Made the tire downsize from 35" to 33"

LCOceans

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Land Cruiser First Edition, 4Runner TRD Pro, Lexus GX470
Exactly 1 year ago I changed from the stock NItto Grapplers sized at 265/70/18, to 285/75/18 Toyo Open Country AT III tires (34.8") along with BBS Forged wheels, and at the same time added the Dobinsons suspension and associated parts including diff drop, upper control arms and panhard rod. The truck drove like a dream and I have really enjoyed driving it. But I was conflicted about the tire size from the start, and have been curious about a slightly smaller tire size for several reasons.

So after much more research, yesterday I switched to the Toyo Open Country EV in E load at 275/70/18. Overall I am happy with the move. Here are my thoughts for what it is worth:

1. Reset the mileage calculator as I left Discount Tire and enjoyed watching it instantly jump from 18 to 21.6 on a 4 mile drive home at low speeds and stoplights. I don't think I was getting quite that good of MPGS in city on the OEM 31" tires, so maybe something good about these EV's. Look forward to a drive on interstate.
2. Enjoy the idea of being able to carry a spare underneath without needing a swing out gate on back.
3. Truck does feel slightly more nimble and quick although not as much as one would expect. Regardless, it gives me peace of mind that I am not stressing transmission by hunting for gears, etc. Also feel that stress would have been exacerbated in sand or mud.
4. The tires have very aggressive look and for EV's look very capable. I like that I went E load for durability and only added about 3lbs per tire from the SL version ( I was told the SL version is being discontinued).
5. While I did not get any rubbing while normal driving, I have no doubt now with lift and 33.2" tires and 11" width, that I will have zero issues now with any potential rubbing even in full articulation and wheel lock.

The downside - simply the lower clearance. It's only by about .8" but still it is noticeable. Not too much. Overall I am happy and I think I made a good change. But to those with larger tires I will probably be jealous of you!! Keeping the 35"s in case I change my mind😂

Comparison photos- tempImagedOQ3Dp.webptempImageprx9Og.webp
 
Looks great & nicely done. Your acceleration is gonna feel like you got a tune! Braking should be much better in a panic stop as well.
What do the 33” EV’s weigh - like 45#?
 
Looks great & nicely done. Your acceleration is gonna feel like you got a tune! Braking should be much better in a panic stop as well.
What do the 33” EV’s weigh - like 45#?
Thank you!! I admit when I first saw it I thought the tires looked so small. But 24 hours later and they don't seem too bad really. Just a different look with more open space in the wheel well.

I am told the SL's are 44-45lbs and the E load is 50lb so it is more like a 5 to 6lb difference.
I went back on forth on this too - in the end Discount Tire could not source the SL for me and all good as I was leaning towards E load with such a small difference in weight, considering I would be airing down at times and wanted the higher strength sidewall.
 
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