285s and towing

[70 FJ40]

I posted this question in one of my earlier threads but didn't get much response so I thought I would try a new one. Sorry for the repost.

I will be purchasing some new tires in the next couple weeks. My truck is stock but I plan to put some spring spacers in the back and crank the bars up front about an inch or so.

I'm thinking I will be going with 285s but I tow some and I'm wondering if the larger tires will adversely effect the towing ability because of the gearing change. I tow a 3500 lb camp trailer and a small speed boat. Anyone notice much of a difference in the towing ability when changing to 285s?

Thanks

 

[ylexot]

I can't compare towing with stock vs 285 as I out 285 on as soon as I got my 2000 LX. I also tow a little lighter, a little shy of 2k lb.

I'm pretty happy towing on 285s. It does change your gear ratio by about 10%. Climbing steep grades is usually a click of the OD button and moving in 3rd with TC lockup (4spd). I had to drop down to 2nd once or twice driving the costal range on US30 going to/from the coast from Portland, if you're familiar with some of those hills.

Not sure if that helps much, but theres at least some info.

 

[ylexot]

Btw, unless you're just wanting to lift a bit, you shouldn't need a lift to run 33s. Nothing wrong with a little lift, just saying you don't have to lift unless your springs are sagging or just want to.

 

[jemsec]

Pulled a 6,200 lb. travel trailer over 700 miles. Little slow on long steep hills but did fine. Let your LC work at it's own pace and don't push it to maintain speed as you would without a trailer. Pulled much better than expected and better than my F-150 which is rated at about 8,000 lbs.
Monitored transmission temperature and it never ran hot and neither did the coolant. It was in the 90's. Have Nitto 295's, OME 865 springs and torsion bars. Tongue weight didn't phase it. Used electric brakes and wouldn't pull without them.

 

[cap80]

I notice no difference with 285's over the stockers that were on it when I bought it. I just did exactly what you are looking to do with the Slee 30mm spacers. While there I put in the Airlift air bags which will run about $90. Totally worth it. I put 400lbs of bags of sand in back and with a bike pump put in enough air to get back to unloaded ride height in about 15 pumps.

 

[TXLX100]

I also don't notice a big difference. Truck generally feels a little less peppy with 285's in first and second. But 100 is really slow in stock form, so no worries.

 

[70 FJ40]

Thanks guys. That helps me feel more comfortable buying 285s. I know that I don't need to lift the truck to fit the tires but it sure needs to be a little higher. Plus I go the wife's approval on a "small" lift. So why not.

 

[70 FJ40]

Cap80. Were the spring spacers difficult to install. I have considered using air bags for the extra weight as well but it seems that air bags would drastically reduce down travel for off road purposes.

 

[TeCKis300]

It shouldn't be an issue at 3500 lbs. You will experience a slight loss of torque off the line as expected, but there is also a loss of brake torque.

Do either of your trailers have brakes? Hopefully so but it's always a hit or miss with trailers in that weight class. If not, braking may be more a problem if you live in the hills. Both friction brakes and engine braking are compromised.

 

[cap80]

Took me a total of 2hrs. You remove the bump stops so if anything without any pressure I'm sure you'll get extra up travel. And they aren't secured to the axle. They float inside the coil. Nothing to limit down travel. In fact you have to push down pretty heavy on the drivers side to get the spring in.

 

[70 FJ40]

Thanks cap80. I will look into those. Seems like there are no down sides. Any more tips or suggestions on the install? Maybe even a thread or something.

The boat does not have trailer brakes but I would guess it's only about 2000 lbs or so. The camp trailer does have brakes.

 

[cap80]

Search airlift 1000 install and a comprehensive thread comes up. I just followed it, pretty straight forward. A friend would help so they can push down on the axle while you put the springs in. The rest of the time they can just hang out and drink beers. With two people you could have it done in an hour easy.

 

[Gunney]

Something to note, some cruisers in the US came with an optional "tow package" this included an extra oil cooler mounted in front of the regular radiator to help keep the trans at optimal temperature.

If you don't have the extra tow package and you are towing large loads through hot climates with larger tires just keep an eye out for the overheat warning light. once you have cooked trans fluid it needs to be flushed and replaced.

Retro fitting an aftermarket cooler is VERY easy.

I run 315's in the middle eastern desert and if I'm not in low range through the very soft sand I cook my trans fluid (before I fitted the cooler.)

IMG 0339

• Gunney
• Feb 2, 2013

IMG 0334

• Gunney
• Feb 2, 2013

 

[70 FJ40]

Thanks gunny. And thanks cap80. I will look for that thread.