I'll be needing new tires sometime this year. I'm curious as to if anybody has run 235/85/16. The 235s are narrower and taller. (I'd be purchasing either size in BFG A/Ts). I'd like the 255/85/16 (33") but not with the stock suspension I have now.

235/85/16
Measures: 31.7x9.3/16
Benefits: roughly $50 cheaper a tire, less rolling resistance, weigh roughly 5lbs less, taller than current tires = more ground clearance, fuel economy, less resistance.
Downside: Less flotation in deep snow,mud, and sand, stiffer side wall, some say they don't look cool (I like the look though).

Good little study to explain some things.
http://www.expeditionswest.com/resea...tion_rev1.html

Some pics http://www.expeditionportal.com/foru...ght=235&page=2

Current 265/70/16
Measures: 30.6x10.4/16

I know most will say get 265/75/16 or stick with the wider tire size, but for $50 less a tire plus extra ground clearance that sounds pretty good. I've found pics of this size tire on some Toyotas and on a bunch of Land Rovers, but none with Rangers. I'm more into expedition style of trucks which is not the norm for a majority of trucks on here. That is where I found most of my information on skinny tire benefits. It seems like a lot of those guys prefer skinny tires over fat ones. What do you guys think? Anybody got pics? Thanks

 

The only time I had 235/85r16 was on the 85 Chevy C20 I drove in high school. Being load range E they were really stiff and rode rough, especially when combined with the 3/4 ton suspension. When it came time to switch my dad put on some 255/70r16 tires and the ride really smoothed out with no noticeable decrease in gas mileage (always got about 8mpg in that truck...).

The only time I took the old Chevy off pavement was when it already had the 255's so unfortunately I can't compare the narrower vs. wider tire off road capabilities from personal experience.

Just be prepared for a much rougher ride if you decide to make the switch to the 235/85/16 load range E tires.

 

My Dodge had 255/85-16's, and they rode like absolute dog crap. At 70 MPH, the truck was shaking more then a meth addict.

Not worth the height, IMO. I'd stick with a wider shorter tire.

 

I like the sound of the 255/85. If you could get the 235's in a lower load range, I'd get them. I personally think the skinnier tires look and perform better also.

 

Deep snow? WTF you live in AZ?

 

my friend put them on his land rover.. i have never been wheeling with him but they just look too skinny IMO

 

I am going to be getting 255/85/16's. I like the tall skinny look. I agree the you won't be able to fit 255's on stock suspension, but I think the 235/85/16's look way too small. Be different and get the 235's.

 

There is snow in Arizona buddy. Maybe not as deep as you guys up North but we get it. I went ice fishing in AZ (yes ICE!) had a nice camp fire. The snow was 3' deep, this was last weekend. Packed down as we were 3' above the fire. I been in soft stuff where I hop out and it goes up above my knees as my Ranger is sitting on top of the snow. Heck it only takes a foot or two of snow until your scraping your undercarriage = losing traction and momentum and you're stuck.

Here are some pics from years past.

Just a drift.













All of that is in eastern Arizona. From the last year or two. This year we had a solid 15" of ice and last year we had 18". SOme years we're only fishing on 3" it jsut depends.

 

Why can't you mount a 255 on a stock wheel, they are only 10" wide. As for not running them on your stock suspension, a lot of guys are running a 33/10.50's without any lift. I going to be running a 255/85 on my Jeep sometime next month and most companies say to mount them on a 7" to 8" wheel.

 

I just don't want rubbing when flexed. I rub occassionally now with my 265/70/16 (30.6" tire). If I had the 255/85/16 those are 33.1" tall tire. That is a 2.5" taller tire than what I currently run. I don't think it would rub when turning as it's the same width as my old stock 255/70/16 (10" wide), but when wheeling and flexing I'd be tearing up my bed. I already have hit it and bent parts of the bed on both sides so I want to avoide more damage.

 

I say lift your truck instead of running smaller tires

 

If it is just the back rubbing then get you some chevy drop shackles. can had 2-2.5" of lift for the rear. They aren't expensive either.

 

Then I would have a stupid looking rake. The wheeling on the rocks I do just pushes the tires/axle around there and that is what happens. It's not terrible but I don't want to increase the damage. If there was a decent lift kit out there that didn't leave the t-bars hanging down (Super Lift) then I'd buy it later this year (funds available). Body Lift out of the question. My bumper, rock sliders are welded/bolted to the frame so yeah, I'm stuck.

Here are some pics from last year. It's gotten worse after wheeling all summer. These were taken around May of last year.

 

What about some JD traction bars? That should center your axel nicely

 

Humm, now that sounds good. I haven't thought of that yet. I'll have to look around and see if they hang down low and what not. Thanks!

EDIT: After doing a quick search they mount above the axle, only $100 too! I think I found a solution, I knew there had to be some way to get around my issue of axle play when wheeling.

 

They actually are on top of your leaves, they wont hinder flex enough to notice it. Everyone that has them raves about them

 

I say 1" bodylift, you will not have to worry about your bumpers or sliders. Then run the Duff bars and 255/85's.

 

Use slightly taller springs without lift blocks (the axle won't move around as much), duff bars, and run 33x10.50's on 15's.
The flimsy factory springs along with the lift blocks make it far too easy for the axle to shift forward and back like that with spring wrap. Worn out bushings could be a part of the problem too. Honestly the only time I've seen contact in the spot is with someone running 33's on a stock truck and dropping the clutch at redline, that kind of stuff.
The tires you mentioned are most likely both E rated tires, and the ride will suffer on such a light truck. The 235's are SKINNY, and will sink down pretty easily. That could be a good thing, but the tire isn't very tall. It would be great in light snow, shallow mud, shallow sand, but I wouldn't want them in any other conditions, personally...

 

I might also look into the 1" body lift. That and the Duff Bars and possible different springs could be a winning combo. Any other ideas keep them soming, I appreciate it!

 

I love the tall and skinny look, both tires and women!
Probably my next tires I will be going with a 265/85/16 (33.7x10.4)

 

^^^ agree and 3 inch body lift

 

Some pizza cutter 255/85/16's on a Jeep, 16x7's.

 

you'll wanna go with 255/85/16's not 235's. Check out Expeditions west's Tacoma.. they run that size. Looks great.

 

Yeah the 255/85 is more popular and looks better, but I don't know about putting a 33" tire on a stockish truck.

 

Why are you so hesitant about putting a 33/10.50 on?