33x9.5 or 10.5 AT KOs?

[noahsjeep]

Howdy,

This is my first time posting on the Expedition Vehicles forum. I really dig what many of you guys are building.
Firstly, here's my rig:

http://img2.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/ce86a029be.jpg (http://www.freeimagehosting.net/)

Anyway, I have decided to build it into more of a DD/Highway/offroad explorer (in that order).

I'm running Chevy axles with Toyota 6" rims. My gears are 3.07 & tires are 34x9.5 ss narrow tires. Got a V8 with 700R4 tranny.

With my present rims am I better off with the 33" tall 9.5s or 10.5 wide tires? I know that BFG sez 9.5 is more appropriate. 10.5s would look better on my rig though.

I'm curious about wear, ride, rolling resistance & traction differences.

Suggestions?

Noah

[Elwenil]

You are worried about what looks better? Are you sure you are on the right forum?

[DMG]

You are worried about what looks better? Are you sure you are on the right forum?

He also asked about "wear, ride, rolling resistance & traction differences". Learn to read.

[xface]

go with the 10.50's thats the setup I am running on my 03 Sas'ed Xterra. I love them ride good and still keep pretty decent gas mileage. lets see some pics.

[PAToyota]

BFG lists a 6.5 to 8.5 wide rim for the 9.5s and a 7 to 9 for the 10.5.

With it being a DD firstoff, you aren't going to get good wear with such a narrow rim.

[MikeyD1]

I would say go for the 10.50's they are actually taller than the 9.50's.

IMHO the 33x10.50 is one of the best all around sizes for a DD/wheeler vehicle. I wish more tire companies made that size.

[noahsjeep]

BFG lists a 6.5 to 8.5 wide rim for the 9.5s and a 7 to 9 for the 10.5.

With it being a DD firstoff, you aren't going to get good wear with such a narrow rim.

Agreed. I couldn't help but be swayed by LOGIC (hey, there's a 1st time for everything). I like the 10.5s, but with 3.07 gears I need all the help I can get, and I'm too cheap to buy new rims at the moment.

Anyone running these 33x9.5's ATs?

Thanks everyone.

[mrbishi]

Surely a set of 4 black steel rums in a 7 or 8" width isn't too much especially when your splashing out on the tires? You'll probably regret it later and wish you had gone the 33x10.5s.

[RustyNailJustin]

The 33 10.5 are a perfect size for a street and light trail truck IMO and they look great too.

[noahsjeep]

Surely a set of 4 black steel rums in a 7 or 8" width isn't too much especially when your splashing out on the tires? You'll probably regret it later and wish you had gone the 33x10.5s.
Yeah, probably... lot's of areas on the heep to take care of however, not just tires. Every little bit saved helps.

[strong_like_tractor]

Have you thought about a 255/85R16? 34x10.5" there are more choices in this size. Although you will have to switch to 16" wheels.

JP

[PAToyota]

Agreed. I couldn't help but be swayed by LOGIC (hey, there's a 1st time for everything).

With the 6.5" recommended rim even for the 9.5s I'd really consider getting a decently wider rim for either tire. And if you're getting new rims, get ones that work with the 10.5s.

Especially with highway miles being your main consideration, the wider rims will mean more even tire wear. The cost of the rims will be part of the equation of not replacing the tires as often.

[82FB]

I had a set of 33x9.5's and for a 33 I loved them. Steering was effortless, and the small contact patch made for great traction in shallow mud. If you are stuck on those 6 inch rims, go for the 9.5's...

[MR4WD]

For Alberta Wheelin get the widest you can buy. If you venture into the rockies and farther west, get the skinniest/toughest rubber.

[noahsjeep]

Great comments from everyone. Much appreciated!

If ya'll got any pics of these tires on your ride, post em if ya got em:)

[gabroxy]

Which is better suited for the sand ?
I know that the 10.5 have larger surface area for flotation but I always see our military jeeps & defenders running 9.5.

[noahsjeep]

Yeah, I'd figure the 10.5 would beat the skinny brother there. I wonder if the engineers consider milage & transport/storage fees & overall cost compared to the wider meats...

[82FB]

If you plan to go in the sand, definitely get the 10.5 and some cheap rims... The 9.5 looks to be much less than just the nominal one inch narrower.

[noahsjeep]

http://img2.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/7b404474a7.jpg (http://www.freeimagehosting.net/)
Well here she sits with the new tires.
http://img2.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/764c0485e3.jpg (http://www.freeimagehosting.net/)

[82FB]

Looks amazing!!! (where's the pic?)

[MilspecXJ]

Looks good... you went with the 10.5's?

I cant quite wrap my mind around what your rig is... or was. Stretched 5.. 6 or M170 ambulance perhaps? Have a build thread?

[noahsjeep]

Looks good... you went with the 10.5's?

I cant quite wrap my mind around what your rig is... or was. Stretched 5.. 6 or M170 ambulance perhaps? Have a build thread?
Thanks man! Naw, went 9.5s for practicality over looks since I have 6" rims & don't wanna spend more on rims right now. These tires ride soooo smoooth:).

Build thread... good question. I'm still not sure what I'm creating half the time.

Hope this helps:

http://pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=591513&highlight=noahsjeep

http://pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=619961&highlight=longish+continues

http://pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=668645&highlight=longish+cj

[ginericfj80]

A little late now, but you would have been fine with the 10.50s on those wheels. Those are FJ60/62 wheels (15x6), tons of people have run 33x10.50s with great success. There are even more who have run a 31x10.50s which is the same width but a shorter tire. I've run both the 33x 9.5s and the 10.5s on those wheels. To be honest, there was not much noticeable difference in performance.