Truck and Tires

[climber-420]

I am looking at running a set of 255/85/16 Cooper AT's on the truck. The truck is a 2003 Tacoma TRD 5spd. I have a 6inch suspension lift. I know I will clear them no problem, but will the truck be able to handle them without re-gearing? I have done the deckplate mod, but that's the only thing I have done performance wise. All comments appreciated .

[CA-RJ]

With 6" of lift, what are you running now?

[shawkins]

Yes, you can run that size tire without re-gearing. Since you have the 5-speed manual, I think you have 4.10 gears. Currently, I'm running 255/85 KM2's with 4.10's and a 5-speed.

[Rexsname]

I know that there are those that run this size without regearing and claim "no problems". I also know that when I regeared it made a world of difference. The deckplate mod is something that provides little to no performance increase.

Do it right do it once and only cry about the price once.

REX

[climber-420]

I have 265/70/16 BFG MT KM2's on there now. I have read alot on the Cooper Discovery ST,and STC and they seem like the perfect tire for a truck that is a DD/excursion machine. I am wanting to get away from the MT's and get some AT's. The truck came with them, and now I want to change them out. Which is better, the ST, or STC. I know the C is just chip resistant, but any noticable differences? Thanks for all the help.

[jim65wagon]

I can't comment on your possible need for regearing, as my V8 powered Tundra certainly has enough guts to get by without.

I can say if you want the 255/85s you'll have to stick with the regular ST's ....the STC's only come in a very limited range of sizes.

If you try a 265/75 or a 285/75 you could run either

I can also say that the ST's are great. I've been from the mountains to the beach without any problems. Yes they get minor cuts on the surface but I haven't lost a tire or even a lug...yet. I got 50,000 miles out of the last set of ST's. Excellent choice for an all around tire.

Find a friend with 285's or 255's and swap wheels and tires for a couple of days to see if you might be okay on the gearing.

[climber-420]

Wish I could say that there were some people around here I knew to be able to do that. No one I work with, or am friends with has a decent 4wd to go play in. Thanks for the answers. I will more than likely go with the 255's.

[CA-RJ]

I'm running 285's on my 4Runner (5 speed) with the stock 4.10 gearing and I like it. Maybe just a bit under powered in the long up hill stuff, but for around town and my daily commute it works out fine. It has yet to hold me back offroad (though I know it's harder on the clutch).