New Guy with a used GX460 and build questions. (5 Viewers)

[RB10]

Hey all - I've read through this thread and a few others on ClubLexus, GXOR and reddit. This is helpful and lending some insights into what I should go for but I still have a question:
I just ordered 275/70/17 Falken Wildpeaks with RRW RR7 wheels 17x8.5 +0 offset. The wheels are on backorder from custom offset so I still have time to change tires/wheels if I wanted to.

Should I go with a -10/-12 offset? Or keep it at 0? I plan on doing the "zip tie" method to pull the back of the fender liner back and replace the "infamous bolt" that seems to rub for everyone with larger tires. Any thoughts?

 

[r2m]

Here are the spec's of my wheels and they sit flush with the body with 275/75R17 BFG's.
Here's the link to my build if you care to see how they look: Builds - R²M 2013 GX 460 Overland Build - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/r-m-2013-gx-460-overland-build.1104719/

• ICON Six Speed 17" x 8.50" Wheel - Bronze, Product Line: Six Speed (qty: 5)
• ICON-1417858347BR

• Six Speed
• Specification
• Color/Finish: Bronze
• Material: Aluminum Alloy
• Wheel Diameter: 17"
• Wheel Width: 8.50"
• Bolt Pattern: 6 x 5.5
• Backspace: 4.750"
• Offset: 0 mm
• Bore: 108 mm
• Load Rating: 2500 lb
• Weight: 30 lb

 

[BigSwede]

I went with 4.88’s at the recommendation of my local shop. I have huge regrets now…and might even pay to have it regeared back to stock.

4.56’s would probably also be too low…but 4.88’s are obnoxious. 75mph on the Highway with my 4.88’s is about 2,600rpm now. Used to be 1800-1900. Gas mileage on Highway dropped from 18-21mpg to 14-15mpg. Absolutely not worth it.

I haven’t had a chance to try the new gears off-road or towing yet, but I doubt the gains are worth the pains. Wish I’d read a post from my future self a few months ago. :-/

Would be cheaper to get bigger tires...

I have 35s with 4.88s and I find it quite livable.

 

[r2m]

Agree with and same as BigSwede, although I will probably go back to the 285/75R17's after these 35's are worn.

 

[Hiluxforever]

Agree with and same as BigSwede, although I will probably go back to the 285/75R17's after these 35's are worn.

Any particular reason why? Just not worth the extra operating costs and maintenance?

 

[r2m]

Any particular reason why? Just not worth the extra operating costs and maintenance?

Reasons I went to BFG T/A 315/70R17's (35's):

1. I had 285/75R17 BFG M/T's that were done and needed to replace them. I decided I wanted to go with same size BFG's but All-Terrain instead of the Mud-Terrains (love BFG's, and if at all possible, all I use). The M/T's are relatively quiet until they get about half worn, then they get annoyingly loud. Aside from the great off road abilities, I bought my GX for all the creature comforts also, which includes a quiet ride, especially overlanding many miles. BUT... 3 years ago at the height of COVID-19, I could not get a 285/75R17 BFG T/A's ANYWHERE in the U.S.. I did not want to go down in size and knew I should have enough (suspension) lift, BMC and regeared diff's so it shouldn't be a problem with one size up. So I just pulled the trigger and went with the next size up which was the 315/70R17.
2. It was all I could find.
3. They look good!

Reason to go back down to 285/75R17 (also as an A/T):

1. Price. About $20-40 more per tire.
2. I get a wee bit of rubbing at lock-to-lock.
3. The main problem with rubbing is that the 315's are wider than the 285's. If the 315's were narrower A 315 is 12.4" wide and a 285 is 11.2" wide. That extra inch plus causes the tire to rub on my control arms and frame. Maybe if there was a 290/85 with the same O.D. as the 315's but only 11.4" wide, that would be great! But no such beast exists. That's just a fantasy size.
4. The 315/70R17's give worse MPG than the 285/75R17 M/T's .
5. Don't really need the extra 1/2" radial increase in size for my off roading.
6. They still look good, albeit just a little smaller.

 

[BigSwede]

1. The main problem with rubbing is that the 315's are wider than the 285's. If the 315's were narrower A 315 is 12.4" wide and a 285 is 11.2" wide. That extra inch plus causes the tire to rub on my control arms and frame. Maybe if there was a 290/85 with the same O.D. as the 315's but only 11.4" wide, that would be great! But no such beast exists. That's just a fantasy size.

That's why I got 35x11.5x17 tires. I have very little rubbing, even while wheeling in Utah. Won't say they never touch, but it is nothing detrimental.

 

[r2m]

That's why I got 35x11.5x17 tires. I have very little rubbing, even while wheeling in Utah. Won't say they never touch, but it is nothing detrimental.

What make? A/T's or M/T's?

 

[BigSwede]

What make? A/T's or M/T's?

I have Nitto Ridge Grapplers. They are sort of a hybrid MT/AT. I actually wanted Recon Grapplers which are a little more AT-ish, but they weren't available in that size when I bought last fall. I generally prefer load range C to the stiff E tires, they just ride better IMO, and the Recons are C versus the Ridges are E. The Ridge Grapplers have performed well though.

 

[Hiluxforever]

I have Nitto Ridge Grapplers. They are sort of a hybrid MT/AT. I actually wanted Recon Grapplers which are a little more AT-ish, but they weren't available in that size when I bought last fall. I generally prefer load range C to the stiff E tires, they just ride better IMO, and the Recons are C versus the Ridges are E. The Ridge Grapplers have performed well though.

Those were one of the tires discount recommended after I cupped my MTRs

 

[r2m]

I have Nitto Ridge Grapplers. They are sort of a hybrid MT/AT. I actually wanted Recon Grapplers which are a little more AT-ish, but they weren't available in that size when I bought last fall. I generally prefer load range C to the stiff E tires, they just ride better IMO, and the Recons are C versus the Ridges are E. The Ridge Grapplers have performed well though.

How are they on durability? One of the things I love about the BFG's is they're good for 60k miles.
Also, like you do like the softer sidewalls. Both for highway and when I need to air down.

 

[BigSwede]

How are they on durability? One of the things I love about the BFG's is they're good for 60k miles.
Also, like you do like the softer sidewalls. Both for highway and when I need to air down.

They still look great but it's early, I'm only 9000 miles in...

I was a BFG AT fan until a year ago when a slightly pointy rock gashed my KO2 sidewall on a sandy track in Canyonlands NP.

 

[r2m]

I went with 4.88’s at the recommendation of my local shop. I have huge regrets now…and might even pay to have it regeared back to stock.

4.56’s would probably also be too low…but 4.88’s are obnoxious. 75mph on the Highway with my 4.88’s is about 2,600rpm now. Used to be 1800-1900. Gas mileage on Highway dropped from 18-21mpg to 14-15mpg. Absolutely not worth it.

I haven’t had a chance to try the new gears off-road or towing yet, but I doubt the gains are worth the pains. Wish I’d read a post from my future self a few months ago. :-/

But... What size tires are you shod with? If you're running smaller 31's - 33's I can see it being an issue, but 35's and larger should not be.