2013 4 runner trail tires.

recently I've noticed that the stock tires are worn off on one side, which obviously means that the wheels need alignment. I have two question.
1. during the first 25000 miles multiple points inspections that Toyota offers at their dealerships, weren't they suppose to inspect the alignment? what are the chances that the alignment just went off after the last inspection?

2. I am looking now to get new tires for my runner, but I think that the stock tires on this SUV are just too thin for this vehicle. I am wondering what wider size of tires I can install on the original wheels?

 

i would assume even if they aren't checking the alignment during inspection, they must be checking things like tread depth and wear, so they are missing something. what size tires do you have on now? any lift currently or planned down the road?

 

The ones I have on them now are 265/70R17, and No I don't have lift on it nor am I thinking of getting one ( at least in the near future , I will be taking some pictures of my tires and post them here tomorrow just to give you an idea ( if you don't mind giving me your thoughts about it.

 

i wouldnt mind at all. do you want taller or wider tires? or both?

 

youre kinda limited on the size aspect without any type of lift, 275/70R17 most likely would fit, slightly wider and taller, but options and prices are limited in this size, 285/70r17 is what I'm running but would not fit without a lift, atleast not in my 4thgen, even if you squeeze em in the wheel well with spacers or something I'd bet you will still experience some sort of rubbing. In my experience 5th gen runners are also more sensitive to ride quality issues when you change tire size...find an appropriate lift kit in your budget and do it the fun way...up, up, up! n/m what the wife says.

 

I am thinking about a lift kit but not anytime soon. maybe in few years, I have a baby and its easy for me to put her in but not my wife. So until she's a little older probably is when I will do it. But thank you for the tip !

 

I am only thinking about wider, the stock tires (265's) are too thin for it.

 

275/70R17 probably your best bet then, 13 4runner comes with 17x7" wide rim, of which this tire will still fit fine, also will give you an approximate lift overall of 1/2", resulting in only 1/4" lift off the ground. 275/65R17 also available as wider option but will most likely have opposite effect, dropping vehicle by about 1/4". either way a 275 section width should give you a wider look and roughly .5" wider footprint side to side...now off to the tire shop with you!!, be prepared to spend $700-1K for a new set tho

 

I know. lately I went to firestone shop to replace one of the bad tires on my wife's car and they didn't have much to chose from. what would you recommend for tires brand and model for the 4 runner?

 

a tire purchase should be somewhat practical, based on your average mileage per year, type of driving and climate in your area...this being said, it's hard not to resist going for the looks we all love(bigger tires, aggresive tread, etc..) In the size 275/70R17, like i said before, there are limited options. I guess it would depend on if you are looking for more of a street type tread or something more aggresive like an all terrain tire. BFG makes the AT KO2 that everyone is familiar with, great tire, but be prepared to spend at the top of the price range, also these are going to have a heavier load range that what the vehicle came with, which will result in lower MPG's and a stiffer ride. Cooper has a Discoverer AT3 that maybe will give you the looks you want and are priced somewhere in the atmosphere...all depends on where you go...In my experience(15 years in tire business) Firestone retail shops will have VERY limited selection, check out prices online and print out what you find, go to a tire shop with a price guarantee and negotiate the best rate you can, it's not hard, tires is a very competitive business and most shops are eager to grab sales even if it means lowering their price. As far as Firestone goes, they have a model called Destination AT, which from what I've heard are an OK tire, acceptable traction and better than usual tire life( this is of course with stock tire fitment )...either way best of luck to you...on a side note, when selecting the tire you want, be sure also to check into your original size, as most aggressive tires will look and feel wider even though the size is the same because they have whats called a "square cut" or tread shoulders that form at almost a 90 deg angle, giving the appearance of a wider stance and improved traction...this in the end may be your best bet becuase the original tire size on your vehicle is 100 times more popular than the one we discussed, thus opening the door for far greater price range and availability to different tread styles and brand options....either way try to enjoy the process and snap us a photo when youre thru!!

 

Thank you so much, you guys have been a great help, I will definitely post the before and after pics. I know I promised to post pics of the tires, it's been raining like crazy here all day.