Real world observations 275/65/17 vs 285/70/17 on new Method wheels?

[rexmobile]

Hi all! I'm getting some Method 703's (17" x 8.5", 35mm offset). Trying to decide between 275/65/17 or 285/70/17 tires. I know the 275/65/17's are closer to "stock" configuration.

My '03 LC is NOT lifted. I know the 285/70/17 will require some minor pinch weld mods etc., I'm basically trying to understand the pros/cons of each tire size for real world daily driving. I'm don't really do much offroading.

THanks much!

 

[GTV]

It's doubtful that the 285's will need much (if any) work to fit on +35. Maybe a little plastic reshaping around the pinch welds but you should be good to go.

A taller tire will change your gearing as one rotation of a tall tire covers more distance than that of a shorter one. You're only changing by about 5% though. It will be slightly slower off the line and your speedometer will be off by the same amount but other than that you won't notice any drawbacks. The bigger sidewall and diameter will absorb bumps a lot better.

I'll add- the heavier the tire is that you choose the more negative effects you'll feel in daily driving. So for your use case I'd choose light.

 

[VR6GURU]

Sorry to bump this thread, but I have a similar question. I have read pretty much every how big can I go without lift thread out there. But they don't get too much into how the wheel specs affects this. I plan on buying aftermarket wheels and I was wondering just how big I can go.

The Wheels I am buying are 17"X 8.5" +35 offset with 6.13" of back spacing. I am thinking of going 285/70/17 but have not heard a definitive answer whether or not they will rub or need some kind of modification to fit. If any of you have any other suggestions on size that would be greatly appreciated. I plan on making this purchase this month.

 

[rexmobile]

Sorry to bump this thread, but I have a similar question. I have read pretty much every how big can I go without lift thread out there. But they don't get too much into how the wheel specs affects this. I plan on buying aftermarket wheels and I was wondering just how big I can go.

The Wheels I am buying are 17"X 8.5" +35 offset with 6.13" of back spacing. I am thinking of going 285/70/17 but have not heard a definitive answer whether or not they will rub or need some kind of modification to fit. If any of you have any other suggestions on size that would be greatly appreciated. I plan on making this purchase this month.

I went with the 275/65/17. I have same wheel specs you listed. I feel 100% I made the right decision. No rubbing at all a no mods needed at all. And it gives my LC just the right about of ruggedness, looks and functionality. I think the 285’s would have required at the very least pinch weld mod, and would have the crossed the line where people would be asking me all the time how my wheelin weekends have been (I rarely off-road but when I do it’s plenty capable)

 

[Goslow]

I went from 285/65-18s to 275/70-18s on my ‘01 LX 470 with 8.0” wheels and noticed they steer a bit easier at low speeds. That means less stress on the steering components.
275s might look a bit skinny on 8.5” wheels. I think the 285s would look better. You might want to have both sizes mounted on a wheel and see how they look.

 

[VR6GURU]

I went with the 275/65/17. I have same wheel specs you listed. I feel 100% I made the right decision. No rubbing at all a no mods needed at all. And it gives my LC just the right about of ruggedness, looks and functionality. I think the 285’s would have required at the very least pinch weld mod, and would have the crossed the line where people would be asking me all the time how my wheelin weekends have been (I rarely off-road but when I do it’s plenty capable)

I appreciate the response. Care to show some pictures of your setup? You are running a 31.1" tire I wouldn't expect any issues as thats the same as oem If your 100 came with 18's.

My car came with 275/65/18 when I bought it and that translates to a 32.1" definitely not looking into downsizing.

 

[rexmobile]

I appreciate the response. Care to show some pictures of your setup? You are running a 31.1" tire I wouldn't expect any issues as thats the same as oem If your 100 came with 18's.

My car came with 275/65/18 when I bought it and that translates to a 32.1" definitely not looking into downsizing.

View attachment 3900691

Not too skinny at all for me

 

[VR6GURU]

View attachment 3900749
View attachment 3900750Not too skinny at all for me

Looks decent. Thanks for sharing.

I definitely want to go as big as possible without doing modifications. I figure the specs on the wheels may be more forgiving than others.

Anyone else out there with 17's with +35 offset?