Tire/Wheel combo question....decision time (1 Viewer)

[geanes]

Currently running 285/65/18 TerraGrapplers. One of the tires has a screw in it that is non-repairable (outer sideblock) and no warranty on the tires. They were not rotated by the previous owner, so the front 2 have a bunch more wear than the rear (60% tread life left vs 80% per DiscountTire). Additionally, my spare is not the same overall size (previous owner didn't match it). As such, I've decided to replace ALL 5 tires with BFG KO2 thru DiscountTire with their road hazard warranty.

So, here is the quandary:

1.) Get 5 x 275/70/18 tires + 1 new 18" LX wheel ($225 on Craigslist) to match the other 4 so I can do a complete 5 wheel rotation each time.

2.) Get 5 x 285/75/16 tires, sell my 18" LX wheel/tire combo and replace with a set of 5 x 16" stock LX wheels (found on Craigslist for $130 for all 5)

This LX has become my DD and I put about 40 miles per day on it on the roads. I take it off-roading quite a bit (mainly gravel roads every weekend) and will travel to Colorado 3x per year to drive the trails and passes. Seems to me that the 285/75/16 might be better for trails as they provide more sidewall (8.4" vs. my current 7.3" and the 7.6" on the 275/70/18). The overall diameter would be slightly larger than my current setup and slightly smaller than my other alternative 275/70/18.

 

[REZARF]

I prefer my 18" wheels on the road and it gives a much more modern look if you ask me... which you did.

That said, replacing 16" tires vs 18" usually is pretty significant $$$$ difference, so there is that.

All said and done, I would roll with option #1 but it is your truck.

 

[cruzerDave]

If your spare is still underneath and not showing on your back bumper (which is my situation): I say go with (4) 18s, then leave the 16" factory spare and buy a good used tire sized to match the other 4. Carry an ARB patch kit to handle the 80% of the problems you can fix on the trail without going to the spare, save money for other mods

What have you done to your 100 Series this week?
Spare Tire Modifications

 

[SALTY METHODS]

16" wheels feel a lot smoother on the road and off road than 18" wheels in my opinion. More rubber = softer ride.

 

[cmck]

Two sets rule ! Run off road on 16's and on road on the 18's.

 

[mmaakk]

I have the two sets and run ko2's bfg's on the 18" wheels and KM2 mud tires on the 16" wheels when I go off-road, best of both worlds.

 

[geanes]

I have the two sets and run ko2's bfg's on the 18" wheels and KM2 mud tires on the 16" wheels when I go off-road, best of both worlds.

I wish the budget allowed for that luxury. But, I "need" the Dissent front bumper and Warn winch along with some MetalTech suspension bits

 

[TXSunDevil]

I wish the budget allowed for that luxury. But, I "need" the Dissent front bumper and Warn winch along with some MetalTech suspension bits

Can you keep us posted on your height? I think the rack is my next upgrade. I am currently at 75" with a garage height of 81" so I have some wiggle room for some mods.

 

[cmck]

Can you keep us posted on your height? I think the rack is my next upgrade. I am currently at 75" with a garage height of 81" so I have some wiggle room for some mods.

I measured several times then somehow the lift exceed the door height by 2". Now I'm looking into a taller door mod and being able to drive in with rtt or even a canoe on top. We shall see $$$$$ vs parking out in the snowy winter.

 

[cmck]

I measured several times then somehow the lift exceed the door height by 2". Now I'm looking into a taller door mod and being able to drive in with rtt or even a canoe on top. We shall see $$$$$ vs parking out in the snowy winter.

And yes everything can be a mod..... kid mod, wife mod...... you get the idea.

 

[meatloaf]

Might want to check out 4 Wheel Parts also. The sometimes have good prices & you can get other places to match. I opted for 275 70 R18 BFG AT2's with Tundra wheels. Very happy with them.