Stupid Tire Thread #8791 for 100 series

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jclarke450

jclarke450

10 Year
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Feb 10, 2014
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Location
Rock Spring, Ga.
Okay, as I get to the point of putting tires on the new to me 2000 cruiser, I am debating between 255/85/16 and 285/75/16 tire sizes. The truck will most likely get a lot of miles. If it proves reliable, it will become my DD and see 2500+ miles/month. Please keep the discussion to tire size. I don't care if you would buy a corolla and save gas $. I know the 255/85 should yield less power loss and better MPG/Braking, but the 285/75 size gives me way more tire options. I get paid for my mileage, so its not a huge deal either way. Thoughts from those of you who have run both or either size? There is such a huge difference in weights of tires in the 255/85 size, that I am not sure which tire I would go with. I really am open to ideas. No, I don't want to run 235/75s to save gas I want the purely aesthetic benefit of at least 32.5" in height.
 
235/85s are a 32x9.5...I have ran those in the past, Firestone transforce A/T. Great highway and off road tire. I think they look great. Lots of other choices too. I am contimplating 255/85s when it is time for new tires.
 
In my opinion its Easy: 28575R16

1) Availability: In one of my distributors web sites there are only two choices in the 255 size and both are mud terrain tread. In the 285, there are THIRTY choices. If you need a replacement, that will be much easier to find.
2) More tread design & manufacturer choices
3) Slightly wider tread face equals longer tread life and more traction with the larger footprint. This also equates to better stopping power.
4) The 255's Im looking at are only available in 10 ply - which ride stiff! The 285's are available in 6,8, and 10 ply. I prefer the 8 ply which still has way more load capacity that O.E.

just my .02
 
Nitto Terra Grappler 285s on my 99.

image.webp
 
The Terra Grapplers are pretty good, I'm on my third set (but in 295). If your 2500 miles/month are all highway, the Michelin LTX MS comes in a 285/75/16, so you can get decent ride with a long lasting tread, and still "fill the wheel well".

285/75R16 126R tires | Michelin Tire Selector
 
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X2 on the Michenlin LTX MS2. Those are what I use on a few of my vehicles. While only the stock size I bought my 100 series used with the original tires. Replaced them somewhere between 80-90K. Cruiser had 135K when I traded it in for a Sequoia. Once the tires need replacing I'll go the LTX MS2.
 
I ran 32" LTX's in the past on a lifted Pathfinder. Ran them hard in rocks with never a problem. Rode nice, quiet, tough, and seemed to hardly wear.
 
Because of the number of choices, I will most likely go 285/75. The LTXs wear like iron, but I do want more off road capability than I would feel comfortable with on the LTX. The TG2 seems to be loved. I had the original TGs on my FJ and wasn't impressed with wear and noise but that seems to have been corrected with the new version. I do love my KO2s on my 80. Having just put another 1k miles on them with a few hundred offroad they have done wonderfully and are still quiet.
 
I've had the Michelin LTX M/S as well as the Nitto TGs, both great tires for what they were. Now running Cooper ATP in 285/75/16 and so far very pleased. I believe these are a Discount Tire private label Cooper, not 100% on that. In any case, they were quite a bit less expensive. So far I love them. Not the best tire shot but here's what they look like mounted on a 100.
 
lcgeek said:
I've had the Michelin LTX M/S as well as the Nitto TGs, both great tires for what they were. Now running Cooper ATP in 285/75/16 and so far very pleased. I believe these are a Discount Tire private label Cooper, not 100% on that. In any case, they were quite a bit less expensive. So far I love them. Not the best tire shot but here's what they look like mounted on a 100.
Click to expand...

Nice looking 100! I have those coopers in a 275/65/18 on the wifes 2004 100. They seem to be doing very well. Definitely a good choice from what I have experienced so far.
 
I started with LTX on our 99 and was asked not to replace them until they were bad. I did everything I could to damage them and I could not make it happen. Ended up later down the road with 285/75-16 Nittos TG and after running them for several years (without failure) I can strongly recommend them. The plus they work very well off road, quiet, and wife approved.
 
Another +1 for Nitto Terra Grapplers.
 
I had 255/85/16 BFG KM2's, they were loud and looked "small" for the Hundy. I went with the new BFG KO2 in a 285/75/16 and happy with my choice. The new shoes are quiet, fit flush with the fenders and improved on gas (probably because I went with a A/T vs. M/T).
 
enterconnect said:
I had 255/85/16 BFG KM2's, they were loud and looked "small" for the Hundy
Click to expand...

Agreed! IMO, with the slight OEM flaring of the quarter panels on a 100, 275/75/16 tend fill the space a bit better than 255/85, but that is taste specific.

I have run both sizes on my 99UZJ100. Currently run GY DTs in 275/75/16 and they look and ride fine. Belive it or not a tad noisier than KM2s in 255/85/16.... Only benefit to the narrower 255/85 could be in snow and mud, but I understand those are rare occurrences out there.
 
lcgeek said:
I've had the Michelin LTX M/S as well as the Nitto TGs, both great tires for what they were. Now running Cooper ATP in 285/75/16 and so far very pleased. I believe these are a Discount Tire private label Cooper, not 100% on that. In any case, they were quite a bit less expensive. So far I love them. Not the best tire shot but here's what they look like mounted on a 100.
Click to expand...

Nice set up.. How many inches of lift?
 
Thanks. Barely any lift - OME rears and stock torsions cranked a hair.
 
Avin said:
In the pichure. I see that in the left that was the nttos. What were you running before that.(on the right)
Click to expand...
They were worn out BFG ATs....
 
I have owned many BFG AT KO in the 285/75R16 size. I like my current Toyo Open Country ATIIs better. I prefer the asthetics of the 285 over the 255 (though that opine is from seeing photos only).
 
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