33's on 15 x 7 rims

[BTV]

Good day, all knowing brethren.
So my KZJ78 has the factory 15 inch rims, 7" wide. I'm hoping to get some 33's on it, and was hoping for 12.5 wide. Also planning a modest 2-2.5" lift, and 1.5" spacers to help avoid any rubbing.
Since I'm going to be running more road than trail in it, I'm avoiding MT and going AT for better noise, mileage, comfort etc while still being able to go to some good fishing spots and up some snowy mountain. Maybe a bit of mild'ish crawling.
So, my question is, do you know of a tire that fill that requisite list, that will go on that rim in a 33 12.5? Most 12.5's say to go 8 inch wide or more. I'm definitely open to size adjustments based on your experience. Is it safe (allowed) to put tires rated for wider wheels, on a narrower wheel?
Mucho Thank You-o!!!

 

[Irish11]

I had 33x10.5's on the stock 15" wheels on my FJ40. I don't think anyone will mount a 12.5" on them though, none of the major installers at least. I had to go to a mom and pop to get the 10.5" on my 5.5" rims. Its way over the safety threshold most installers have. You can ask around though and see if someone will do it. Its common to go 33x10.5" on the factory 5.5" wheels. Alternatively, you can get the wheels widened, or find an aftermarket set.

 

[BTV]

I had 33x10.5's on the stock 15" wheels on my FJ40. I don't think anyone will mount a 12.5" on them though, none of the major installers at least. I had to go to a mom and pop to get the 10.5" on my 5.5" rims. Its way over the safety threshold most installers have. You can ask around though and see if someone will do it. Its common to go 33x10.5" on the factory 5.5" wheels. Alternatively, you can get the wheels widened, or find an aftermarket set.

View attachment 2936328

Sheesh, that does look really nice!
I'm thinking I'll find myself in this position a few more times, so I might just replace the wheel and go with something with more options.
A place called Trail Built in WI has a lot of options for packages of wheels and tires that they'll ship out, so I'm taking a long look at them as well as other places.
I was hoping of staying north of the border for shipping purposes, but sometimes the deal just makes sense.

 

[FJ73Texas]

I personally would be ok with 12.5 on 7" wide wheels but like @Irish11 said...some national tire chains might balk at the request. When I worked at discount tire, we turned away requests like that all the time some of them were way beyond the safety limits too.

Store I worked at had an internal memo that outlined in a table what we could say yes or no to. Not sure if all store has a such memo and if so...what the current one says. I am sure they all have a such table to look up limits (NTB, Discount, Costco, Sam's club, etc)......but I am sure it is all derived from the tire and rim association yearbook.

I am looking to go up to 16" wheel now. Options are just too limited at 15" wheel now.

 

[JuanJ]

Hello,

15x8 wheels are better for 33 in. tires.

Avoid spacers. They will only cause your axle bearings to wear out faster.

33 x 12.5 tires will not only rub. They will wear out your axle bearings faster. Ask me how I know.

Big and wide tires kill Land Cruisers. Skinny tires suit them better.

I would go with 33 x 10.5 tires and 15x8 wheels.




Juan

 

[onemanarmy]

Why do you need 12.5 tires? 10.5 wide looks and performs so much better.

 

[BTV]

I personally would be ok with 12.5 on 7" wide wheels but like @Irish11 said...some national tire chains might balk at the request. When I worked at discount tire, we turned away requests like that all the time some of them were way beyond the safety limits too.

Store I worked at had an internal memo that outlined in a table what we could say yes or no to. Not sure if all store has a such memo and if so...what the current one says. I am sure they all have a such table to look up limits (NTB, Discount, Costco, Sam's club, etc)......but I am sure it is all derived from the tire and rim association yearbook.

I am looking to go up to 16" wheel now. Options are just too limited at 15" wheel now.

That's good to know, thanks for sharing.
I'm not totally sold on the 12.5, but do really like the look of a wider tire on the wide body KZJ like mine.
The more I look at tires, there seem to be endless options for 16" wheels, and very few for the 15"'s... I guess everyone is moving away from them, which is a shame as the 15's on the rig I'm getting look to be in really great shape.
Dohhh!

 

[BTV]

Hello,

15x8 wheels are better for 33 in. tires.

Avoid spacers. They will only cause your axle bearings to wear out faster.

33 x 12.5 tires will not only rub. They will wear out your axle bearings faster. Ask me how I know.

Big and wide tires kill Land Cruisers. Skinny tires suit them better.

I would go with 33 x 10.5 tires and 15x8 wheels.




Juan

Sounds like you had to learn that stuff the hard way... I appreciate you trying to help me avoid doing the same!

 

[BTV]

Why do you need 12.5 tires? 10.5 wide looks and performs so much better.

I find the 10.5 to look a little too skinny on the KZJ78 wide body like mine. Hoping to widen out the stance a bit to make it a bit more stable too.

 

[JuanJ]

Sounds like you had to learn that stuff the hard way... I appreciate you trying to help me avoid doing the same!

Hello,

Yes, you can say that.

I am glad I can help.

I found the rubbing annoying but I did nothing about it.

It is not just the bearings that wear out but also the seals and, in my case, the brake cylinders.








Juan

 

[Imurdaddy]

I just bought a set of 30x9.5 15 tires and I now want to get a set of stock Steelies 5.5x15.
will the tires I have fit those wheels?

 

[vega01]

Good day, all knowing brethren.
So my KZJ78 has the factory 15 inch rims, 7" wide. I'm hoping to get some 33's on it, and was hoping for 12.5 wide. Also planning a modest 2-2.5" lift, and 1.5" spacers to help avoid any rubbing.
Since I'm going to be running more road than trail in it, I'm avoiding MT and going AT for better noise, mileage, comfort etc while still being able to go to some good fishing spots and up some snowy mountain. Maybe a bit of mild'ish crawling.
So, my question is, do you know of a tire that fill that requisite list, that will go on that rim in a 33 12.5? Most 12.5's say to go 8 inch wide or more. I'm definitely open to size adjustments based on your experience. Is it safe (allowed) to put tires rated for wider wheels, on a narrower wheel?
Mucho Thank You-o!!!

When I bought it, my Cruiser had 33 12.5s Goodyear Wranglers MT on 15" rims 7" wide. But tubes were put inside to prevent the tires from falling off the rims. Besides they rubbed in max turn. I changed them right away for 33 10.5 and got rid of the tubes.