The Great Wheel Debate: 16" Pizza Cutters or 15" Balloons?

[CloudForestCruise]

I’m at a crossroads that requires both a mechanical upgrade and a fashion intervention. The front drums on my 76 FJ40 are soon to be retired for discs, and my 15-inch wheels are likely too tight for the new calipers.

I’m moving to a new setup and I’m torn. Do I go with the classic, tall-and-skinny "pizza cutter" look (255/85R16), or opt for a wider, aggressive stance? I'm working with a 1-inch shackle lift and I don't want to butcher my fenders or limit my steering.

Convince me: I want to see your stance and the math behind it (tire/wheel size, backspacing, and lift) . But don’t just give me the numbers...tell me how your rig actually behaves. Is it a smooth-rolling highway cruiser or a white-knuckle trail beast? If you’ve found the 'Goldilocks' fit that makes people stop and stare, provides clearance without drama, and doesn't require 1,000 calculations per second to keep the rig on course, I need to see it.

Which side are you on? Post your rig and let’s see the evidence.

 

[pb4ugo]

Are you going yo be using a stock disc setup?

 

[GRM]

I went with 235/85/16’s. My biggest complaint is that they are very stiff compared to the 31’s that came off. I’d say around town the truck is better because it is easier to steer with manual steering, but worse on the highway because it is far more bouncy. Even with 20psi in the tires.

If you go to 16’s, consider trying to find a set of load range c tires.

For specs:
- previously it was on FJ60 15x6 wheels with 31x10.5 tires
- now it is on city racer 16x5.5’s and 235/85/16 Falken MT’s

Suspension is stock.

 

[devo]

I don’t know that you have to run pizza cutters? But a good 15 inch tire is getting harder to find.

 

[FJ404345]

Pizza cutters 15" or 16" look much better , but 15" or 16" balloons drive much better

 

[JohnnyC]

I prefer the pizza cutters

SS 34x9.5-15

16" oem split rims w/255/85r16 Toyo M55 15"ss on spare

16" oem split rims w/255/85r16 Cooper Discoverer S/T

16" oem split rims w/255/85r16 BFG MT

mastercraft courser in the 255/85r16 and I’ve been pleased with the road manners in all weather

 

[bhsdriller]

Stock steel with 33x10.5 is always a solid choice. The 33x9.5 Kenda have gotten popular too

 

[CloudForestCruise]

Pizza cutters 15" or 16" look much better , but 15" or 16" balloons drive much better

Really...please explain. I would think that the balloons, sticking way outside the wheel well would cause driving problems.

 

[1911]

The later stock steel wheels (welded not riveted) will fit over stock front calipers.

Do you have power steering? Skinny tires are much easier to turn/steer than fat tires, if you have manual steering.

 

[CloudForestCruise]

Stock steel with 33x10.5 is always a solid choice. The 33x9.5 Kenda have gotten popular too

That is the combo I am leaning to, or at least the 16 inch alternative: 255/85R16.

The later stock steel wheels (welded not riveted) will fit over stock front calipers.

Do you have power steering? Skinny tires are much easier to turn/steer than fat tires, if you have manual steering.

Yes. I have power steering. Although the steering was rebuilt in 2020 and the car was not driven often since, on a bumpy road (like any road here in Ecuador) the steering wanders. It is not bad and I thought that is just how it is on a 50 year old vehicle.

 

[charliemeyer007]

I think its a good time to have a good set of tires - really hard to make them yourself when the economy goes south. Dig down or float on the top has proper places to work better. I'm a big fan of fitted V-Bar ice breaker chains on each axle before you get stuck.

 

[FJ404345]

Really...please explain. I would think that the balloons, sticking way outside the wheel well would cause driving problems.

I recently changed from high and thin to wider and more balloon, and the difference in driving comfort was very noticeable because of the much higher volume that works more shock absorbing.

To compare apples to apples one should take the test with exactly the same brand and type of tires.

Hopefully I will do that test soon.

 

[jim land]

That is the combo I am leaning to, or at least the 16 inch alternative: 255/85R16.

Yes. I have power steering. Although the steering was rebuilt in 2020 and the car was not driven often since, on a bumpy road (like any road here in Ecuador) the steering wanders. It is not bad and I thought that is just how it is on a 50 year old vehicle.

To stop the wanders on the road , you need caster shims with those extended shackles

 

[70fj40]

This isn’t a front disc setup so it may not relate to your decision. It does however ride really well. Manual steering and brakes with no wandering problems on or off-road. I can easily run 60 mph on a 2 lane road with one hand on the steering wheel and still enjoy the scenery.
15” Pro Comp steel wheels with 33x10.5 BFG MT. 2.5” Pro Comp springs and Bilstein shocks.

 

[pbgbottle]

Fat and wide. Oh ya

,,

 

[pbgbottle]

Fat

 

[JohnnyC]

@pbgbottle … that’s phat !!

 

[JMZ400]

I'm still a fan of the modded 80's look. 32x11.50x15 15x10

 

[FJ404345]

I'm confused with these beautiful Phath and Modded tires which ones are the Deep-Dish or Double-Crushed pizza tires ?

 

[Pighead]

which ones are the Deep-Dish or Double-Crushed pizza tires ?

These are the Deep-Dish. 15" with a 2" backspace...