2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Tires for 17" 3rd Gen wheels

[JStangeland]

hi guys
i'd found a set of takeoffs from a 3rd gen on craigslist for a great deal with BFG AT's 315/70R17. i had to tack weld a bolt to the steering stops to reduce the steering radius a bit because i was having issues with the tires rubbing. that worked great but i'm getting tired of maneuvering with the shortened turning radius, especially since it's an extended cab long bed...
anyway i looked through the archives but i couldn't quite find what i was looking for, which is: what size tires are best to run in this case? (17" wheels, the 95 4WD with 2" levelling kit up front) in case it matters, i spend more time on the pavement than offroad although i'd still like to be able to move around somewhat offroad if the need arose. seems like guys like the BFGs for value and toyos a lot. also, best to get them online and get em shipped?
thanks!

 

[Grizzly]

What's wrong with the OEM wheels that came on the 95 originally. Just put new tires on them.



If it ain't broke, don't fix it!

 

[Wyomingcowboy]

I too bought a set of used 17"s. I plan to also buy a set of kick A** mud tires for the 16's for the fall hunting season. That way I can just swap out when needed and not have to worry about driving the tread off. I can find used 17's all day long with pretty good hwy tread for free. Plus, the used 17's I bought are a far cry prettier than my stock wheels. The overall size is pretty close between 16 and 17 and my 16" spare will work on the front without 4wd for short periods. I am looking for a 17" spare, however.

 

[Texis]

I like my 17's. At 8" wide larger tires are running with the correct profile, I had to have the 6" back spacing because the hub kits push the fronts out by 1" per side. I'm running 285/75R/17 Michelin LTX ATS2. They have a little bit off the pavement and they are glass smooth and zero noise on the road. Should work well in your area.

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[JStangeland]

i like my 17" wheels as well. since i have a 4X4 with a 2" lift in the front, the slightly bigger wheels make them feel more proportionate to the truck. the 16" oems always felt small.
so with the 285/75R17 on my stock hubs i shouldn't need any backspacing or anything? just plug and play?

 

[Texis]

I would say yes, plug-n-play with 285's. That is based on other members who run GEN 3 17's with 285s and report no issues... . maybe one of those guys will chime in to confirm.

 

[GrantP]

The 315/70/17's BFG AT's on OEM 17" wheels will rub quite a bit on the stock lower control arms due to the "curl" at the base of the control arm. Aftermarket units *almost* eliminate the rub entirely. You should be fine with the 285's.

 

[Grinder1]

I'd be curious to see how it all comes together with the 17s. Always thought about upgrading to the OEM 17" wheels. I run BFG ATs 285/75R16 which are a tad wide for the 6. 5" wide OEM 16" wheels. The 8" wide 17 inchers should work better in that tire size. Would like to see how far out from the sheet metal those 17's stick out. Is the back spacing the same as the OEM 16's?

 

[KYOUNG]

MY 17 on my 98 do not rub with 285 Hankooks!! So far great tires that are cheap and run smooth and Quiet.

 

[JStangeland]

i'm actually looking at the hankook dynapro atms. they're getting great reviews everywhere. seems like my best choice as well asthe best bang for the buck. http://www.discounttiredirect.com/direct/tires/hankook/size/viewProductDetail.do?pc=10846

 

[Texis]

I believe the back spacing is deeper on the 17's. I measured it at just under 6". Mine don't stick out all, 100% of the rear 285's are in the fender well. The front is out a bit, but it has a hub kit on it.