rains about 5 in/yr. I do go snowboarding once or twice a year so they do need to be all-season tires.

I can go with the Falken Wild Peaks for the aggressive look, or there is a brand new set of Michelin's LTX locally for $500/set and will be more gas efficient and last forever but look much more tame.

Thoughts?

Also, what is the best upgrade if i need to replace the shock/struts? As mentioned its a daily driver, and i do not off-road. I may want a 1" lift, but nothing crazy. I figure if i need to replace it, usually aftermarket stuff is just a lil more than OEM and can be much better.

 

[PitbullRescuer]

I'd do Bilsteins (the plain old Blue and Yellow stock replacements) and hunt around for someone selling a set of 99 Tall coils.