Why THIS 4Runner Wheel and Tire Setup is Awesome!

Everyone wants bigger tires on a 5th Gen 4Runner. What's the smartest tire size?! I'll explain why I chose 275/70/17 Falken Wildpeak AT3Ws, what makes AEV's Salta XR wheels a great option, and how I was able to fit them with little modification.
Disagree with my choices? Let me know your thoughts and setups in the comments! FYI, AEV did provide me these wheels as a thank you for past video work. But I'm not being paid beyond that and make no commission on sales.
MORE VIDEOS TO CHECK OUT:
4Runner Suspension Review: • Still Best Toyota 4Run...
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AEV Sand Dune Adventure: • Built Chevy ZR2 is TES...
Awesome AEV Recovery Gear: • This Off Road Recovery...
My 4x4 Truck and SUV Mod Videos: • 4WD Truck and SUV Mods...
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HELPFUL INFO (Not Affiliate Links):
AEV Salta XR Wheels: www.aev-conversions.com/produ...
Falken Wildpeak AT3W Tires: www.falkentire.com/wildpeak/at3w
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CHAPTERS:
0:00 Intro
0:27 New Wheel and Tire Installation
1:16 Bumper Cut to Stop Rubbing
2:52 AEV Salta XR Wheel Specs
4:03 Nate Explains Wheel Offset and Backspacing
6:31 Do 275/70/17 Tires Effect Speedometer?
7:21 Off Road Performance and Rubbing Test
8:27 Why I Chose 275s instead of 285s
10:09 Why I Chose Falken Wildpeak AT3W Tires
12:25 More Tests Coming!
‪@toyotausa‬ ‪@AmericanExpeditionVehicles‬ ‪@falkentire‬ #jasonexplainsthings #toyota4runner #4runnermods

[@Treetopflyer777]

I was just about to ask the offset and it was mentioned. I guess it’s like my teacher used to say. Keep your mouth shut till the end of the class and maybe your questions will be answered. Lol. I just put 285s on -38 offset rims on my 4runner. Now THAT rubs 😫

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Yeah, it's all a balancing game. I went back and forth between 275, 285 and 255/80/17 (pizza cutters). Then given my budget I pulled the trigger on 275s. A lot of folks including Tinkerer's Adventure are starting to consider pizza cutters. They seem like a great way to get true 33's but those are also only E load. And then you likely will have speedometer issues, and need a recalibration and tune. It gets complicated fast!

[@Treetopflyer777]

@@JasonExplainsThings it sure does. I had BFGoodrich KO2s in 275. I changed to Mickey Thompson, Baja boss AT 285s. But I screwed up and bought E load. I completely agree with your sentiments. E load are just too much for the average person on the 4runner. That’s my opinion too. Putting on the 285s with the -38 offset created soooo many problems. I’ve got them sorted now. For the most part. But going from 275 to 285 is a huge jump in nightmares.

[@JasonExplainsThings]

@@Treetopflyer777 Thanks for the info! It'll help other folks.

[@bonifaciomagdiwang1697]

I think i keep my 265 70 17 stock size BF Goodrich

[@cs_cabrone9012]

Just found your channel. What a refreshing energy you have! You brightened my mood with your excitement and enthusiasm!

[@aevnate4140]

Those Salta XRs are my favorite wheels. Looks great!

[@jeffhoffman6553]

Love your content Jason. The new look of the T4R loks sick with the new tires and wheels!!!

[@davestewart9146]

Love it, looks great Jason 👍😁

[@ChaiNinja]

I’m running my 2010 limited with ko2s c load and the same stage 2 eibach suspension. No rubbing issues at all. I watched all your videos on the 4Runner it’s the reason I choice eibach. Thank you so much. I installed the suspension myself. Now running method 703 😊

[@palierto]

Looks great with the new upgrades! When I moved to Ellensburg, one of the first things I did was price out a set of the Wildpeak AT3s for my 4Runner.

[@vladm4966]

That's a really good looking 4 runner! Also, got to love that central WA landscape.

[@TREVORJB101]

Jason. I care about you. I'm so happy for your KZbin success. God bless you, brother!

[@JasonExplainsThings]

It's a struggle on the backend but I'm trying. More on that soon actually.

[@Chesapeake_Frontier]

They look great! I thought the stock wheels looked really good too. Either way your 4runner is looking nice!

[@jason.hartson]

Great video Jason. I'm "that guy" who says to run E load. I've got 285 70R17 E Load on a 0 offset wheel and have run them for 3 years. Up here in the Rockies, I would have constant sidewall punctures if I ran C load tires, and I rarely touch sand. I'm quite surprised to hear so many comments about guys having problems with E load tires. I did roughly the same bumper adjustment you did, plus did UCA's to help push castor forward and had zero rub issues. I've since done a mild Viper cut as my steel bumper isn't in the budget yet. Love the build, as a daily I think you'd got it dialed nicely.

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Yeah these preferences are likely regional which makes a lot of sense.

[@BADD400]

Sweet tire wheel combo and thanks to Nate of his rim explanation of offset.

[@aevnate4140]

Glad I could help!

[@TinkerersAdventure]

Congrats! I wish there are more options of C load tires. I’m on E load solely because that’s the only option for the size and model I want.

[@JasonExplainsThings]

💯

[@victoryengineer]

Nice, I've got the Eibach Stage 2R as well and love it.

[@Bisonmaczr2]

Nice looking wheels!

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Thanks Mike! I agree. I like that they're pretty unique on a Toyota.

[@fodera0915]

Thank you Jason for this Video!

[@eg2947]

Yes! Yes! Yes! looking to get new tires for my '21 4Runner... I'm new to this off-road world so I have been spending a lot of time researching... Really like the BFG KO2 but am struggling to pull trigger because of their heaviness, mpg was already struggling... I appreciate the tip on the Falken Wildpeak, I will check them out... So far how have the treated you?

[@snoboyz3]

Excellent explanation on upgrading to 275 size tires/wheels on the 4Runner. Agree 100% on going with load range "C" for non rock crawling applications, highway ride, etc However the Falken AT3s are one of the heaviest 275 tires out there at 58 lbs. Compare them to Nitto Ridge Grapplers, Toyo Open Country RT, etc. Falken AT3W has been replaced by the AT4W per Discount Tire.

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Good point. They are not light.

[@punxnotdead3873]

Thanks for all your videos. Are you still at factory eiback setting 2 inch, than 1 inch in back from spring correct? Im looking to buy the same and researching tires currently. Wildpeaks vs ridge grapplers. Has your fronts leveled out nicely after some miles as well?

[@anilbouri1485]

nice video, just some observations about using WAZE for mph analysis. On an OEM setup I noticed that waze over reported speed by 1-1.5 mph, meaning the car was actually going a bit slower than what the cruse control was set at. When I looked up tire specs for a 275/70/17 (0.6 inch taller overall and 1.9% more circumference compared to an OEM 265/70/17 ) the overall diameter is larger becasue the sidewall is 60% (same sidewall as OEM) of a wider tire compared to a 265... you probably are going 1-2 mph faster within a range of 30-90 mph, respectively, with your new setup. That may account for why waze is showing you a similar number to what your cruise is set at.

[@RobertoFarrenPhoto]

Great video as usual, really enjoy your content! I've been watching and following along in the background as I'm in the process of building my "21 OR 4Runner as well and it's been interesting as I've been considering many of the exact same things. I've ended up going with a mild 1.8" Dobinson IMS lift on the motor and now my next step is for new wheels and larger tires, which I'll do in spring after the winter as I'm not interested in adding wheel/tire weight going into the snow season and decreasing my braking performance. I'm currently on the Wildpeak AT3Ws in the stock size and SL load rating as the those SLs have a different silica compound that work better in the snow compared to the LT options. I've been looking at those 275s and still debating but given their overbuilt nature (for Jeep OEM tires apparently) the weight of them is a lot especially when compared to the 285 E load variant. That said I'd rather go for a better all round ride with the C load and will be interesting to hear your thoughts as you drive them a little more both on and off road. I think for me if I can manage the cost, I'll be going with a winter tire and wheel set up of my current stock wheel and Falken SLs for better on road performance and then adding a summer set up of Method beadgrip wheel (offset just slightly more than your AEV wheels, which do look great I must say!!) and then going all in on a 285 tire, but going with the Wildpeak RTs (not 3 peak rated) in the C load in that size which comes in 6.3LB heavier than the 275 AT3Ws. If I'm going to add the weight at this point then 6.3lb more for a 285 ain't bad and won't have to regear as 285s should run just about OK on the stock setup. Will defo require the BMC as it's a true 33" and 12" wide compared to 11.1 for those 275's but that's likely going to happen down the road anyway and Main Line Overland are a great outfit so trust they will do a tidy job there. I might think about a Powerbrake upgrade at the same time to help rein in the heavier wheel/tire addition. Have you looked to improve the braking set up yet on your 4RNR, got to say the stock ones aren't anything to write home about! Agreed on the pain of chasing other issues once you make one change though, feels like you're chasing your tail sometimes with these mods. Maybe after the winter I'll reconsider and end up with those 275s in the end as well!

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Yeah time will tell. My next step is to go get an alignment done. It’s been almost 3 years so it’s time. The only concern I have is the weight. Yeah the new RTs look rad. Again I didn’t go that route because I’ll only by snow rated tires.

[@RobertoFarrenPhoto]

@@JasonExplainsThings I'm coming round to the idea of those 275's I've got to say. How are you finding them so far?

[@TheReligiousLeft]

We also did 2 inch front lift with 275’s. Great combo IMO

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Nice.

[@jlll1152]

@@JasonExplainsThingshi how much lift on the back?

[@IndependenceOverland]

Those wheels are bad ass

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Thanks! Love your videos by the way. 🙌

[@toddmanning7844]

Very informative video Jason, thanks! I've ordered a 2024 5th gen. 4Runner and like your mods. What make of front bumper do you have? I like that it contains a hidden winch and slots for LED lights. Thanks!

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Here’s a video all about it. I have a discount code as well in this video’s description: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sJ-uaI2nmq2BiJYsi=Ivs3bQ_fEW1-imPF

[@InGratitudeIam]

I love Falken Wildpeak AT3Ws on my TRD Pro. I went the "pizza cutter" route with 255/80 on the OEM wheels giving me a 33" diameter. No rubbing, no body mount chop required. It was time for new shocks and springs. I went with Elka 2.5s, Eibach springs and a 2.5" lift. I get much better traction now. And for those real muddy trips, I have Geolandars, same size/wheel combo waiting in the wings. Life is good.

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Awesome. That sounds like a very smart way to go.

[@InGratitudeIam]

@@JasonExplainsThings Thanks. I did re-gear to 4.56s because I've also added a bunch of weight to the 4Runner. That made a huge difference in performance and made off-road obstacles much easier to navigate as well. Your rig is looking great!

[@mapintil]

Were you able to mount a spare in 255/80 under the truck?

[@Modollas4me]

New wheel and tire combo is looking sweet! Question where did you sell your old set of wheels and tires?

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Facebook Marketplace.

[@Modollas4me]

​​@@JasonExplainsThings Awesome thank you

[@renfro64]

Love the new tire and wheel setup. I have a couple questions. When you had the tires installed by discount tire, did you purchase new TPMS sensors from them for all five tires or did you supply your own? Also, did they have to use a TPMS scan tool to program the sensor positions? I'm considering a similar setup and want to add a TPMS sensor to the spare for a 5-tire rotation option. Thanks.

[@andrewward4246]

so you gained .3" of an inch total height for ground clearance? I think I'll just keep my tires stock, vs the trade off in mpg. Thanks for the video!

[@J.Young808]

I was looking at getting 275’s for my TRD OR-P instead of the 285’s mainly for fitment and mpg.

[@RobertoFarrenPhoto]

Hey Jason hope you’re still digging that set up. Ended up going with the Open Country RT Trails in 285 C load on the Method bead grips in the end and love how in came out. Quick Q for you, did you swap your TPMS sensors out and if so which ones you go for? I opted for some Bosch ones and they don’t play nice with the 4Runner, wondered if you had something different especially having seen your other TPMS vid with the Autel system. I opted for some short stubby valve rubber stems from Hamaton so looking for something compatible as they don’t work with the Toyota sensors. Nice work on the AEV vids as well man, awesome stuff!! Cheers, Bob.

[@jimotten6206]

I went with 255-75-17s on my 2016 4Runner , they off road much better in rocks and desert sand. There 32 1/4 “ across . The stock tires 265-70-17s they were 31” across. Lost 1.5 mpg, standard load range. Off-road characteristics are much better now

[@koalafan1576]

I think you did well.

[@pn312]

My 285 r70/17s C rated BF Goodrich KO2s have been really nice for me. E load rating is for heavy weight trucks carrying heavy cargo with higher air pressures. Sidewall puncture strength is not a part of the load rating. My size KO2s are offered in both C and E load versions. The E load version is about 8 or 9 lbs heavier per tire. Unsprung rotating weight has a significant effect on suspension and braking performance and stress on the components. Off-road, aired down to 18 psi, my 4Runner rides like a Cadillac.

[@sharingstoke]

How’s it on road?

[@pn312]

@sharingstoke I think it's great. I haven't driven a lot of other setups, but it's my daily driver, and I find it very comfortable. People say KO2s are not very good in the wet. I'm conscious of a wider tire that may hydroplane on standing water, so I'm pretty careful in the rain, but I've never had a problem.

[@trailrunnah8886]

Looks fantastic! It's funny, I was looking at these wheels a few hours before I saw this video. Love the look, but the weight turned me off. I've ruled out most sizes of Falkens for the same reason. You mentioned gas mileage, I'm curious to see your update on these, I'm thinking such a heavy combo is going to absolutely murder your mileage, unfortunately.

[@JasonExplainsThings]

I’ll definitely keep you all updated. In the past week it’s been the same as normal (16 mpg driving around town).

[@trailrunnah8886]

@@JasonExplainsThings oh no kidding? People talk about rotational weight so much, I thought there'd be an immediate difference. I'm getting 20.5 avg with mine on stock size General ATX, but I do mostly highway. When I get around to installing my lift (Eibach 2.0R) I'd really like to go 255/80, but I have the same concerns as you.

[@gibstera5580]

I have 4runner SR5 2017. I did Bilstein 6112 medium duty springs front with 2 inch lift, and Bilstein upper control arms. Rear 5100 heavy Bilstein springs 1.5 lift. I also have two Faulkner Wildpeak 275 on stock SR5 wheels for almost two years. I love them. Low road noice. Good mileage. Never so far ever got stuck, and they look good. I am thinking of getting Method wheels to regain some weight over the stock wheels, but at a hefty price. Wonder if there any suggestions for good light weight wheels. Great video, and thank you for sharing.

[@JasonExplainsThings]

I’ve heard very good things about methods.

[@gibstera5580]

@JasonExplainsThings expensive, though very nice

[@NilesProductions]

Wheels look really good on your 4Runner. Are you going to swap them back and forth with your Tacoma to see what it's like to run bigger tires on your truck?

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Some side by side comparisons sound like a great video idea. :-)

[@rossipremier]

I stayed stock size on the 40th anniversary bronze heritage wheels, in a BFG KO2 load range C for all the same reasons you mentioned. I have E load on my F150, with 34in dia and 17unch wheels and they are heavy....but twin turbo don't care 😂

[@JasonExplainsThings]

I love those bronze wheels. I have similar ones on my Tacoma. 🤩

[@zalllon]

Interesting how you are rubbing with 275s. Guess it does have to do with your rims. I’m surprised you mentioned re-gearing, since the only guys in the local 4Runner group whose vehicles struggle or have re-geared are 34s and bigger. I’m running 285/70s Toyo Open Country AT3s, with added weight on the truck. I copied you on your original lift set up (Eibach Pro 2, non resi), and only had mild rubbing on the finder liner in front of both tires (lift set up is 2” / 1.25”). I agree with you on the E load, as the tires I got are C load. To fit the full size spare (which I rotate into the use of my truck every 5K kms), I air it down. One of the reasons I went with the Toyo C load vs E load was weight as well, so I’m running about 16 lbs a corner more, which I initially felt a bit (but after 8 months old feeling gone). As far as speed accuracy, there are some web tools that provide a decent reference for an estimated % change in speed. For 285/70/17s I believe it’s about 2.8%, which to me is negligible, so I’m assuming 275/70/17s is half that.

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Yup, think it has to do with the wheels.

[@sha6mm]

I have been thinking about this tire size on a 2022 TRD Pro. Wish I knew if they will rub ? 275x70 17R this is exactly what I want on my rig.

[@JasonExplainsThings]

On stock TRD wheels they might or might not. If they do it won't be much. Everyone says different things. I'm just sharing my experience. :-) I think the offset and wheel thickness contributed to it rubbing in my case. Again, so minimal it didn't take much to fix it.

[@nismo370z4]

Would have been nice to see you do a weight comparison between them. I run 255/80r17 Ridge Grapplers on TRD wheels for summer and stock wheels with 265/70R17 Duratracs for winter. Weight difference is only 9.9lbs. Weight is a real concern for braking, performance, mpg, and cv shaft life.

[@trailrunnah8886]

Yeah, adding 22lbs rotational mass is huge. As soon as I saw the combo I knew it would be heavy.

[@JasonExplainsThings]

I appreciate it guys. I’ll keep you updated.

[@aevnate4140]

@@trailrunnah8886 The wheels and tires are each a bit heavier than stock. It is always a trade-off with larger tires come more weight. The AEV wheels are heavier than the stock wheels but they are wider and stronger. You don't want your wheels to crack while offroading.

[@trailrunnah8886]

@@aevnate4140 I get it, makes sense for an off-road rig. I think they're fantastic looking wheels. If I wasn't concerned with weight and mileage/driveability(This thing is slow enough as it is lol) I would consider a set for my own 4Runner. Not really concerned about cracking a wheel though, I don't think many people are sending a 5th gen 4Runner that hard haha. Toyota stuff aside, I have to say I'm in love with the new AEV Colorado/Canyon. Great job on that!

[@LacBr_77]

What tool did you use to trim the plastic?

[@whippersnappercc]

I have a set of Wild Peaks in the stock size on order. They only come in E rated or SL in the stock size so I went with the E. I still have time to chicken out. Will I regret getting the E? I live in SW WA so will be driving a lot in the GP Forest. The guy at the tire store said the E's will last longer. They are heavy suckers, though, but not any heavier than what you are running. What do you think?

[@JasonExplainsThings]

There’s a lot of folks going each way. If it were me, and you wanted to go stock sized, I’d suggest KO2s since they’re lighter. I put 27k miles on them and they were excellent.

[@JasonExplainsThings]

But you do you my friend. It’s all about what you do, and your own experience.

[@whippersnappercc]

Haha! If only I had the self confidence to feel like I was "doing me", but, alas, I am asking for advice from strangers on the internet. I just got the call this evening that my tires were in. I hope I don't regret it but I suppose I need to just suck it up and make a decision! They are giving me $300 for the stock tires. The guy who owns the tire store wasn't trying to snooker me, I believe he thought he was giving me the best advice based on what I told him I wanted. Maybe after a year or two of learning the ropes I'll go crazy and start lifting it and stuff. I'm just looking forward to getting out there and I love the rig so far!@@JasonExplainsThings

[@joenungaray9153]

Did you have any steering wheel vibration issues, balancing issues?

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Nope.

[@culley65]

I looked into these 275 wildpeaks but saw they weighed like 60+ lbs each .. which would would be 20lbs per tire heavier than stock. I just went with 285s and oddly I don't rub.

[@trailrunnah8886]

Same. A big factor for me is tire weight, based on that I've ruled out Falkens, other than the 255/80/17 size which seems to be around the same weight as most others in that size. I've also looked into these wheels, they're fairly heavy too. Are you running the 285s on stock wheels?

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Good points... you're exaggerating a tiny bit (they weigh 57 lbs) but not much. I'll definitely be updating everyone as time goes on. I could feel the weight off road for sure. Here's the specs so you know I'm not making stuff up: www.falkentire.com/wildpeak/at3w

[@culley65]

@@JasonExplainsThings Oh you're right! I thought they were like 68lbs (just going off of memory when I shopped around) -- 57 isn't bad!

[@J.Young808]

The Falken Wildpeak AT3W have been reported to be better in winter than the KO2’s

[@JasonExplainsThings]

I’ve heard the same from some guys who’ve had both.

[@user-yw6hc7kr7c]

With new tires and suspension, have you considered regearing?

[@JasonExplainsThings]

I went with 275 so it wouldn’t be necessary.

[@jason7231]

Discount tire lists these at 32.4. Can't beat these tires, always happen w them.

[@StopTargetingOurKids]

Now I'm concerned, i have the same lift sitting in the garage and black rhino 17x9.5 +6 with 285x70x17 on the way. Looks like ill have to cut the front in off 😂

[@JForr64]

So you bring up tire weight, well I chose a 285/17 ko2 c load for that very reason. These tires are actually 7 pounds lighter than the Falken 275/70s!

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Like I said I'd go with the millercat shield in most cases unless you're doing pretty intense rock crawling.

[@ezfly5680]

I want to do the same size. Same tire on my 4runner. My only problem is price. You can get the 285s cheaper. But dont know if I want to go that big.

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Really? I guess because they’re more common?

[@ezfly5680]

@@JasonExplainsThings I think so

[@jcmorrison5487]

I love my 275 Destination XTs; they are the lightest I’ve found for comparable tires. Since you may not be locked into the wheels, check out fnwheels konig 6 shooters which have a 0 offset & lighter than stock. Gotta save weight where ya can!

[@J.Young808]

Wow someone in the PNW that doesn’t go to Les Schwab. 😮 How is Yakima these days? I left in 2010

[@JasonExplainsThings]

It's great. Has it's problems but overall I love living in this area.

[@clsmediarealestate7105]

Did you notice a mpg loss with these?

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Extremely minimal… if at all. Modifications on the 4Runner have slowly chipped away at the MPG.

[@clsmediarealestate7105]

awesome thank you, thinking of getting these for our gx470, currently running 265/70/17 at 46lbs so these will be a huge increase in weight@@JasonExplainsThings

[@Winterfell1066]

Less than an inch different in total tire diameter. What are you really getting for the money in performance over the stock tire and wheel?

[@charleslanphier8094]

Won't steer, handle or ride the same, hello new suspension. Goodbye mpg

[@JasonExplainsThings]

😂

[@AP24673]

Hey bro quick question I wanna buy a wheel with bead locks.. but my concerns is Does the beat locks can get rust in the future? Just wondering..🤔

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Not sure! AEV does sell Crestone wheels that are bead lock capable I believe. I’ll ask my buddy Nate if he has any suggestions.

[@jgonzo88gmail]

Looks good. Couldnt do the falkens due to them being on recall for the p metric size. Did a 1.88" bilstein 5100 lift, 1" cornfed rear spacer. American Outlaw gunslinger 17x8.5 with 265/70r17 SL Toyo Open Country AT3

[@daveadams2899]

love the saltas, great choice! sometimes i think about swapping my borahs for a pair of black saltas 🫢

[@punxnotdead3873]

Thanks for all your videos. Are you still at factory eiback setting 2 inch, than 1 inch in back from spring correct? Im looking to buy the same and researching tires currently. Wildpeaks vs ridge grapplers. Has your fronts leveled out nicely after some miles as well? Did you install new tpms sensors

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Short answer is yes… but I’m likely going to add the load leveling collar and a heavier duty spring in the back. The new heavier spare tire has caused the rear to sag more. It was already an issue when we tow our trailer all loaded up.

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Yes, new TPMS sensors. I sold the old set complete with sensors.

[@punxnotdead3873]

@@JasonExplainsThings that will deff help towing , thx!

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Yes! Looking forward to doing a video on that in the next month or 2.