RW Wheels and KO2 Handling Question

[c4xplsv]

I've searched and found some varying feedback on the above mentioned combo (RW and KO2) but I would like some direct feedback.

I got a great looking set of RW wheels locally for a good deal ($600). For the price I figured "why not".

My 2014 200 is stock and just drives the city streets here in Phoenix. We don't visit the snow very often, however if we did go up north then it would be nice to have some tires that work well if the need arises.

The tire size in question is the 285-70-17 KO2.

I've heard that you will see a decrease in acceleration, increased stopping distances, and more sluggish handling (not that a LC "handles"....but keeping it in context).

Feedback is welcome - either way, I'm not sorry I got the wheels but hesitant to throw a set of $1200 tires on there to just stick my big toe in.

Thanks

 

[Markuson]

I've searched and found some varying feedback on the above mentioned combo (RW and KO2) but I would like some direct feedback.

I got a great looking set of RW wheels locally for a good deal ($600). For the price I figured "why not".

My 2014 200 is stock and just drives the city streets here in Phoenix. We don't visit the snow very often, however if we did go up north then it would be nice to have some tires that work well if the need arises.

The tire size in question is the 285-70-17 KO2.

I've heard that you will see a decrease in acceleration, increased stopping distances, and more sluggish handling (not that a LC "handles"....but keeping it in context).

Feedback is welcome - either way, I'm not sorry I got the wheels but hesitant to throw a set of $1200 tires on there to just stick my big toe in.

Thanks

I have the exact RW/KO2s you describe, having just installed them about 6 months ago. 285/70r17...

First--That is a GREAT price on RW unless they are in absolutely horrible shape. If you don't buy them...others here will snatch them up. Heck, if you don't? Let me know, and I'll buy them as a second set (serious).

Performance-wise...

They are fantastic. You will have no problem with acceleration. My 2008 still feels like a beast.
Brakes are fine. Handling is excellent. I run them at 40PSI, and they are absolutely great.
In fact, that is the "Toyota-recommended" tire size/combo upgrade.

Not only am I not concerned with acceleration/braking due to larger diameter, etc... but if anything, I'd like to go a wee bit bigger. 285/70/17's get you to about 32.6". I'd like to get closer to 34, and feel quite confident that there would still be plenty of power/acceleration with that combo.

Many here are running 35's without gear swaps.

Anyway... Buy them while you can. They've stopped producing rock warriors, and they are only selling new ones to those who can prove they have an original Toyota Rock Warrior version of the Tundra.

Just for fun... check out a few images I took after installing:

Here is pre-lift, stock tires/wheels and KO2/RW...all stock except for the change you are considering:

Here they are after lift...but you do NOT have to lift to use that combo.

Do it. You won't regret it.

 

[TexAZ]

Hi, if you are in phoenix check out the copper state cruisers. There are four of us that have 200's. I had RWs with the original BFG ATs in 285/70 and didn't notice any real reduction in acceleration, braking was very minor added pedal pressure needed to stop. It is a great set up, handles nice and only a hair more road noise. @jclarke450 , is runing KO2s on his 200 and 80 and 100. I'm sure he can chime in!

 

[TexAZ]

@Markuson after installing my lift I went from the 285/70 BFGs to 285/75 Toyo ATIIs. they measure right at 33.5 on the truck, and weigh 66 lbs per tire. They definately affected accel and braking.... If you make that step up in tire size, get stainless steel braided brake lines or the Tundra brake upgrade kit. It's a lot of mass to stop rolling. I love my tire/wheel combo, despite the weight, I think its the perfect size for our trucks.

 

[Markuson]

@Markuson after installing my lift I went from the 285/70 BFGs to 285/75 Toyo ATIIs. they measure right at 33.5 on the truck, and weigh 66 lbs per tire. They definately affected accel and braking.... If you make that step up in tire size, get stainless steel braided brake lines or the Tundra brake upgrade kit. It's a lot of mass to stop rolling. I love my tire/wheel combo, despite the weight, I think its the perfect size for our trucks.

Thanks TexAZ. Those are the exact tires I've been considering (Toyos). I agree that they really do give a balanced look to the truck. Thanks for the tip about brake lines. I'm no mechanic...so I'm curious what such a thing would cost.

**Do you have a source for your successful install of brake lines, or perhaps a link to them?

 

[TexAZ]

The kit I went with was a little overkill because of the tundra witdth and added height I had to go with extended lenght lines. The only ones I could find were for a 100 series. they bolted right up in the front. the rears were a little...off. the mounting brackets were different, but I got it to work. I went with goodridge out of england. top quality. There are several brands available in the stock length which should be fine for a 2-3" lift.

 

[c4xplsv]

Yea, I already bought the wheels and they were in 99% condition - it was just too good to pass up. Then I started reading message threads and got second thoughts about the whole thing.

So the brake line thing should only matter if you go to the Toyo tires, right?

 

[c4xplsv]

I have the exact RW/KO2s you describe, having just installed them about 6 months ago. 285/70r17...

First--That is a GREAT price on RW unless they are in absolutely horrible shape. If you don't buy them...others here will snatch them up. Heck, if you don't? Let me know, and I'll buy them as a second set (serious).

Performance-wise...

They are fantastic. You will have no problem with acceleration. My 2008 still feels like a beast.
Brakes are fine. Handling is excellent. I run them at 40PSI, and they are absolutely great.
In fact, that is the "Toyota-recommended" tire size/combo upgrade.

Not only am I not concerned with acceleration/braking due to larger diameter, etc... but if anything, I'd like to go a wee bit bigger. 285/70/17's get you to about 32.6". I'd like to get closer to 34, and feel quite confident that there would still be plenty of power/acceleration with that combo.

Many here are running 35's without gear swaps.

Anyway... Buy them while you can. They've stopped producing rock warriors, and they are only selling new ones to those who can prove they have an original Toyota Rock Warrior version of the Tundra.

Just for fun... check out a few images I took after installing:

View attachment 1202218

Here is pre-lift, stock tires/wheels and KO2/RW...all stock except for the change you are considering:

View attachment 1202219

Here they are after lift...but you do NOT have to lift to use that combo.

View attachment 1202220

Do it. You won't regret it.

Yea, those pics are inspiring me to get it done this weekend.

I did have to buy the lug kit (they lost the spline drive socket and Toyota doesn't sell just the socket...or so the dealer said) and I did get some new center caps. So all in was about $800 for wheels, lug kit, and center caps.

 

[c4xplsv]

Center caps were kinda ugly so I bought those new.

 

[TexAZ]

correct. with the 285/70 KOs you won't notice any real difference in handling. if any it will be minor, not enough to warrant additional changes to the vehicle.

 

[gaijin]

I've searched and found some varying feedback on the above mentioned combo (RW and KO2) but I would like some direct feedback.

I got a great looking set of RW wheels locally for a good deal ($600). For the price I figured "why not".

My 2014 200 is stock and just drives the city streets here in Phoenix. We don't visit the snow very often, however if we did go up north then it would be nice to have some tires that work well if the need arises.

The tire size in question is the 285-70-17 KO2.

I've heard that you will see a decrease in acceleration, increased stopping distances, and more sluggish handling (not that a LC "handles"....but keeping it in context).

Feedback is welcome - either way, I'm not sorry I got the wheels but hesitant to throw a set of $1200 tires on there to just stick my big toe in.

Thanks

With ANY tire/wheel combination that is larger in diameter and heavier than the stock setup, and the RW wheels with the 285/70-17 tires are larger in diameter and heavier, you will experience:

- Slower acceleration
- Increased braking distance
- Lower miles/gallon (worse mileage)
- More sluggish handling

It's physics - that's why they call them the "Laws" of physics - you can not avoid the consequences of going to a larger, heavier tire/wheel setup.

The real question is, given the inherent performance capabilities of the LC200, will these differences be significantly different to make a difference to you?

In my case, using the RW wheels with 285/70-17 BFG KO's on an otherwise stock rig, the slower acceleration, increased braking distance and reduced crispness in the handling are noticeable, but by no means unacceptable. My driving style does not push the envelope in any of those performance parameters - I'm not drag racing between lights, or road racing, so minor reductions in those parameters is not a big deal - to me. These are subjective parameters and you will have to decide if the reductions in performance are acceptable to you.

MPG, on the other hand, is objective and easily monitored/measeured. No question you will have to fill up more often with the larger wheel/tire combo. How much more often will depend on your driving style and conditions. Generally, the more aggressively you drive the more you will notice the decrease in mileage.

All that said, I don't regret for a second my decision to run the RW wheels with the 285/70-17 tires.

HTH

 

[Markuson]

With ANY tire/wheel combination that is larger in diameter and heavier than the stock setup, and the RW wheels with the 285/70-17 tires are larger in diameter and heavier, you will experience:

- Slower acceleration
- Increased braking distance
- Lower miles/gallon (worse mileage)
- More sluggish handling

It's physics - that's why they call them the "Laws" of physics - you can not avoid the consequences of going to a larger, heavier tire/wheel setup.

The real question is, given the inherent performance capabilities of the LC200, will these differences be significantly different to make a difference to you?

In my case, using the RW wheels with 285/70-17 BFG KO's on an otherwise stock rig, the slower acceleration, increased braking distance and reduced crispness in the handling are noticeable, but by no means unacceptable. My driving style does not push the envelope in any of those performance parameters - I'm not drag racing between lights, or road racing, so minor reductions in those parameters is not a big deal - to me. These are subjective parameters and you will have to decide if the reductions in performance are acceptable to you.

MPG, on the other hand, is objective and easily monitored/measeured. No question you will have to fill up more often with the larger wheel/tire combo. How much more often will depend on your driving style and conditions. Generally, the more aggressively you drive the more you will notice the decrease in mileage.

All that said, I don't regret for a second my decision to run the RW wheels with the 285/70-17 tires.

HTH

Physics... True. It has to change slightly. But the question of "noticing"? I honestly think that's debatable, as it is so small as to not change how I drive...except one aspect. At highway speeds, I do notice a slight tendency for the truck to downshift on inclines more readily due to slightly less revolutions and the speedometer being slightly off. It sounds like you agree that it's not a huge change.

As far as acceleration and braking/handling in day to day driving, everything feels just right to me.

 

[jclarke450]

I noticed a change in going to the 275/70s, but I wouldn't call it significant in any area. I do notice a difference in braking, but I am picky. My 100 brakes feel so much better than my 200 and that is with brand new brakes and rotors on the 200. I will most likely be upgrading to tundra brakes when I do my lift just because I would like better braking on my 200.

 

[HighMile200]

I can't say that I really experienced any noticable decrease in braking/acceleration going to the KO2s. I have noticed a firmer ride with tighter handling and more road feel. I previously ran Yokahama Geolander A/T-S.

The reasoning behind getting the KO2s for me, is knowing I have a bulletproof go-anywhere, do anything tire to go on my go-anywhere, do-anything truck.

The wet weather performance with the KO2 is excellent. I drove on snow and ice recently with good performance. Gravel, dirt, mud - no problem. I really like these tires.

Gas mileage decreased.

 

[c4xplsv]

I average 14.5-15.5 mpg with combined driving. How much worse can it get than that?

 

[arich]

lug tool can be had on Amazon McGard makes it. No need to go to Toyota.

Yea, those pics are inspiring me to get it done this weekend.

I did have to buy the lug kit (they lost the spline drive socket and Toyota doesn't sell just the socket...or so the dealer said) and I did get some new center caps. So all in was about $800 for wheels, lug kit, and center caps.

 

[c4xplsv]

lug tool can be had on Amazon McGard makes it. No need to go to Toyota.

Hah....nice.

Are the locks the mcgard brand too?

 

[arich]

Yep.
McGard 65315 Chrome Cone Seat Spline Drive Lug Nut Set, (Set of 4) Amazon.com: McGard 65315 Chrome Cone Seat Spline Drive Lug Nut Set, (Set of 4): Automotive
McGard 65302 Spline Drive Installation Tool Amazon.com: McGard 65302 Spline Drive Installation Tool: Automotive

 

[M1911]

I average 14.5-15.5 mpg with combined driving. How much worse can it get than that?

I'm getting about 13.5 mpg and my 2013 is completely stock. So, yes, it can get worse.

 

[c4xplsv]

With ANY tire/wheel combination that is larger in diameter and heavier than the stock setup, and the RW wheels with the 285/70-17 tires are larger in diameter and heavier, you will experience:

- Slower acceleration
- Increased braking distance
- Lower miles/gallon (worse mileage)
- More sluggish handling

It's physics - that's why they call them the "Laws" of physics - you can not avoid the consequences of going to a larger, heavier tire/wheel setup.

The real question is, given the inherent performance capabilities of the LC200, will these differences be significantly different to make a difference to you?

In my case, using the RW wheels with 285/70-17 BFG KO's on an otherwise stock rig, the slower acceleration, increased braking distance and reduced crispness in the handling are noticeable, but by no means unacceptable. My driving style does not push the envelope in any of those performance parameters - I'm not drag racing between lights, or road racing, so minor reductions in those parameters is not a big deal - to me. These are subjective parameters and you will have to decide if the reductions in performance are acceptable to you.

MPG, on the other hand, is objective and easily monitored/measeured. No question you will have to fill up more often with the larger wheel/tire combo. How much more often will depend on your driving style and conditions. Generally, the more aggressively you drive the more you will notice the decrease in mileage.

All that said, I don't regret for a second my decision to run the RW wheels with the 285/70-17 tires.

HTH

so with the RW wheels and the KO2's on your stock 200, you can turn the steering wheel to full lock and no rub?