32 vs 33 again...I know, but this is different (maybe)

Hi,

I have been doing what most newbies to this modification thing have been doing, and that is asking: myself, 32s or 33s? Specifically for me its 235/85r16 or 255/85r16. This question is not about the actual mods, I am well aware of what is involved. I am concerned with YOUR ACTUAL off-road (not on-road) experience with these sizes - I see much less direct discussion of this (point me in the right direction if I am wrong).

For example, I ran a stock 4-runner for years on 265/70's and I gotta tell you, I only banged my diff a handful of times. Besides, mufflers, I had very little damage underneath. Now, with that said, there where many times I choose to turn around on a trail for fear of breaking something, so I am probably more cautious than most. Even so, I managed to go a lot of places in that stock rig. I think part of this is due to the fact that I had a dodge horizon as a kid and basically used it as a truck, so I learned how to drive carefully...lol.

What are your experiences? Any actual stories of 32 being a problem and/or 33s saving your butt?

 

I can't say 32's were ever a "problem" but I definitely prefer a 33" tire over a 32. There are too many factors to say definitively whether a 33 will be better in every situation. Most of it really just depends on the terrain you're traveling. If you ran the same trail every time you could pick a tire and now it was perfect for that trail but different trails/roads will bring different challenges. I prefer the 33 for a few reasons. One is under carriage clearance which will be greater with a taller tire. Second is floatation. Generally speaking a 33" tire will have a larger contact patch than a 32" tire and create more floation and better traction. More sidewall. I like a larger sidewall on a smaller rim diameter. Smaller rims stay protected from rocks better and a larger sidewall will help give better cushion when the tire is aired down letting the tire flex and conform to trail obstacles.

I did my first long trip in my Tacoma when it had 32's on it. They did fine overall.


I quickly changed to 33's and trail performance was quite a bit better. I'm sure it was partly due to switching to a MT style tire vs the AT style 32. But also because of the things mentioned above.

 

I ran with almost 32"s (265/75r16) for a long time. I also ran it with no lift as well and could do many many trails at our local offroad park. I also was armored with sliders and skids so that let me get away with a ton that most probably would take more damage on. Now I have a lift and I plan on going straight to 35"s to future proof the truck and tackle even harder obstacles.

That being said, you can probably get away with both most of the time with the right armor, but 33"s will give you better peace of mind.

 

I went from 265/75/16 load C to 255/85/16 load E and the difference is huge. With the 33s I have a way bigger contact patch when aired down, and the taller tire rolls over obstacles way better - including potholes in the road and speed bumps. The bigger heavier tire is more work for the motor to turn, but it's really only bad when towing my camper.

There is no offroad situation where I'd want to go back.

 

I have 275 70 17 Cooper AT3 they are a great tire on and off road, one of the best wet tires....
But in sand more flotation would be great and they have a stiff side wall, good for road, bad for trails...

So I'm in the same dilemma I'm getting Copper ST Maxx in spring, I think I'm going with 285s this time.... I'm sure much better in sand.....

 

Good posts! Thx guys!

 

I am running 265/75/16 Load E Cooper ST Maxx, they have been a great tire, but I found myself wanting a little more clearance last time I was in Moab. I used my skids and sliders a few times where 33's would have helped me clear the obstacle. My next tire will be 255/85/16 KM2's or sticking with the ST Maxx but in 255/85/16. I wish they made the new STT Pro in 255/85/16.

 

They make it in 235/85...man I want to love that size tire...but just looks a tad small on the newer tacomas. I wish they made 245/85r16! Someday I will decide and it will probably be the moment I order them.

 

All these years, people have been struggling about 32" tires vs 33". Rubbing issues, lifting, changing the UCI and so on. No one thought about it as Toyota did. Their answer for 33" inch tires without changing the vehicle's specs as much. Here is the "33" inch tires y'all 265/70R18 On the 4th gen Tacoma. Yet, the ground clearance is still 9.5" as far as I know

 

I didn't even notice this, that's insane. I wonder if it's just the chin spoiler or something and can be removed? How is that even possible

 

Yah man! Crazy! Ain't it? I don't think it's the chin spoiler cause that was the specs for the TRD Off Road, the Pro, and the new Trail Hunter. But that's just from the first reviews on the prototypes Tacomas they had in Hawaii. Maybe the production version might be a bit different. We will see.