Can't decide between 31" or 33" BFGs

[Seth S]

I found a set of 31’s on Craigslist with dodge wheels for $280. They are Toyo open country a/t’s that look just about new. Thinking I’ll risk it and pick them up.

 

[cruiser enthuiser]

33’s with 2.5” lift:

 

[2mountainfish]

31's are more practical with stock gearing. 33's are awesome with a 2-3" lift and 4:11 gearing, which can be had for a very reasonable price by buying FJ62 thirds complete for around $300 for a set. Like others have said, it depends on what your end game is. If you want to lift it, don't waste your time with 31's, you will be disappointed in how it looks when you are done. Remember a lift is expensive and not really necessary if you are not going to wheel a lot. 31's will go on right now no mods needed. 33's will need at least, a lift and a re-gear to the tune of approx. $2500, not counting the cost of the tires. It is a tough decision, but focus on what you want from your rig in the future. Here is my 60 on 33's, 3" inch lift and 4:11 gearing

View attachment 1692745

 

[Silveredition]

I have had both -(or similar) on an 80 series diesel 1hz with gas injection. I went from 265/75 16 tyres to 285/75 16 tyres. This lasted for the 15km trip home - where it struggled to accelerate up a moderate hill. I got home, rang them, drove back and changed back to 265/75 16 tyres.
I did the same on my 100 series 1hdfte cruiser that had a big exhaust and was chipped. Went from 265/ 75 16 to the 285’s. I remember driving away after I had the tyres fitted - thinking something was wrong with the engine... I put up with the feeling I had done wrong until I sold the car....
I now have a hj61 and have tickled the boost and have a big exhaust. I run 31x10.5 15’s, and would love 33’s solely for the look - but I have made that mistake twice!!!
Also 265’s to 285’s are a samaller difference that 31’s to 33’s!!
Hmmmmm -maybe 32 x11.5’s.... but they cost a lot!!!

 

[Cruiserdrew]

31s with stock gearing, no question.

 

[php74]

So it’s pretty obvious after all the responses...really doesn’t matter, they both work...your choice : )

 

[iCruiser]

Greatly appreciate all the input on the 31 vs 33 debate. Not sure I'm at a final decision point but will pull the trigger on 5 tires later today. My practical side says 31s. Then I think about where I eventually want to take this build and 33s could be the answer. Still contemplating..........I tend to over think these type of decisions.

Dare I ask "white letters in or out"? Got that one figured out fortunately. Will go old school white letter out.

CenTXFJ60 (brother) and CaptClose made good progress last night. Front OME suspension Complete. Back suspension, knuckles and carpet kit today. Very cool these two flew up here to KC to make this happen!

 

[Cincodemustache]

Had I had the choice, I would have gone letters out. Still rolling on rubber from the PO and will be for sometime.

 

[php74]

Clearly in : )

 

[Ian Crawford]

I like the gearing with 31s... Might be able to cruise at 68 mph with 33s though!

Stock suspension w/ 31 x 10.50s, letters in.

 

[Ian Crawford]

Duplicate.

 

[stevebradford]

I know a guy who had his wife take the cruiser to the tire shop for new tires because he was working. She got the white letters out, so he made her black them out with a sharpie!

 

[Ian Crawford]

I know a guy who had his wife take the cruiser to the tire shop for new tires because he was working. She got the white letters out, so he made her black them out with a sharpie!

haha! Is he still married?

 

[Joe T]

I wouldn’t run 31s with the heavy springs. 33s are kinda cool looking but a little big for my taste; prefer the look of the 31s.

Maybe medium springs, moderate weight bumpers, and 31s.

I am still trying to find a 1 inch lift... I have perfectly newish 31s on both my Cruisers. No plans for bumpers at this time.

 

[stevebradford]

haha! Is he still married?

Yeah haha they work well together, believe it or not.

 

[Joe T]

I know a guy who had his wife take the cruiser to the tire shop for new tires because he was working. She got the white letters out, so he made her black them out with a sharpie!

OMG hahahahahahahaha

Hahaahhaha

Hahaha

 

[4x4veteran]

I drive an fj40 and 31-10.50-15 has worked for me.
From an aesthetic view point I sometimes think the 31's look small but then I sometimes look at 33's and think they look out of proportion too so maybe a compromise of 32's.
If you are out to make a statement go biggest tires you can afford.
I have never had any complaints from any of the ladies I have been with so never felt I had to compensate for anything, so 31's are fine.
As for white letters, I am partial to them but on my cruiser they are usually either scuffed by rocks or covered with mud.

 

[stevebradford]

sometimes look at 33's and think they look out of proportion

Something else worth mentioning.

33’s look great on a 16 inch rim, but on a 15 inch rim there’s too much sidewall it looks odd. 31’s look right on a 15 inch rim.

 

[johnnyshaner]

Running 31 x 10.5s with a two inch lift.

 

[Joe T]

I drive an fj40 and 31-10.50-15 has worked for me.
From an aesthetic view point I sometimes think the 31's look small but then I sometimes look at 33's and think they look out of proportion too so maybe a compromise of 32's.
If you are out to make a statement go biggest tires you can afford.
I have never had any complaints from any of the ladies I have been with so never felt I had to compensate for anything, so 31's are fine.
As for white letters, I am partial to them but on my cruiser they are usually either scuffed by rocks or covered with mud.

They need to make more 32x10.50x15s. I can only find that size in super swampers and they are true to size so almost a “33” anyway.

I agree 33s are kinda big looking.