Best tires for me - advice please

So. I'm new to this. I recently purchased a 2004 PreRunner 2.7L (2WD) and it is bone stock (build thread coming soon). The tires are a bit old and have worn unevenly.

This is my daily driver, 80% of driving will be to and from work (in an office) via freeways. The other 20% of driving will be for the purpose of adventuring. I'm not big into wheeling/crawling, but I would like something that can go off the beaten path and handle a bit of wilderness and take me into solitary camping territory.

- I'm thinking the stock PreRunner suspension will be fine, for me, for now. I think it gives a 2" of lift?

- Current tires (pictured) are P265 70R16.

Questions:

What tire size would be best for me, and would I need a lift? I'm thinking I want something like P or LT 275 75R16 (a tad bigger than current). Would this rub at all with stock suspension?

Also considering new wheels, mostly because I don't like the look of these. Any recommendations? I think sticking with 16"s is smart.

Budget is semi-sensitive. I can't afford top of the line, but I don't have to stick to cheap and used.

 

I would recommend the Cooper AT3 or Falken Wildpeak AT3w in a 265/75/16. Most likely P Rated since you won't be off roading very hard and a P rated tire will be lighter than an LT.

 

Agreed.

 

Oh and as far as your wheel question, yes sticking with 16's would be best. Probably a 16x8 with a 4.5-4.75 Back Spacing. I am fond of Level 8 wheels for bang for your buck. I ran the Level 8 MK6 for a few years on my Tacoma and now they are in service under my 4 Runner.

 

Thanks!

Any opinions on lift or spacers, given the desire to be "able" to handle some wilderness even though most driving is on freeways?

 

That really all depends on your budget. Does your PreRunner have a locker? I would say for your purpose an add a leaf in the rear with some fresh shocks and some Bilstein 5100's in the front with 2" lift coil would be a good fit, but really you don't "need" a lift for mild off roading.

 

Since it's the 4 cyl PreRunner (not the TRD Off Road edition, which is only 6 cyl) it does not have a rear locker, unfortunately.

Thanks!

 

Ahh yeah, I should have known that. Haha