smaller than 31" M/T tires worth it?

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axed existence

axed existence

10 Year 15 Year
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Jan 23, 2008
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Wish there was a "Tire" subforum so I could reach a wider audience with this question as it doesn't specifically apply to first gen 4runners/trucks.

I'll be purchasing a new set of tires for my 4runner. Im currently on 31inch tires with 4.1 on a 22re. Im heavily considering getting factory size tires (225/75-15) or very close to it (235/75-15) for the obvious reasons of improved milage and faster acceleration (acceleration is painfully slow when transporting others and frighteningly slow with 5 passengers). My dilemma is in what kind of tire to purchase at this size.

I have 3 options:
A - 235/75-15 M/T or aggressive A/T tires
B - factory size 225/75-15 non M/T or A/T "Normal" tires (this is cheapest plan)
C - maintain current size and replace my 31" tires with a new set of 31" tires

My ultimate question is if M/T or A/T tires meant for offroading are even worth considering in the sub 31" range. In other words is it a worthy resource investing in sub 31" off roading tires or should one only consider 31" and up when offroading. I realize there will also be a noticeable drop in clearance if downgrading size.

This is my only car. I spent about 5 day trips offroading within the last year. I work part time and go to school so I wont have the income or much of the freedom to invest in parts and time to go on too many trips offroading. Even worse, I forsee very little if any offroaing until 2010 due to some needed preventative maintenance/minor repairs in the front suspension area before I head towards the hills, and with my current budget/the economy money is very tight and these repairs arent yet at the top of my list as the truck drives fine to get me to work and school.

2 sets of tires is not an option due to my budget so I want to make the purchase of this next set cover all my bases should i want the ability/option to offroad if i do go with sub 31" tires.

The top 3 tires i have in mind (BF M/T, A/T, and Firestone Destination M/T) all come in 235/75-15 and thats very close to stock which means better throttle response for city driving and a little more mpg but does it also mean no more offroading fun?
 
The answer to your Title question is, yes, off-road tires smaller than 31" are worth it ..... if you're going off road.

However, after reading your entire post, I don't think you should buy them in your situation as you are 99% on-road. Buy some Michellin Mud and Snow, light truck tires or if you want a little more aggessive tire then buy the BFG AT.
 
Ive done some narly trails on stock tires, more or less trails Ive done and got hung up with my 31s.
Would i go to stock size? Yes and no, I would look for some 30's, or 29s, as they are availabe in more offroad agressive tires.
AT vs. MT is a never ending fight here on MUD, but Im going to defend both.
MT is much more traction oreinted, but they are loud, heavy, expensive, and reduce economy. Not to mention they wear faster (in most cases)
If you go MT route, I recomend the Interco TRXUS MT in 31's or the TRXUS STS in a 29. My Trxus MT in 31s were replaced at around 60000 miles. Ive heard mixed reviews about the STS. Excellent in everything from sand to snow, except for rock.
As for AT's. I was always bent on the Fate'O Highway. They were an awesome tire for the price/longevity, and had decent traction. We used them on our Farm trucks, and then we couldnt get anymore. Now we have used Yokohoma for a while an I cnat complain, except for having to pull the trucks out of the mud more often.

I would try a 30x9.5R15P (104Q) Yokohoma Geoland MT, although I cant seem to find a price, they look like a really good tire in person...
 
Im thinking 29" BF All Terrains. Still havn't made up my mind but thank you for the responses, they did help put things into perspective. I've got another week before I make a purchse so ill keep sleeping on it.
 
My thoughts. Pick the tire size you want, get an AT version, and a 2 sets of RUD GRIP 4x4 tire chains for the size of tire you get. In a year you will likely save enough in gas to pay for the tire chains. The tire chains will get you through the mud and snow when it gets to much plus the RUD GRIP 4x4 series can be put on without moving the vehicle.
 
Just checking, smaller sidewall... not considerably but still smaller than 31. ive never aired down 31s to 10psi but i know people do it with much bigger tires... the sidewall height is the reason i would assume.
 
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