Tires size: would it make a difference? (1 Viewer)

[BroyotaLandDuder]

I bought my 99 LC with 265/75/16 installed, which I thought was odd but assumed it was for better on-road daily driving. I am considering going a bit bigger for off-road performance but still want it to be practical around town and on paved roads. Not a daily driver, but I drive it 2-3 times a week and fairly frequently on road trips/weekend adventures.

I’m eyeing 285/75/16 tires.

A) Would this meaningfully improve off road performance?

B) Would it meaningfully worsen daily driving on pavement? Handling, mpg, etc.

C) If the difference would be minimal/unnoticeable between the two sizes, what’s the best middle ground size?

Thanks in advance! Visuals attached.

1999 LC 261k miles (OEM/stock everything) w/ rear locker

 

[nissanh]

I have 265 75 16 (10 plies) and drives just like you. On highway (75+ MPH), I get about 16.5 MPG and city 12.5 MPG. I am also in for a new set and considering 275 70 16 factory sized tires, but wider tires affect MPG significantly. Smaller tires make the LC like a honda pilot on down side. I do long trips and MPG is really a great factor when considering tires.

Larger tires needs a lot of power to start moving from a stop so in city driving I'd say MPG will take a big toll

 

[Trunk Monkey]

Depends on which tires, load rating. etc you have on there now and what you're looking to replace them with. Off-road performance is subjective - you talking dirt roads, rocks, mud and you mean resistance to punctures or traction or ?

Very little difference in fuel economy and felt power.