[FZJ80] Bigger wheels or bigger tires?

[YVRYota]

Current Setup:

• Running 35x12.5R15 tires
• Vehicle has triple lockers

Desired Change:

• Looking to downsize to 33-34 inch tires
• Considering two options:
  1. 295/75R16
  2. 285/75R17

Usage Profile:

• Non-daily driver
• Primary use: Off-road forest trails (easy to medium difficulty)
• Annual highway travel: 3-4 long-distance trips (1000+ miles each)
• No rock crawling planned

Questions:

1. What are the advantages and disadvantages of each wheel/tire size option? Specifically 16-inch vs 17-inch wheels
2. Which Toyota OEM 17-inch wheels are compatible with 1997 LX450? For 16-inch wheels I will use OEM.
3. Any limitation like OEM will not tires wider than X, that I would be aware of?

 

[Devils Paw 80]

You currently have 15" wheels? I wouldn't think they'd fit over 80 series calipers. I'd go with a 16" tire on OEM wheels because LX 450 wheels can't be beat appearance wise IMO.
12.5 is a fairly wide tire and there's no point in going wider than that for your intended use. Either of your choices should fit Toyota wheels. Apparently you're debating over a shorter, wider tire choice vs. taller/narrower? There's not much difference between those two. Possibly worse MPG with the wider tires.
If there is no lift on the truck I'd go down in size farther than that, especially with those long road trips planned. Closer to stock will be less wear and tear on brakes, steering, etc. How about a couple photos of your truck?

 

[YVRYota]

Photo: Registry - 80 Series Registry - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/80-series-registry.218093/post-15789207

You currently have 15" wheels? I wouldn't think they'd fit over 80 series calipers.

PO has put in spacers, I believe 1-inch, to fit 15". But tires are rubbing really bad, even with a basic 3-inch EOM lift.

Possibly worse MPG with the wider tires.

MPG is less important than the overall drive experience specially on the highway.

I'd go with a 16" tire on OEM wheels because LX 450 wheels can't be beat appearance wise IMO.

Thanks. I'm also leaning OEMs refinished to match the flares.