Tire size

[mcgarrett91]

My tires are in slightly rougher shape than I thought, so it's probably going to be time to replace them soon. I've seen a lot of debate on the forums about tire size, and I was hoping to get some advice. My FJ40 currently has BFG AT 33x9.5x15, but I'm considering going down to 30x9.5x15. I want something that's good on the pavement/highway, which is where I'll do most of my driving, but still have the ability to do (very) light off-road.

Any input is welcome. Thanks.

Michael

 

[Devilmans Hand]

What's your diff gear ratio? How well does it drive now with the 33s and your SBC?

 

[Jakes40]

30 would do just fine on the street and OK for light wheeling and fire roads.

Chris

 

[StaleAle]

.....
I have a set of 5 almost new Dominator radials 30 x 9.50 x 15 that I'm wanting to replace with 33 x 10.5 x 15. Good M&S tire......

 

[mcgarrett91]

What's your diff gear ratio? How well does it drive now with the 33s and your SBC?

I'm not certain what the gear ratio is, since I don't know whether it was changed with the engine swap. Could be the original from 1980.

The ride is a bit bouncy now, but that could be a function of the lift. Another thing to factor into my decision is that I'm having the FJ60 PS kit installed in a few weeks.

The tread on the current tires is good, but I noticed some cracking in the rubber in between the tread. My new wheels should be in this week, so I have to decide if I should have the old tires mounted or get new ones (and if so, what size).

 

[John Smith]

What RPMs are you turning now at 65? Do you have a 700R4 behind your V8 or an older 3 speed? If you go down in tire size you may lose highway speed depending on your tranny and diff gears. 30s may also look funny small with a 4in. lift.

 

[mcgarrett91]

What RPMs are you turning now at 65? Do you have a 700R4 behind your V8 or an older 3 speed? If you go down in tire size you may lose highway speed depending on your tranny and diff gears. 30s may also look funny small with a 4in. lift.

Not sure about the RPM (no tach), but it doesn't sound like I can go much above 65. I have the 4-speed.

Good point about the size in the wheel wells too. I'll probably stick with the 33s. Thanks.

 

[Jakes40]

I would not go below 31's for looks. Stick with your 33's and go with a more street tire. with the SBC your fine.

Chris

 

[mcgarrett91]

Any thoughts on going with the 33X10.5 vs 9.5 for the BFG AT? The 9.5s are proving to be very difficult to find.

 

[John Smith]

33x9.5s are too narrow for my taste. On a 8 inch wheel 10.5s will be a good match.

 

[mcgarrett91]

33x9.5s are too narrow for my taste. On a 8 inch wheel 10.5s will be a good match.

The new wheels will be 7" wagon wheels.

 

[SAS]

Let's experiment--if your wheels clear my FJ60 calipers and tie-rods, maybe you can persuade me to buy them. I don't like chrome, but that would look snazzy when I (eventually) paint the 60 red.

 

[John Smith]

The new wheels will be 7" wagon wheels.

In that case you probably want to stick to a 9.5. Super Swamper makes a few different styles in that size but those are not going to be AT tires.

 

[mcgarrett91]

Let's experiment--if your wheels clear my FJ60 calipers and tie-rods, maybe you can persuade me to buy them. I don't like chrome, but that would look snazzy when I (eventually) paint the 60 red.

Sounds good, Tracy. Bart's interested in my tires, and I'll give you right of first refusal on the wheels. As you saw, they're in great shape, just not what I want on my FJ40.

 

[mwalls54]

Bfg 33x9.50s are no longer made from what I have found.

 

[TRFCSUX]

As far as i know the 9.5 no longer exsist. I have 10.5 on stock 60 wheels and they are only 6.5. No problem.

 

[mwalls54]

As far as i know the 9.5 no longer exsist. I have 10.5 on stock 60 wheels and they are only 6.5. No problem.

I have the same as a spare and it looks just fine. Here is a pic.

 

[mcgarrett91]

That would explain why I haven't been able to find any. Appreciate the info.