Please HELP a 4x4 Newb out???

[slim9300]

I have quite a few Q's so please don't stop with my first question... (I put the Q's in Bold letters)

How can I fit BFG M/Ts 33/10.5/15 tires on my 1996 Tacoma 4x4?

4 Wheel Parts tire chart says I can fit 32'' tires with the 2.5'' suspension lift, but BFGoodrich M/Ts only come in 31'' and 33'' in a 10.5/15. And I really want 33'' tires that can mount on my stock rims if they are feasible.

For the record, I spend alot of time driving on logging roads (roughly 2000 miles a year hunting and working) and sometimes they get kind of sketchy since it never stops raining in the Northwest. I want a tire that does well on the street (especially the rain) since I drive 15000+ miles a year on the pavement, but also is alright in the woods. I have BFG A/T right know and they are basically shot. They are the most worthless tires I have ever owned for the woods. Not only does the tread get torn to pieces by the sharp rock on the logging roads, but I have gotten more flats then I can count in two years of owning these tires. Furthermore, they are about worthless when loaded up with mud, I mean worthless. ;D I am open to other tire suggestions as long as they are in the same price range and fit my needs.

I planned on lifting the front 2.5'' and the rear 3''. (To level out my added weight in the back from my Leer topper, two spare tires and heavy ass hitch) So my question is, will 33'' tires be OK with a 2.5'' Pro Comp Poly spacer lift in the front and 3'' All Pro Offroad rear leaf spring replacement lift and some 10'' Pro Comp ES9000s in the rear. or am I going to be forced to go with a 31'' tire? Also, is a 2.5'' poly lift safe? Is there anything that should be done in addition to the spacers? I am currently running Pro Comp ES9000 shocks at the stock height. Also, is the All Pro rear lift a good choice? My buddy told me I couldn't go wrong with All Pro.

Last question, how much will my gas mileage and power be affected by running 33'' tires? And what does Hoodlum mean when he said, "cause you don't need much to clear BFG 33's considering they only measure at around 31.5" they look completely retarded standing next to a super swamper 33" if I was a rep for BFG I WOULD BE EMBARRASSED!" Why would they be smaller then they claim? Does every tire company over state their tire size, kind of like a 2x4? I am getting about 16-20 mpg right now depending on the conditions. What will I be looking at with 33s if I didn't change my gearing?

Thanks a TON!

[fourwd1]

If you use a 2 or 3" body lift along with the 2.5" suspension lift you can probably run 33's OK.

The comment about the BFG 33's vs the Swamper 33's was in reference to the fact that most of the tire makers exaggerate the size. Most 33's are closer to 32". (My BFG 33" M/T's were 32.25")
Except Interco (the makers of Swampers), their tires are the size they say they are.

[mudcreeper96]

I have the 3" in Fabtech adjustable basic lift on my 96 taco and i got 33x10.50x15 swampers on 15x7.5 rims on my truck and they fit fine under my truck. i paid $500 for my lift and it was really easy to install. ( 4 hours max)

[Stock02]

If yer gonna stick with a 2.5" lift then stay with 32" tires, less hassle.

[slim9300]

stock02 said:

If yer gonna stick with a 2.5" lift then stay with 32" tires, less hassle.

BFG M/T don't come in a 32'' tire that fits a 15'' rim. And I don't want to buy new rims. But if the 33'' BFG M/T's are actually 32.25'' as stated above, then I figured that the 33/10.5/15 would be just right for a 2.5'' lift in the front and 3'' in the rear. What do you think?

[Hoodlum]

you'll be fine

[94cnytoy]

If you don't regear you'll loose milage and power.
I don't see where you mentioned motor/tranny combo you have.
IS it worth it to regear for 33's?
Not really, its border-line there.
If you're going to keep 33's FOREVER, I'd do it.

You'll loose about 15% power to a 10% larger tire.
Not much, but noticeable.
My 2.7(auto trans) wanders between OD and 4th on hills with fact 265-70-16's.
Keep in mind though, even with a perfect regear(stock tire size vs new) there is still a power loss.
That's why most recommend 4:88 vs 4:56 swapping.
Toyota 4's and 6's are tuned to a higher rpm cruising speed anyway.

Expect a milage drop.
This will depend mostly on how you use the go peddle.
Highway, 2-3 mpg. City though, can be VERY bad, if you hammer it all the time.(amazingly similar to stock when abused)

Stew

[slim9300]

94cnytoy said:

If you don't regear you'll loose milage and power.
I don't see where you mentioned motor/tranny combo you have.
IS it worth it to regear for 33's?
Not really, its border-line there.
If you're going to keep 33's FOREVER, I'd do it.

You'll loose about 15% power to a 10% larger tire.
Not much, but noticeable.
My 2.7(auto trans) wanders between OD and 4th on hills with fact 265-70-16's.
Keep in mind though, even with a perfect regear(stock tire size vs new) there is still a power loss.
That's why most recommend 4:88 vs 4:56 swapping.
Toyota 4's and 6's are tuned to a higher rpm cruising speed anyway.

Expect a milage drop.
This will depend mostly on how you use the go peddle.
Highway, 2-3 mpg. City though, can be VERY bad, if you hammer it all the time.(amazingly similar to stock when abused)

Stew

You are the man for answering my questions so completely. Thanks!

To respond to your question. My Tacoma is a manual V6. It has 250,000+ on the odometer, (about 40k from me) but I don't know if the motor has ever been rebuilt, probably not. I can feel that it's an old motor, judging by its lack of acceleration and acquard hesitation when cold. However, it doesn't burn any oil what-so-ever and the exhaust characteristics show no sign of a problem. But I am too paranoid to do a leak down or compression test.

Furthermore, I plan on always staying with 33'' tires. I have no reason to go bigger either in lift or wheel size. So, I guess changing the gearing would be a future priority.


Any other comments or suggestions would be much appreciated.