Another age old tire question

[POPO AGIE]

The seemed to be the same as any other tire I had on it before or after. FJ40s wander anyway on the highway and follow the ruts left by the trucks. I never did air them down, but when one was flat it didn't deform very much at all and the rim never got close to the ground. I switched them out for some BFGs that must have been the smallest 15" tire right before I totaled it out. Traction was great but would rather run radials.

I didn't notice the noise much in the FJ40 because it was noisy anyway. I put them on a 1/2 Dodge and they were very loud.

 

[Joe45]

The seemed to be the same as any other tire I had on it before or after. FJ40s wander anyway on the highway and follow the ruts left by the trucks. I never did air them down, but when one was flat it didn't deform very much at all and the rim never got close to the ground. I switched them out for some BFGs that must have been the smallest 15" tire right before I totaled it out. Traction was great but would rather run radials.

I didn't notice the noise much in the FJ40 because it was noisy anyway. I put them on a 1/2 Dodge and they were very loud.

Thanks!
Very frustrating. I don't think there are radials in that diameter/width. I had BFG A/Ts in 33x9.50R15s and those were great, but no longer made in that size. Those were right at the threshold of my tollerance for width of tread. Even the 10.5 is too wide a track for my tastes. I really detest wide tires, especially in older trucks.

 

[POPO AGIE]

I plan to go to a 35" metric tire and want to keep them as narrow as possible. I had some 30R15 Norsmans at one time, but was not real impressed with the traction.

The Ground Hawgs were N78-15 so they were tall and narrow. Didn't notice the power loss until I put smaller tires back on and notice how better it ran.

 

[Joe45]

I plan to go to a 35" metric tire and want to keep them as narrow as possible. I had some 30R15 Norsmans at one time, but was not real impressed with the traction.

The Ground Hawgs were N78-15 so they were tall and narrow. Didn't notice the power loss until I put smaller tires back on and notice how better it ran.

Isn't N78-15 about a 31" tire? 35s will be considerably bigger.
My issue right now is that the top speed is about 50mph. Way too slow, especially driving from Florida to Arizona on tarmac!
Once I swap in an H55 and split t-case, it should make a nice difference. In the meantime, I calculate 33s will help me get a little better speed to get here, and I won't really loose any low end with the H55 later.
This is not going to be a rock crawler, but instead an "overlander". I still need and want the low end torque, but I don't need to be as focused on the super-crawl ratio as the rock crawlers.

If I have to go with the bias ply tires, it should be fine. Yeah they're loud, but so is the diesel. With good insulation, that noise should be greatly quelled. And I won;t be hauling ass on freeways. Top speed will likely be about 60-65mph.
I personally can't stand the fat tires on older rigs-or even new ones for that matter. In addition to being better off road, tall narrows just look so much better in my opinion. Even a 10.50x10.50R15 looks too wide to me.
The Power King Super Traction 2s look great, are right at the desired size, have very good reviews, and are pretty low priced. Worst case they can serve as a means to get here and later used for a trailer.
I'm checking a few others, but keep coming back to those PK Super Tractions.

 

[Greek Cruiserhead]

Thanks!
Very frustrating. I don't think there are radials in that diameter/width. I had BFG A/Ts in 33x9.50R15s and those were great, but no longer made in that size. Those were right at the threshold of my tollerance for width of tread. Even the 10.5 is too wide a track for my tastes. I really detest wide tires, especially in older trucks.

Are you sure Joe?
Both radials mentioned above can be found e.g. in the 215/85R16 dimension (width: 8.5/diameter: 30.5), so real pizza cutters.
I like old school look too and, IMHO, these tyres from the Far East (not the Red China anyway) show us that mission is not impossible...

Good lack at your search!
Cheers, Demetrios

 

[POPO AGIE]

I also have an H55F and a split transfer case that has a 3:1 low range and before with the 4 speed it was fine off road but struggled on the highway. When I bought it the national speed limit was only 55 mph. Now we have speed limits up to 80 on the interstates. The secondaries are 70 mph.

I plan to use a Cummins R2.8 and according to the RPM calculator on their website it would only be turning 2650 rpms @80 mph much better than it did with the 2F and a 4 speed did at 55 mph. Not like it never saw 80 before.

I have installed disc brakes on the rear and I am doing a big brake kit on the front and double diaphragm booster with an FJ80 master cylinder so the best brakes I had will be better.

I have replaced the tie rod and relay rod with FJ70 parts and will use an FJ80 steering box so that will also help with the handling. I will move the drivers seat as far back as I can to stretch out my legs better.

I use to drive mine all over the state and into CO, UT and up to the PNW. It would take me 2 days to get to the Portland/Vancouver area and I was tired. I hope that when it is road worthy it will be more comfortable to drive.

 

[Joe45]

Are you sure Joe?
Both radials mentioned above can be found e.g. in the 215/85R16 dimension (width: 8.5/diameter: 30.5), so real pizza cutters.
I like old school look too and, IMHO, these tyres from the Far East (not the Red China anyway) show us that mission is not impossible...

Good lack at your search!
Cheers, Demetrios

Those tires look great but thing is, I am looking for 33s or 34s to help my driveability. If I already had the H55 etc. maybe I could go the 31s, but from what I have been told, the 33s will work better and still be great after the transmission swap.

 

[Joe45]

I also have an H55F and a split transfer case that has a 3:1 low range and before with the 4 speed it was fine off road but struggled on the highway. When I bought it the national speed limit was only 55 mph. Now we have speed limits up to 80 on the interstates. The secondaries are 70 mph.

I plan to use a Cummins R2.8 and according to the RPM calculator on their website it would only be turning 2650 rpms @80 mph much better than it did with the 2F and a 4 speed did at 55 mph. Not like it never saw 80 before.

I have installed disc brakes on the rear and I am doing a big brake kit on the front and double diaphragm booster with an FJ80 master cylinder so the best brakes I had will be better.

I have replaced the tie rod and relay rod with FJ70 parts and will use an FJ80 steering box so that will also help with the handling. I will move the drivers seat as far back as I can to stretch out my legs better.

I use to drive mine all over the state and into CO, UT and up to the PNW. It would take me 2 days to get to the Portland/Vancouver area and I was tired. I hope that when it is road worthy it will be more comfortable to drive.

Those are some good ideas for upgrades. I may go with some of those myself!
I believe my HJ, as well as your truck, can be made to be much more comfortable. Also, I think it's also about a mindset. We have gotten used to 80mph, instant replies to texts with the cell phones, etc. Not necessarily bad, but we get spoiled.
While I don't purport wanting to regress in technology, I do want to learn to use it only as necessary.
Traveling at 80, 85mph in my FJC is certainly convenient, but I have also realized that it greatly increases fuel consumption and lowers safety. Even a sports car designed for high speeds will be difficult to control at 85mph in the event of a blowout, road hazard, small distraction, or other unforeseen event. Add a lifted truck with a high center of gravity, off road tires, and suspension/steering not designed for maneuverability, and what would be avoidable at 55-60mph could become a terrible catastrophe.

I have come to prefer doing 55 or 60, especially down lesser traveled roads, stopping to stretch and/or have a bite/drink, take a few pictures, or just breath and enjoy the sky.

I think that the main focus should be reducing noise and increasing comfort. Good insulation, pliant suspension, and good seats will take care of that. I am considering Recaro seats, as pricey as they are. $1500 for a seat seems crazy, but is it? How much do we spend on other things we rarely use? The seats are the main connection between the vehicle an us. Good seats can make the difference between arriving feeling relaxed, and feeling like we've been stuck in a torture chamber.

 

[Joe45]

I will move the drivers seat as far back as I can to stretch out my legs better.

In my drive from Florida's East to West coast, I didn't feel squashed in there, but I did feel the break and clutch to be pretty high up, so the legs move a lot. Not really a big deal for me, at least for now.
Have you even considered extending the cockpit length like 4"? I know there's a company that sells cabs that are like 6" longer, and more. I have thought of all that but not sure its worth it.
Probably the best course would be the thinnest seats possible while still being comfortable on long drives. I am thinking of Recaro's but not sure how thick they are . May come down to searching seats of another vehicle and getting them in a junk yard.

 

[POPO AGIE]

I have a 40 so I may have more room to move the seat back until it hits the fender well. I am 6'-3" and was always too close to the firewall and it got uncomfortable for my right foot with my toes pointing at my knee. Without stretching the frame and tub there is only so much I can do. I will also use DD gauges and have cruise control and that will prevent a lot of pain also. If I can't drive to my assignments I sometimes end up with a smaller rental than I would prefer and have the same issue if I am too close to the firewall. The rental was a Tacoma and it was nice, it was not comfortable for me. The steering wheel was below my knees like a Chevy Impala, which makes getting out hard.

I also did away with the E-brake mounted on the dash and the lever will be on the transmission hump close to where they put them in the later years. My knee cap will thank me.

I don't really plan to do a lot of long trips with my FJ40 and if it is not comfortable to drive long distance and want to use it to play I have a trailer I can load it on and use my RAM3500 for the long drives.

Toyota made improvements and the modular nature of the Land Cruiser line, so I plan to take advantage of them to make my FJ40 better on and off road.

 

[Joe45]

I have a 40 so I may have more room to move the seat back until it hits the fender well. I am 6'-3" and was always too close to the firewall and it got uncomfortable for my right foot with my toes pointing at my knee. Without stretching the frame and tub there is only so much I can do. I will also use DD gauges and have cruise control and that will prevent a lot of pain also. If I can't drive to my assignments I sometimes end up with a smaller rental than I would prefer and have the same issue if I am too close to the firewall. The rental was a Tacoma and it was nice, it was not comfortable for me. The steering wheel was below my knees like a Chevy Impala, which makes getting out hard.

I also did away with the E-brake mounted on the dash and the lever will be on the transmission hump close to where they put them in the later years. My knee cap will thank me.

I don't really plan to do a lot of long trips with my FJ40 and if it is not comfortable to drive long distance and want to use it to play I have a trailer I can load it on and use my RAM3500 for the long drives.

Toyota made improvements and the modular nature of the Land Cruiser line, so I plan to take advantage of them to make my FJ40 better on and off road.

OK so you're taller than I am. Certainly an issue then for the 40, especially a pickup style.
I had a Tacoma and my brother in law took over the payments. It was a great, capable little truck, but I was disapointed with the low payload and the seating position just felt wrong.
I'm sure your 40 can be made to be very comfortable. Suspension and seats, plus good insulation will do wonders!

 

[POPO AGIE]

I did not like the seating position in the Tacoma either and I was disappointed.
I have a 2 door hard top so there is some room to move the seat back. I just took my seats to the local shop and they will use new foam in the seat and back and this time will have cloth covers.

I do plan to try to deaden the sound as much as possible and hope to control the inside temps better as a result. The two heaters worked very well at -40 in the winter, but no AC it could get uncomfortable on long highway trips, but our summers don't get real hot in most of the state.

I may not install AC because of cost and there is only so much room in the engine bay. But I just found out about a smaller unit that can fit inside the heater and uses the factory fan and not have to move the fan inside the cab. I will still need heat and defrost more than AC.

 

[Joe45]

I did not like the seating position in the Tacoma either and I was disappointed.
I have a 2 door hard top so there is some room to move the seat back. I just took my seats to the local shop and they will use new foam in the seat and back and this time will have cloth covers.

I do plan to try to deaden the sound as much as possible and hope to control the inside temps better as a result. The two heaters worked very well at -40 in the winter, but no AC it could get uncomfortable on long highway trips, but our summers don't get real hot in most of the state.

I may not install AC because of cost and there is only so much room in the engine bay. But I just found out about a smaller unit that can fit inside the heater and uses the factory fan and not have to move the fan inside the cab. I will still need heat and defrost more than AC.

I have bench seats so switching to bucket. The AC in mine is from Vintage Air.

 

[Joe45]

Question:

Still on the fence between getting the Power King Super Traction IIs which are 7.50R16 at 32.5" diameter, or something like the Flakens or the Geolanders at 255/85R16, which are basically 33x10xR16.

I am leaning towards the Super Tractions because they are Al most half the price of the Geolanders.

Thing is, the wheels. I have to get wheels, and if I get wheels for the Super Tractions, later they won't work for the Radial types due to the thinness. At least from my understanding.

Anyone know which wheel sizes would be best for the 7.50R16 and also one for the 255/85R16?
Looking to fit steel wheels; the simpler the better.
I don't want either tire sticking out the side: I like the military/safari pizza cuter look.
Need to order the wheels and tires, but am kind of stuck right now due to the wheels.

 

[Joe45]

The cruiser has a set of split rims, but those scare the hell out of me.
Anyone know where I can get steel wheels for the HJ tat will work with narrow tires? I figure OEM but haven;t been able to find any yet.

 

[firemanj92]

Mr T still sells the oem 15 (welded) wheel

 

[Greek Cruiserhead]

The cruiser has a set of split rims, but those scare the hell out of me.
Anyone know where I can get steel wheels for the HJ tat will work with narrow tires? I figure OEM but haven;t been able to find any yet.

It seems that this is the way to go (original look, non-split 5.5x16 inch), as other Mudders did:
16" Wheels / Rims for Land Cruiser FJ40 FJ45 FJ55 FJ60 - https://www.cityracerllc.com/products/16-wheel-for-toyota-land-cruiser-fj40-fj45-fj60-70-series

カスタムパーツ - 有限会社タケキチ

4x4takekichi.com

 

[Joe45]

Mr T still sells the oem 15 (welded) wheel

Will check it out. Thanks.

 

[Joe45]

It seems that this is the way to go (original look, non-split 5.5x16 inch), as other Mudders did:
16" Wheels / Rims for Land Cruiser FJ40 FJ45 FJ55 FJ60 - https://www.cityracerllc.com/products/16-wheel-for-toyota-land-cruiser-fj40-fj45-fj60-70-series

カスタムパーツ - 有限会社タケキチ

4x4takekichi.com

View attachment 3321610

Thanks! Will check that out!

 

[Joe45]

Howdy.
Just ordered Wheel Vintiques from Summit. 12-660604.
16x6/5.5, 4" back space.

From all I have read, these will fit the cruiser and also allow me to go with both an LT255/85R16 and the Power King Super Traction II tires at 7.50-16 116L.
I am leaning towards the Falkens because of easier availability in case of need for replacement while traveling, and there's also the benefit of being radials, but boy do I like the Super Tractions! The Falkens are also 33s while the PKs are 32.5.