FJ Cruisers of Northern California

Tire Help Please

Ok, I know I keep asking for help with tires, but everytime I do research, I get confused.

I've decided on the tire I want (Nitto Terra Grappler), but I don't know about the size or other specifications.

I originally wanted to stay with stock 265/70R17 (just for gas mileage driving between school and home, saving a bit of money on the tires, and being able to use my spare). Then some people are telling me to go up to 285/70R17 (since I have a 2.5" lift). But I was looking at Total Chaos and their 3.5" long tracel lift recommended a tire size of 285. So what's confusing me is why would a larger lift recommend that tire size and people are telling me I can fit the same size on a smaller lift (I don't really know how to explain how I'm confused).

Also, people are telling me for the load rating to go with D, but a tire guy told me I could stick with a passenger tire. I have passenger tires on now and they haven't failed me yet. The passenger Nitto's have a bit less of a weight rating, but higher speed rating than that of the E rated Nitto's (can't find D).

I'm looking on TireBuyer.com and this is the info I have obtained:

[LT=light truck tire, P=passenger tire, L&S=load & speed rating]

265/70R17

LT -- L&S: 121R (3,197 lbs / 106 mph) -- $179.19/tire (x4 = $716.76)

P -- L&S: 113S (2,536 lbs / 112 mph) -- $129.23/tire (x4 = $516.76)

285/70R17

LT -- L&S: 126R (3,750 lbs / 106 mph) -- $204.19/tire (x4 = $816.76)

P -- L&S: 117S (2,833 lbs / 112 mph) -- $180.59 (x4 = $722.36)

So, which is the best tire that I should get? Remember, I need to know if the 285 size will still fit (and keep decent wheel travel) and I'm looking to keep the price low.

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by 5AND5TORM on March 4, 2010 at 3:49pm

285 will fit. The taller 285 tire will give you a bit more ground clearance (.5" not much) and fill the wheel wheel a bit better = look better.

Total Chaos recommends a max size of 285 so that you can run the stock fenders w/ their 2" long travel. Any bigger and you have to buy fiberglass fenders. TC 3.5" kit requires fiberglass fender w/ any tire size.

Typically speaking the higher the load rating is the tougher the side wall will be and in turn that produces a rougher ride.

From my research the Nitto is a great tire choice and what I am thinking of getting.

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Permalink Reply by FJK on March 4, 2010 at 4:02pm

The TC long travel, both 2 and 3 1/2" recommend 285/70/17 so you maximize up travel, larger tire = earlier contact with the wheel well, made worse by a long travel suspension pushing the tire out. You could run bigger tires, you'd just not get the most out of a very expensive suspension. The 2 or 3 1/2" designation on those is not about lift, but about how much it pushes the tire further out from the stock location.

discounttiredirect.com has better prices by about $10 each on 285/70/17 117S Nitto Terra Grapplers, $195 each no tax, free shipping. I just bought 5 285/75/17 Terras from them, they shipped quick and knocked off like $25 for ordering 5. I got them in 4 or 5 days, after two other local suppliers screwed me over for 2 weeks trying to get them. The size you want was in stock in their California warehouse, mine had to come from Texas so you'd probably get them even faster. They were really helpful and I reccomend calling them to order if you still have questions.

285/70/17 should fit, get an alignment and push the caster forward to make sure they keep well clear of the body mount after getting them installed (assuming you don't have aftermarket upper control arms or chopped body mount yet). I'll let other people comment on the LT vs P rating, I don't have any direct experience there. Mine are LT, E rated, no choice of a P version. Some I've heard say E is too stiff, others say it's fine if you manage the pressure.

I hope that helps, not makes it more confusing.

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Permalink Reply by manoweb on March 4, 2010 at 6:18pm

What about 16" rims. I was told that theoretically 16" rim tires tend to be cheaper because there is a bigger user-base, but many times I just do not find tires with this rim size.

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Permalink Reply by FJK on March 4, 2010 at 7:31pm

285/75/16 - $187, those are all of $8 cheaper than the same diameter 285/70/17.

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Permalink Reply by Bz on March 4, 2010 at 7:32pm

265/70/17

265/75/16

285/70/17

285/75/16

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Permalink Reply by Markie Sharkie on March 4, 2010 at 8:09pm

I have 17" rims, so I would have to stick to 17".

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Permalink Reply by daPitbull on March 4, 2010 at 4:37pm

Don't listen to the tire guy. He probably doesn't have any LT tires in stock so he's trying to sell you passenger rated tires that is in stock. P rated have softer side walls, so if you hit the trails, that's not something you want.