Tire size and weight - Base Bronco

[TrailCrawler25]

New ‘25 base. Not planning any build mods. It’ll be a local runabout with an occasional desert or mountain mild/moderate trail run. No rocks.

I like the tall skinny retro look and subscribe to the taller the better it looks theory. So I start my research.

I am keeping the 16” steelies.

I REALLY like how it drives in the stock set up. Don’t mind a little compromise but don’t want to go down that inchitis rabbit hole and create a fat pig.

Stock 255/70 is 30x10 at 32lbs (starting point) - probably misleading me a bit assuming these are WAY lighter than what the base suspension and steering is actually designed for.

Options: (average numbers)

265/75 is 32x10.5 at 40-45lbs - seems like a reasonable weight increase, but is the aesthetic that much better?

255/85 is 33x10 at 50lbs (Falken MT01) - looks like a better aesthetic, but now pushing 20 lbs per corner increase (60% over stock)

285/75 seems to be a popular 33x11.5 - but those are all pushing into 60 lbs each, nearly double stock weight.

Comments on this thought process:
- 285/75 seem too fat and heavy for my needs?

- 255//85 seems good, but is the weight worth 1” over the 265/75?

- 265/75 seems like a no brainer, but will it look kinda small in the bronco wheel well?

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[dgorsett]

I've always thought the 265 is just the right look. Since you say you like tall and skinny the 255 is the way. The 285 is by far the most popular moderate tire on this forum. As far as weight, so long as your not going 35 or bigger you'll probably be fine. You can probably go LR C in your off road use, I use LR E for desert and rock running but worth the weight to me.

I'm BB so 17", but for me the debate is 265 which I have now in a 32" or 255 which are easy to get in a 33 or even 34. For me 285 is too wide as I'm trying to maintain the ability to chain up.

I've got a few thousand miles to figure it out.

 

[TrailCrawler25]

Does BB sit higher than base model?

If that photo is 32”s on a hoss 1.0 height- it’s super helpful as it looks good to me

 

[Brian_B]

Does BB sit higher than base model?

If that photo is 32”s on a hoss 1.0 height- it’s super helpful as it looks good to me

Shouldn’t - stock the only real difference is 16 -> 17” rims

 

[Snacktime]

285s as the width helps with sand and soft stuff. You are dealing with a 5,000lb rig which doesn't seem to favor narrow tires. The minimum tire I would run would be 33x10.5 and would strongly suggest a 33x11.5. This would keep you in the same capability range as stock SAS bronco so you can go on Bronco Group Trail Runs.

 

[CitrusBronco]

33x10.5 is my vote.

 

[TrailCrawler25]

Me too. Just not sure if 1” in height is worth 20 lbs each.

 

[HoosierDaddy]

I've ran 35x11.5 17s on my Base 2.3 4.46 7spd.
I recently switched back just to change up the looks for a bit.
At 100lbs each , yes you can feel it, but it wad not as drastic as i thought it would be.

I'd be all over the 255/85 if I were staying with the 16" wheel.

As for me, I need winter street safety , so I'll probably go with my 17" methods and 285/70s , Mickey Thompson AT's.

The 33.1" 255/85-16 mud terrains give me pause come sleet and snow time.

 

[dgorsett]

Does BB sit higher than base model?

If that photo is 32”s on a hoss 1.0 height- it’s super helpful as it looks good to me

The BB in the photo has 1.5" lift and 265/70x17. ...BBs sit at the same height as Bases.

 

[dgorsett]

33x10.5 is my vote.

For my information, what tires are available in a 10.5x33. What I'd really like is a Falken Wildpeak in 265/75 or 80 x 17 as metrics are usually more economical (read cheap)

 

[CitrusBronco]

For my information, what tires are available in a 10.5x33. What I'd really like is a Falken Wildpeak in 265/75 or 80 x 17 as metrics are usually more economical (read cheap)

You’re going to need to do some homework on that. Sorry

 

[TrailCrawler25]

My research Approximate for 16”:

235 = 9.5” wide
235/85r16 = 31.7”
43-48 lbs range

255 =10” wide
255/85r16 =33”
55-60 lbs.

265 =10.5” wide
265/75r16 = 31.7” tall
40-45 lbs range

285 = 11.5” wide
285/75r16 = 33” tall
55-60 lbs range.

Sweet spot might be
255/85r16 Falken MT01 (33” at only 50lbs)

or

265/75r16 (32” with options in the 37-45lbs range)

 

[TrailCrawler25]

DONE!

255/85 16. Falken MT01.

Still feels peppy and agile. MT road noise is noticeable over stock. Seems like a natural and capable fit for a run about and occasional desert runner.

Looks bitchen as far as I am concerned.

 

[not on the rug]

285s as the width helps with sand and soft stuff. You are dealing with a 5,000lb rig which doesn't seem to favor narrow tires. The minimum tire I would run would be 33x10.5 and would strongly suggest a 33x11.5. This would keep you in the same capability range as stock SAS bronco so you can go on Bronco Group Trail Runs.

This. For performance and for looks. These trucks are heavy and they also just look silly on anything smaller than a 33.

 

[dgorsett]

DONE!

255/85 16. Falken MT01.

Still feels peppy and agile. MT road noise is noticeable over stock. Seems like a natural and capable fit for a run about and occasional desert runner.

Looks bitchen as far as I am concerned.

Very nice. Trying to wear out my 265 Falkens so I can get that 255x33 goodness.

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