Urgent Tire Question-Need your input

[MtnTrucker]

I have a 1974 FJ40 that is SOA with the wheel base extended 7". I have extra large wheel well cut outs in the rear. I am currently running 37x12.50-17 BFG KM2's. My question:

I want to go to 39's for more rock clearance and to get a much more aggressive tread. I REALLY like the Pit Bull Rockers in 39.5x16.50-17. However, I have people telling me I will have clearance issues because they are much wider than my current tires. I also have people telling me my axles wont be able to handle the grip of the bigger tires.

I have full Longfield birfs, inners & hub gears up front. I know I wont have any clearance issues in the rear and I plan on putting MT tube fenders on up front to get more front clearance.

I'm about to order the Maddog 39x14.50-17's since they are slightly smaller and 2 inches narrower to address these concerns.

So, who has experience with these various size tires regardless of what brand they are? Can I run the bigger ones without totally screwing up my rig?

I know the Maddogs are better on the pavement but my rig is not a DD and I trailer it most of the time.

Let me know what your good & bad experiences are and what you recommend, I'm getting ready to order tires tomorrow.

 

[Josie'sLandCruiser]

Hi All:

A thought would be to swap 60/62 Series axles under the rig for a bit more width, which will help with the tire clearance.

Since your rig mostly gets trailered I'd say go with the more aggressive "Pit Bull Rockers."

Regards,

Alan

 

[MtnTrucker]

I do run MRW beadlocks that have a 2" offset so they already are 2.5 inches further out than a standard wheel.