15 inch versus 16 inch tires on a first gen

Hi!
I am planning on getting new tires and maybe new wheels for my '99 2.7 liter truck. The BFG 31 X 10.5 R 15 tire weighs 43.7 pounds and the BFG 265 75/R16 weighs 53.6 pounds.
My dilemma, is the 16 inch tire gives me an inch more clearance and a tougher sidewall, but the 15 inch tires together save me 40 pounds in un-sprung weight. Also, would airing down the lighter tire with the thinner side wall be an issue?

Thanks and appreciate your advice!

 

If you're looking for a taller tire but without adding much weight, look somewhere else than the BFGs, they're heavy. For example, the Cooper AT3-4S's in a 265/75/15 are only 39 lbs. What kind of driving are you looking to do?

 

I want to explore all over the place. I live in the Northwest, but would like to go through the southwest. I don't plan on going on any super technical trails, but, I would like to be able to get over some pretty decent rough terrain. I guess I'll be going most on forest service roads and BLM lands. I was thinking about the BFG's because so many folks rave about them. Maybe I should take a look at the Cooper tire. Can you run them on low pressure pretty easilly?
Thanks!

 

Truth be told I don't have them. But I'm looking at them very closely for my next tire in a 255/75/17. The guys that do a lot of wheeling seem to really like the Cooper ST Maxx, which are heavier than the 4S at 49 lb for a 31x10.5 or 55 for a 265/75/16


These guys tortured the AT3 4S pretty well though.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2JoVisyIOQ&t=105s

Heres some good reading on tire fit for these trucks (it covers stock and lifted):
https://adventuretaco.com/what-size-tires-fit-my-lifted-tacoma/

 

Thanks a ton! I am going to check these out. I like the weight of them versus the BFG, but then, maybe they're more prone to side wall puntures??

 

My '98 2.7 is pretty peppy with a stock 15 inch steel wheel and a 235x75x15 Wrangler Radial. I'd hate to overload it with big heavy tires, but then this is my daily driver and has not been "modified" and have no intention to. Above post sounds like good idea, a 265/75/15 probably have good volume, and could be aired down to reasonable pressures. Those AT3-4S's would probably be a good all road tire. I have Cooper ST/Maxx 285/16's on my gen2 and they are tuff but HEAVY, plan is downsize.

 

Go with a 265/70/16
Slightly larger then 31’s
And smaller than 75’s

 

Thanks all of you for the good advice! This is my first day actually using the forum. Wow, it is great! I am a 4X4 beginner and pretty clueless, but plan to upgrade my skills in the field and here listening to you folks!

 

There are a lot of lighter tire options out there than the BFGs.

Like the other poster asked: what type of driving do you do?

Also: a one inch taller tire (in diameter) only gives you an extra 1/2” of height (radius)

 

since you've been referred to Adventuretaco.com, be sure and research his write up on replacing lower ball joints.

 

I had LT 31x10.5's on my 2.7. Poor truck would barely do highway speeds. Downsized to P235 75 15's, much better performance. Doesn't look as good, but oh well. 3:58 gears.

 

whatever the guys who routinly offraod use is what I would use. The lighter tire is lighter because of less rubber, duh... when you tear a sidewall open and are sitting on the trail is when you will realize that I should have bought a better tire.

 

For what it is worth I use all 15" wheels because it would be far to expensive to upgrade in my case to a 16" wheels.

Funny though how my tire guy a few years ago said 15" are so popular they will never not have a large selection every time I see himeven better his daughter works for him now.

 

15 work great for me,
Less expensive,
Better power too

 

You could do a taller side wall on a 15, but you’ve got more options on a 16.

 

C load duratracs are pretty light, just sayin