Tall vs Wide Tires 1988 Land Cruiser

[1derer]

I have a unique truck HJ70 import from Australia do not have much of an interest in doing a SOA conversion and would like to leave it fairly stock. I do have slightly longer (non-reversable) spring shackles. Current tire size is 265/75/16(31.6") but I'd like to give a 255/85/16 (33.1) +4.1% increase a try.

It's my understanding these tires when pressure is lowered expanding tread Front to Rear rather then expanding tread patch side to side still allowing for increased contact patch and less PSI on ground surface. There are 2 tire manufactures that I can find both are great tires. I have used the Dick Cepak Extreme Country tires and many friends run the KM2. Does anyone have experience running a taller tire vs wider tire? Opinions? Primary reason for this route is I don't want to change the rims or suspension to allow for the wider tires to clear control arms.

 

[Captain Josh]

What about wheel spacers?

I don't know that you'll get as much contact out of a taller tire, but I imagine there'd be some. Also, what fits in your fender well?

 

[1derer]

Never keen about using spacers I have only seen 1 failure so they seem to be decent. I do not have my new shackles on yet to get final measurement of clearance in the wheels but sure I do not want to exceed 33". View attachment 14249

 

[Captain Josh]

Never keen about using spacers I have only seen 1 failure so they seem to be decent. I do not have my new shackles on yet to get final measurement of clearance in the wheels but sure I do not want to exceed 33". View attachment 14249

Nice looking rig!

 

[The other Sean]

The only downside to the 255/85/16 tire is tire selection. There aren't many choices in that size. The 285/75/16 tire (what I run on my frontier) is a VERY common size, though wider than your current tire. I always look at "can I get this part in the middle of nowhere?" when choosing parts for a rig. I run my tires on the OEM 7.5" wide wheel and they fit just fine.

 

[1derer]

The only downside to the 255/85/16 tire is tire selection. There aren't many choices in that size. The 285/75/16 tire (what I run on my frontier) is a VERY common size, though wider than your current tire. I always look at "can I get this part in the middle of nowhere?" when choosing parts for a rig. I run my tires on the OEM 7.5" wide wheel and they fit just fine.

Shizzy, Yeah that was one of my considerations as well! I do have the ability to carry 2 spares but I agree availability is a concern. I'd have to measure against the rims I have to see if there is enough room to feel good about running 285. - Thanks

 

[The other Sean]

The way I made sure I could for the current tires I have now (one size larger than OEM) was to start the truck and crank the wheel full lock left and crawl all around under the front. Then I would turn the wheel a little right and check again. I repeated until I got to full lock right. I was able to identify the two spots in each wheel well it might rub as well as get an accurate idea of the actual clearance between the areas that were close.

 

[1derer]

The way I made sure I could for the current tires I have now (one size larger than OEM) was to start the truck and crank the wheel full lock left and crawl all around under the front. Then I would turn the wheel a little right and check again. I repeated until I got to full lock right. I was able to identify the two spots in each wheel well it might rub as well as get an accurate idea of the actual clearance between the areas that were close.

Yeah I am familiar, I have a different issue... Unlike the Nissan where you run out of wheel well space I have mechanical linkage physically in the way, its a clear or no clear. 80 series was easy! 70 series a lot more measurement is required without committing to very expensive modification. I helped my daughter's boyfriend put 285s on his Xterra simple lift and no rubbing but a lot of community support reporting function! Spacers are an option if I go with 285s just not sold on them. The rims in the picture are not the rims going onto the rig (stock FJ80 wheels).

 

[The other Sean]

As far as spacers go, many failures are due to not checking fit or not re-torqueing the spacer. I've also seen where the studs on the hub contacted the back side of the spacer and caused the spacer to not seat fully when tightened.

 

[Captain Josh]

Agree with Shizzy. I was skeptical myself, but upon reading up on it, the risks and complexity are minimal so long as they are properly installed and torqued (and re-torqued).

 

[1derer]

I think my next best action would be to mount up a 265/75/16 (current size) onto new rims look at clarence and make a decision. 255/85 are -.04" where as 285 +0.8" of course there are slight differences in manufacture. I would only need to run spacers in the front and fully aware they must be torqued and re-torqued for safe operation. Still would rather not use them even if the gain of 10% more surface area (285 vs 255) is attractive. Thank you all for weighing in.

 

[The other Sean]

I just remembered that Discount tire is normally more than happy to mount 1 tire on your rim and bolt it on to the front to check fit. They did this when I went from 235/75/15 to 31x10.5x15 on my old Ford ranger.

Also, remember that the increase in overall tire width is split between the inside and outside of the rim once mounted.

 

[shoredreamer]

I have Cooper ST Maxx in a 255/85-16. Pretty sure they still make them. It's my spare for my 285/75-16s. If you are desperate and need to buy a spare somewhere unfamiliar, the 285 will work fine in place of the 255s. I also use wheel spacers and drive with confidence. Just install correctly and check at every tire rotation.