optimal tire size stock Prado lj78

[2rivers]

The stock tires have to go. New to the realm of 16" rims. Dont plan to do anything to the suspension for now (lift dept). Can anyone suggest what a great all-around tire and size would be for this truck. I am leaning towards the industrial Toyos or Yokohama 742's? Plan to do a lot of logging/gravel kms, dont think I need aggressive mudder pattern. Thanks.

Johnny

 

[toynut]

hi there 2 rivers , how long have you had the prado i am thinking about a prado purchase have you had a another landcruiser before this one and how does the prado compare ? i cant tell you what tire size fits best but i can tell you what tires ive found to work well for me in the past i like an a/t tread i did a lot of reasearch for my last set and it was going to be either bfg at's or yokohamha at II's but i got a set of used tires from some guy off bc4x4 for $200 that had %95 tread remaining .

 

[Greg_B]

The stock tires have to go. New to the realm of 16" rims. Dont plan to do anything to the suspension for now (lift dept). Can anyone suggest what a great all-around tire and size would be for this truck. I am leaning towards the industrial Toyos or Yokohama 742's? Plan to do a lot of logging/gravel kms, dont think I need aggressive mudder pattern. Thanks.

Johnny

http://www.1010tires.com/tire.asp?tirebrand=Toyo&tiremodel=M-55

Sounds like this might just fit the bill. Good sidewalls, long lasting, does not get cut up easy or chunk out. Great gravel travel tire from everything I've read. Tad noisy at highway speed...but small price to pay imo for the performance.

One tire shop I've used has said feedback from customers indicates this tire is an alternative to the Toyo (and they sell both). I don't think the build is quite the same, however tis another option. I am suprised at how quiet they are: http://www.coopertire.com/us/en/ProductDetails.asp?ProdType=LtTruck&id=190

I've thought a nice all terrain might be this: http://www.coopertire.com/us/en/ProductDetails.asp?ProdType=LtTruck&id=271

I like the 255/85R16 size for my BJ74. Don't know what would be optimal for your Prado.

hth's

gb

 

[canadam]

I'm running 245/75... they're wider than the stock tire, but basically the same height. I'm happy with them.

 

[2rivers]

HI Toynut!
Yes I have owned quite a few cruisers from 40's to 70's. I bought our first Prado in middle of Jan last year - it was busted (head) though from almost the word go - no blame but my own I guess, at least I know it is fixed with a peace of mind. Now that it IS fixed, my wife and I like it better than our 61. It is much more responsive/nimble, quicker (up to 110kms), seems to be better on fuel, more comfortable than the 61. We both like the driver stance in 70 series, the dash layout, and visibiity. We have ARB springs on our 61 and it made a big difference - most seem to come with clapped out stock springs from Japan, but still the ride is better in the Prado. Havent had a chance to 4 wheel it, but I did hold out for one with a winch and difflock for this reason. We are both fans of the automatics in these trucks also - very smooth, solid unit, and dosent seem to hurt fuel econ too bad. PLus all the 5 spds seem to top out on speed with higher revs on highway? Although the 5 spd HJ61 with a genuine low km motor is pretty breathtaking I have to say. Im sure an 81 is too. They are all good Toy.....the no rust factor is SOOO great alone. No broken bolts when fixing or upgrading, nice shiny paint jobs (usually), super high build quality that is hard to find now....blah blah. Just try and figure what you need and what you'll use it for and how good you are at tracking down parts and educating the local parts guys including Toyota dealer. If you buy a Prado just budget extra $3K minimum for head swap. Robin and others might also have some words to say here...
cheers,
johnny

 

[light_duty]

I agree with Johnny, the 78 is a sweet little truck, for all of the reasons he mentions. The heads do crack, but seriously these trucks are cheap at auction (unlike the 80s or the HZJ77s), so it is possible to budget for a head and still come out in pretty good shape. If you do the work yourself, and shop around a little, you could probably do a toyota head, with precups, timing belt, water pump for about $2000. If you buy a Prado from Wayne at Luxury Imports, you'll have none of these troubles, but you'll pay a little more for your peace of mind. And it's never wise to underestimate the value of peace of mind!

Robin

 

[toynut]

yes i have heard about the head " problems " on these engines , are the new swapped heads less likley to crack , is there some part up grade , i talked to one importer on vancouver island who was selling several of these trucks all with rear lockers some with winches most had around 100,000 kms on them for around 9 to 10 thousand is this a good price ?

 

[crushers]

i like the 33" tall skinny tires and with the 4.90 gears you should be fine. off road the 33s will be much better choice since the low range is very low.
right now i am running the stock tires on the brown LJ78 but i have stuck the 32s on and the response was much nicer.
if you do not mind the HOWL the mine tires are a nice coice for the money.
it comes down to what you want to use the truck for. if you plan on any towing then stay the stock size.
cheers from "snail speed internet" in snowy Ontario.
Wayne

 

[light_duty]

Would 275/70/R16 be too wide for the narrow wheels on the LJ78?

Robin

 

[canadam]

I think so. Our stock wheels are only 6" wide. A 275mm tire is nearly 11 inches wide. I actually decided not to run 265's, and opted for a set of 245's because I figured they were better suited for the wheel.

215 is crazy skinny

Would 275/70/R16 be too wide for the narrow wheels on the LJ78?

Robin

 

[2rivers]

basically looking for as few flats on long gravel road trips and good sidewall. medium road howl on hwy is OK. I was wondering what you mean Wayne by 33" tall skinnies? you mean 33 x 9.5"? Think I like the 255/85's, but we'll see when time comes to pony up the $$. haha. Adam, we can meet up at Glacier - I'm always there buying parts anyways when you passing through? Are you skiing with Scott?
Thanks for the advice,
Johnny

 

[crushers]

yah, 33X9.5 in metric...
cheers
too wide and you ae adding extra stress to turn the foot print... in my books anyway.

 

[canadam]

I'll be up next Thursday. Might end up driving the Prado, we'll see what happens. Might drive a vehicle up for Scott from the dealership here. We'll see how things pan out. The old lady, I and a couple friends are making a trip out of it. I'll definately be stopping by to see Scott, and I'd like to see another Prado - only ever seen mine

I'll PM you when we're closer to the day and I know our schedule better, I'd imagine we'll be on the hill lots.

Adam, we can meet up at Glacier - I'm always there buying parts anyways when you passing through? Are you skiing with Scott?
Thanks for the advice,
Johnny