Larger tires on a Stock '89 FJ62

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Joined
Aug 15, 2011
Threads
20
Messages
64
Location
Oriental, NC
Ready to get a new set of all terrain tires.

Can anyone tell me if a slightly larger size tire will work well on a stock (stock wheels, suspension and gears) 1989 FJ62 with auto transmission?

Or is this a big no-no?

Definitely don't want to overload the engine/transmission.

Live at the coast so it's more of a beach bum/surfer dude wagon than a mudder.

IT IS ALSO MY DAILY DRIVER so the tires would need to be practical on the road also.

Currently run Michelin LTX M/S 235/75R15.

Spent a lot of time on here searching for this info but havn't had any luck.

Size/Brand/Model would be very helpful.

Thank You,

Rod
Oriental, NC
 
31x10.5x15 is the best size for a stock rig, IMO.
 
I ran 33x10.5 BFG A/T's on my stock 62 for 6 months with no problems on or offroad, although after that I did get the Ironman lift. I vote 33x10.5 or 33x9.5 unless you are doing a lot of steep hill climbs on the highway, then I would possibly reconsider.
 
I had 33x10.50 BFGs my stock truck. Ran great, looked good, and good mileage too. Wish I hadn't gone to 31 mud tires after :-/
 
I installed 16x8 Mickey Thompson Black Matte Classic II wheels on Cooper Discoverer S/Ts 255/85/16 (33x10.5x16) about 2 months ago.

My wagon is stock suspension & stock gear ratios...for now:grinpimp: It's my daily driver (round trip is 14 miles). Overall, no rubbing on the calipers or tie-rods. I haven't done any trails or off-roading since installing the wheels & tires, so I can't tell you about any flex issues. I have not driven more than 30 miles on the fwy to notice any significance in the MPGs.

When accelerating, ahem... I mean when 'gathering speed' to climb up slight inclines or fwy on-ramps, I have noticed that it takes a bit longer to get up to 60mph, but once I'm up to 60-65mph, the tires are not loud at all.

good luck mate!
tlc.webp
 
33's will bring an early demise to the tranny. The torque converter no longer locks up properly and the tranny thinks it's going uphill all the time. Speedo is off considerably, about 5mph. The tranny will be happier with 31's. Remember these things came from the factory with only 29 in tires, go to a gear calculator and this will show you what you are doing to the tranny.

Buddy of mine and I were both running 33's on our 62's, His was a dog and mine was regeared. World of difference in the rigs.

Tony
 
33's will bring an early demise to the tranny. The torque converter no longer locks up properly and the tranny thinks it's going uphill all the time. Speedo is off considerably, about 5mph. The tranny will be happier with 31's. Remember these things came from the factory with only 29 in tires, go to a gear calculator and this will show you what you are doing to the tranny.

Buddy of mine and I were both running 33's on our 62's, His was a dog and mine was regeared. World of difference in the rigs.

Tony

^^^^^ what he said. With the 4.10 factory gears the biggest tire spec'd for that range would be a 31 IIRC. When I went to 35's, dude at the shop booked the RnP at 4.88 to keep it in the stock range.
 
pics with 31x10.5.15

The pics are of my rig with 31x10.5x15 tires on stock springs. I usually get about 16 miles to the gallon on highway. These vehicles are never "fast" so I don't really think there is much of a difference between the stock tires and 31's. It feels different the first time you step into the rig and drive around though. You quickly get used to it though.
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040.webp
 
Agree with these guys.... stick with the 31's unless you pony up for the gears as well... the vehicle is a dog on the hills with 33s and stock gearing.
 
Here are some 31x10.5x15 with OME light/medium. 33's would be nice, but personally I wouldn't do it without going to 4.88 gears. Mine runs pretty good and still loses ground on long inclines with even a light load or a head wind.
PICT2335.webp
 
31x10.50's if you stay with stock height, 33's look much better with a lift, but gearing may become disappointing with the AT in a 62..in my opinion.
 
I purchased my cruiser with 35s and need to downsize to 32/31s…thing doesn’t drive well with 35s. Can’t imagine it drive well with 33s either without a re gear. Pic showing at my shop set of 265/70 R17 in front of my 35s. I look forward to the smaller tire plus 31s are plenty good off road for most conditions.
If I plan to re gear & arb lock in the future to make this a “rig” then I’d go to 33s but would want the 5 speed swap with that as well.

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