Tire suggestions for 1st gen?

Question on tires. When I bought my truck it had just had new tires installed and they're still going strong, with probably about 6 months of life left. They are Firestone Transforce AT, LT 245/75/R16. Truck had 90k miles when I bought it and I'm up to 118,xxx now, which includes two trip across the country. From CA to VT, and then back. Not one issue with the truck or tires.

A tire shop said these tires were overkill for my truck and larger than what came stock. However, since they've been on since I bought it, they're all I'm used to and I'm inclined to stick with this size/setup when I need new tires.

Suggestions on brand, size, etc for a 1st gen? My truck is a Prerunner, V6. I love the stance it currently has. Also, still on stock wheels. I've heard Too Open country are good..?? I'm willing to spend a gd amount of coin to get quality that will last.

Thanks all.

 

In 2001, Tacomas came with 265/70/16 OR 225/75/15

I have 225/70/16 on mine. Had them 4.5 years. Finally upgrading to 265/75/16, goodyear wrangler kevlar.

 

Part of my problem is I don't really understand tire terminology.

 

More pavement and mild trails than hard off-road I assume?

Michelin Defenders should be on your shopping list.

Your original size is in your door jamb. For comparison to other sizes, use the tire calculator.

 

Do some reading on Tire Rack.com. You'll get all those numbers figured out.

 

https://www.tirebuyer.com/education/understanding-tire-sizes-and-types

 

Is there an overall "best loved" tire for the 1st gen that I could get and pretty much be guaranteed to be happy with?

Correct, no hard off roading. Occasionally a well traveled trail but nothing hardcore at all.

 

No

 

If you're just doing highway or in city driving just go to Costco and tell them to give you the stock size tire, I did this and they put on P235/75R15 Michelin XLT A/S tires. Saved a lot on gas mileage and helped with turning radius and handling. The truck came with P265/75/R15 Firestone A/T tires from the factory.

I ended up hating how non-truck the Michelin tires made it look, so I ditched the stock 15" Alloy rims and tires and bought 2017 Tacoma Off-Road 16" rims and BF Goodrich KO2 P275/75R16 tires. It really makes the look of the truck in my opinion. They're so large I need wheel spacers though since they hit the UCA at full lock.

Before




After

 

agree. Your BEFORE pic is exactly what mine looks like

I have the new 265/70/16 good year wrangler brand new here. Just being lazy and not mounting yet

 

Dayum! Aren't those the tires that come from the 3rd gen off-roads?

 

yes got them, brand new take offs, for less than half of what you are asking on your for sale thread $40 a tire. MPG will die after I install....

 

You got a good deal man, lol.

Discount Tire was having a $100 off $400 sale so I just pulled the trigger on the new KO2's. I love how they look - I'll be honest that's the only reason why I chose the KO2's.

 

Yeah I used their code to buy tires for another car for me. I got $170 off. $100 from Discount and $70 from manufacturer.

 

Not getting new rims man?

 

Nah. Poverty spec'er Taliban specials aren't allowed to upgrade their trucks.

 

Best loved doesn't always equate to best choice.

Like the chess club all drooling over the prom queen, too many are more enthralled with looks and stance than function.

I enjoy nice looking, but for expensive safety items like tires, function comes first. Remember, once your brakes are locked up, tires are what stops the vehicle.

That said, Michelin Defenders are still a high quality pick.

Betting you can't find anyone on this forum who has used them, as you describe your usage, that will say anything bad about them, other than they don't look manly enough.