New member intro-tire question

[RICECR]

Hi everyone, Im new in this forum and new into 80 Series.
Im from Costa Rica, I have a 2000 Hilux with 2RZ Engine and some mods on it. Now I just bought a 1997 Land Cruiser AT with factory lockers and 100% stock.
This is going to be my Daily Driver as well as my weekend toy.
I have a pretty much clear path to follow on my build up wich goeas something like this:
OME 3" Suspension > Tires > Front ARB Bumper > Winch > Snorkel > RhinoRack Pioneer Platform.
Thats about it in simple words.
Im looking fw to get the factory mechanic winch, I already located one but still havent decide.

Now to the point, my main concern right now is the tire size and model.
I have chance to get any of the following:
285/75 R16 BFGoodrich KM2
315/75 R16 BFGoodrich KM2
35x10.5 R16 Interco SSR Super Swamper

The deal is that the car is Auto Trans and the terrain here its very irregular, its not the flat freeways you get on most of your states. So power is demanded almost always, and I wouldnt like to have to change gears.

 

[moodytico]

Interesting, as I just moved back from CR a month ago after living there for three years. I can't imagine DD a LC80 with the cost of fuel there! A. far as tires, I would stick to 285's unless you want to be driving around in 3rd all the time. There's not a flat piece of ground in the whole country unless you're in Guanacaste or Limon. If you want to re-gear then moving up in size is not a problem. I had a geo tracker when I was there and can't ever remember driving more than 60mph....not cause the car wouldn't do it but just because there was never a long enough stretch of road to do it. I did see an 80 once over by Malpais that had 37's, but don't know much he actually drove the thing. Hope this helps. Pura Vida!

 

[greentruck]

Welcome to MUD!
[standard greeting for new members]

You may also want to consider the 255/85 R16 KM2. It's a size that is more frequently encountered outside the US, not sure what BFG offers in CR, though. Might look a little funny on a 3" lift, so you're maybe looking at larger tires.

As for installing a PTO winch, be aware that it requires a certain transfer case with a cover plate that is removed to hook-up the PTO. North American-spec 80 series did NOT come with this TC. Not sure the origin of your 80, but a search here on MUD [in this 80 series forum or in the Winching and Recovery forum] will yield more details.

 

[SIZZLE]

If you are not regearing, I'd stick with the 285s.

 

[RICECR]

Great thanks for the replys!
I actually work in a shop that is direct distributor for ARB, Maxtrax, RhinoRack, BFG some other brands over here so I do have access to those tires. We actually have a 2012 Land Cruiser 76 series with those 255/85 R16 KM2, they are awsome! But not sure if to slim for the 80.
If thinking on regearing, to get those 315, what gears should be the right ones for the truck? Would this affect at all factory lockers?
Good to know that about the transfer since honestly I havent even check it out, but this is definetly an USDM 80 so most likely wont have it. What other winch could it work fine on this big heavy truck? 9.5XP? Would a M8274 fit on the ARB bumper?

moodytico, you from CR? Yes I know... an 80 series for DD sounds crazy and it is! But (and I know everyone here prob going to hate me) I got LPG on it and its amazing, works great and less than half price on diesel. Just for DD, by the time of hitting the trails or something then I just push a button and go back to Petrol.

 

[wagonteeth]

I'm running 4.88 gears with 315's and the speedometer is off by about 10%. I like the overgearing and I do run 70mph or so on the expressway without issue. No issue with the factory lockers. The gearing set up requires ring gear spacers for set up. The spacers are available, but not common, so will require some searching.

 

[MCB Parts]

I'm running 4.88 gears with 315's and the speedometer is off by about 10%. I like the overgearing and I do run 70mph or so on the expressway without issue. No issue with the factory lockers. The gearing set up requires ring gear spacers for set up. The spacers are available, but not common, so will require some searching.

I am also running 315 KM2 with 4:88 gears, it sooooo worth the $$$

 

[moodytico]

Rice,

I'm not from CR but might as well be. Be going there off and on for the last 13 years and lived there the last 3. I lived in Alajuela and worked in San Jose. I would have loved to have an LC 80 there but just couldn't afford to drive and maintain one. If you run into mechanical problems and don't turn wrenches yourself I know a great mechanic whose real reasonable and overall a great guy.

 

[BrotherRob]

The best advise you'll find is with the locals. Without being familiar with your conditions, it's tough to advise. The main reason for going big is to help with deep ruts and tall obstacles.

If you decide you need 315s, go for it and decide if you need gears after the fact. That's what I did and never bothered regearing. No regrets. It pretty much over gears you by one gear. Performance in first gear is a bit subdued, hill climbs on the highway requires some manual shifting. Otherwise, no big deal.