Will 265/70R17 Fit a Stock Tacoma?
If you’re considering upgrading your Toyota Tacoma’s tires, you might be wondering whether a 265/70R17 tire will fit your stock truck. The tire size you choose can affect performance, aesthetics, and the overall driving experience. In this article, we’ll explore whether the 265/70R17 tire size is compatible with a stock Tacoma.
Understanding Tire Size Notation
Before we dive into the specifics, it’s important to understand the tire size notation. The 265/70R17 size breaks down as follows:
- 265: The width of the tire in millimeters, measured from sidewall to sidewall.
- 70: The aspect ratio, or the height of the sidewall as a percentage of the tire’s width. In this case, the sidewall height is 70% of the tire width (265 mm).
- R17: The tire is designed to fit on a 17-inch wheel (the diameter of the wheel in inches).
Will 265/70R17 Fit a Stock Tacoma?
Stock Tacoma Tire Size
The stock tire size for most Toyota Tacoma models, particularly for standard trims like the SR5, is typically 265/65R17 or 255/75R16. This means the 265/70R17 is slightly taller and wider than the stock size, but let’s break it down to understand if this will fit.
Width and Fitment
The 265 width (in millimeters) of the 265/70R17 tire is very close to the stock tire width (usually 265 mm for stock tires), so the tire width should not cause any issues with the fit. It’s essentially the same width, meaning the tire will likely fit within the wheel wells without rubbing.
Height and Ground Clearance
The 70 aspect ratio on the 265/70R17 tire gives it a taller sidewall compared to a 265/65R17 tire (the stock size). The sidewall height is approximately 1.2 inches taller than the stock size, which can increase the overall tire diameter. The overall diameter of the 265/70R17 tire is approximately 31.6 inches, compared to the stock 265/65R17, which is about 30.6 inches.
This extra 1 inch of tire diameter will raise the ground clearance slightly. In most cases, this won’t cause any issues with clearance, but in certain situations, such as when turning at full lock or during suspension travel, there may be slight rubbing depending on the trim and wheel offset.
Potential Issues to Consider
While the 265/70R17 tire size is likely to fit your stock Tacoma, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Wheel Wells and Clearance: If your Tacoma is heavily loaded or has a lot of suspension travel, you might experience slight rubbing, especially when turning or going over bumps.
- Suspension Lift: If you have a lifted Tacoma, the clearance for larger tires will be better, allowing more flexibility in tire size options. A stock Tacoma may have some tight spots that can cause rubbing.
- Speedometer Accuracy: The slightly larger tire size can affect your speedometer readings because the overall tire diameter is slightly bigger. Your speedometer may read a bit slower than your actual speed.
- Fuel Economy: Larger tires can slightly affect fuel economy, as they may increase rolling resistance due to the larger diameter.
Conclusion
In most cases, 265/70R17 tires will fit a stock Toyota Tacoma, especially if it’s a newer model with 17-inch wheels. The tire is only slightly taller than the stock size, so it should not cause significant rubbing issues under normal driving conditions.
However, if you often drive in rough terrain, off-road, or have a heavy load in the bed, you might want to check for potential rubbing before making the switch. Additionally, if you’re looking for a significant performance boost or are planning to go off-roading frequently, upgrading to a suspension lift or considering different wheel offsets might provide even more clearance.
Always consult with a tire professional or your local dealership to confirm compatibility based on your specific Tacoma model, trim, and any modifications you may have made to the vehicle.
FAQs
1. Can I fit 265/70R17 tires on a 2019 Toyota Tacoma?
- Yes, the 265/70R17 tires will generally fit a 2019 Toyota Tacoma as long as you’re using 17-inch wheels. There may be slight rubbing under certain driving conditions, but it should work for most stock configurations.
2. Will 265/70R17 tires rub on a stock Tacoma?
- Generally, the 265/70R17 tire size should not cause rubbing on a stock Tacoma, but it depends on the model and the suspension condition. If you’re experiencing rubbing, you may need to adjust the tire size or make minor modifications.
3. Is there any advantage to using 265/70R17 tires on my Tacoma?
- The 265/70R17 tire will provide slightly more ground clearance, which can be beneficial for off-roading or tackling rough terrain. It also offers a slightly larger contact patch for traction, though it might affect fuel efficiency slightly.
4. Do I need a lift to fit 265/70R17 tires on my Tacoma?
- No, a lift is not typically required for 265/70R17 tires on a stock Tacoma. However, if you plan to go larger than this, or if you want to ensure extra clearance for off-roading, a lift kit can provide additional space for bigger tires.
5. Can I go bigger than 265/70R17 without modifying my Tacoma?
- Going much larger than 265/70R17 may require modifications such as a lift kit or adjusting the wheel offsets to avoid rubbing and clearance issues. It’s always best to consult with a professional before making significant upgrades to your tire size.
