Newb trying to understand tire sizes

Hi, gang. Trying to understand tire sizes for my 4Runner. Everyone talks about 33s, but I'm not quite sure what that means. My stock tires are P265/70R17. I assume those are NOT "33s," but I really don't have a clue. I've heard that anything other than stock wheels/tires can throw off my speedometer. I'd like to get something beefier but am unsure how to proceed.

I know this is a ridiculously beginner question, so I'll just ask: Is there some website I can go where I can read what all this means and how it applies to my vehicle?

Thanks, and my apologies for asking such a beginner-level question.

 

Correct. A 265/70/17 is approximately 31.6"

Going to a 33" tire, or a 285/70/17 will actually make the speedometer more accurate. They read a few % high with stock size tires.

Going to a 33" tire can require some trimming, but usually nothing too significant.

This website has some great tools to calculate and compare the actual size of different tires, and explains what the numbers actually mean:

 

Thank you SO much for the reply and the info!

One other question, can I put larger tires on my rims or do I need larger rims to accommodate the larger tires?

 

Any tire that is made for a 17" wheel and is compatible with the width of your wheel will fit.

 

Tag bc I too have these questions and will probably be upgrading my tires ASAP.

For wheels Ill be unoriginal and go with the TRD pro wheels.

 

This may help. Happy viewing. The link is to a bunch of other videos.

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=285's+on+a+4runner
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LAYGdcKSA3o&t=426s

 

This video is fantastic, so eye opening.

Kai's videos should be required viewing for all members here, haha.

 

i put 285/70/17 tires on my stock 2022 Trail Special without issue.

 

This is a tough one because time to put tires on my 4R and I really want to go with the 285/70/17s also but afraid to.

i have a 2.5 maxtrac level in front and a 1.25 in the rear.

 

youre good to go!

 

Awesome, even with my oem TRD Offroad wheels right?

btw @TrailSpecial22 are your wheels oem painted black?

 

you should be, I have OEM trail special rims so not sure if theyre close in specs.

yes they are a oem black finish on my rims

 

Looks great and also thanks for the answers!

 

thank you!

 

33s refers to the total height of the tires. 285 70 17 is commonly refered to as a 33, but depending on the manufacturer is approx 32.8-33.3 inches. Check out discount tire direct, they have always given me the best prices and the actual height is listed in the description. Fitting larger tires also requires taking into consideration the offset of the wheel, offset refers to how close the wheel is to the vehicle, negative offset moves the entire wheel outward and wider in stance. The issue is that when you move the tire out it increases the chances of rubbing on different parts of the vehicle. Toyota is not very good at all in engineering wheel wells that fit larger tires, likes jeeps do. Tacomas are the same way, i had a 19 and went to 33s and it required a body mount chop and some plastic trimming. Some people will tell you they went to whatever size and dont rub, but they are also not offroad with flexing and max travel in suspension. Keep reading, googling and watching youtube videos. factory is a 265 70 17, which is about 31.5 inches depending on the manufacturer, you can go to a 275 70 17 and have no issues, gain about an inch in tire height, which is approx 32.5 in tall. I highly recommend falken wildpeak at3w and goodyear wrangler duratac, great wet and snow traction.

 

Welcome from Wisconsin!