Outer Limits 4x4 Board

Another tyre thread................

So, this 1UZ thing is well underway. When it's up and running, i'm thinking I don't want to burn up the Claws on the 4Runner on a daily basis.
Using swaybars on road, my aim is for a good handling vehicle, that can also transform into a capable off roader (got that second bit already.)

My first thought was to get another set of 33x12.5 R15 all terrains. But then i came back to the old car days of more sidewall = worse handling. So i've been trying to get my head around these 16" tyre sizes (metric) to find out what would be the best compromise in size vs bulk. Or even 17" rims, but that may be a bit too ricer bling.

I'd like to keep near the size of the 33x12.5's...

So, do 33x12.5 R16's have significantly lower profile sidewalls to gain better handling? Or are there some metric sized tyres out there that you can think of that would be better suited? The whole metric scales in tyres has me a bit lost as there's so many variances in tread width and % depth.....

The reason I want these, is we go on a fair few road orientated holidays, and I want the best of both worlds. (plus the Claws are getting loud!)

Search Tyre Brand websites for detailed information about tyre sizes such as

http://www.bfgoodrichtires.com/assets/p ... _ta_kd.pdf

That way you can look up metric sizes and compare diameter and width sizes to the more commonly used imperial sized tyres.


A 285/55R20 is only slightly smaller then a 33" tyre and would look very bling

33x12.50R15
285/75R16 (33x11.50R16)
305/70R16 (33x12.50R16)
285/70R17 (33x11.50R17)
33x12.50R17
275/65R18 (32.5x11.00R18)
305/50R20 (32x12.50R20)

Bit rough, but a bit of a guide. Very true about better handling in the bigger diameter rims. I drove a GU Patrol home from Canberra on a set of 35x12.50R18 Cooper STT. Handled brilliantly. Have also driven the same vehicle on 315/75R16. Still good, but just a bit more body roll from the tyres when cornering.
Cheers,
Ryano

Cool thanks for that mate, that makes it easier to understand.

What sort of market is there for 17" 4WD rims? I know there's plenty of bling ricer ones.......
I might chase up some 16's in the end, the best of both worlds.

I went 16's (285/75/16) for this reason. Very common size but a little more expensive - maybe $20 per tyre.

17" rims common on a lot of Jap imports and later prados.


You have to weigh up the reduced sidewall with their ability to take an impact offroad too.....

Yeah thats true, the theory is they'll only be road and mild trail tyres. But, you know what happens to theories...

This pack seems well priced, I wonder what they could do it for with bigger rubber.
http://www.tempetyres.com.au/products_c ... art_no=651

I have had 285/75R16 in BFG muds and cooper stt's. And they have both been fantastic. Handled very well on a SWB GQ, but I always did over inflat them. I got very good milage out of them and since they are a very common size for Patrols and cruisers. They shouldnt be to hard to find in the bush.

I will be getting another set in this size for road and touring. When the gearbox is fixed and I can use all 5 gears again.