MUDS! Does size really matter?

Submitted: Friday, Feb 10, 2006 at 11:49
ThreadID: 30632 Views:2058 Replies:6 FollowUps:3
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Does Size Really Matter when it comes to M/T's?

I would like to hear comments from people who have tried 31" M/T's and also 33" M/T's and maybe 32" as well who can give me an off road comparison.

P.S - I'm not competting in the "Up to your eyeballs in MUD Challenge", but do use them for 4x4 tips a few times per year where M/T's are almost essential. My little old ute had 30" STT's and they were great for that car, but the cruiser is a fair bit bigger.

Cheers
NUTS!
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Reply By: Truckster (Vic) - Friday, Feb 10, 2006 at 12:03

Friday, Feb 10, 2006 at 12:03
It all depends on where you drive.

The larger the tire, the wider apart the lugs usually are which cleans better. But having said that, again, all depeonds on where you are driving, terrain, conditions, and rut depth
AnswerID: 154280

Follow Up By: Member - JohnR (Vic)&Moses - Friday, Feb 10, 2006 at 13:47

Friday, Feb 10, 2006 at 13:47
right on Bruce but also the contact length is important as at that stage the tyres have cut through the crud and got to the whatever below. The longer the contact length the more to grip with. Tyre pressure can be important too for that and freeing the mud between the treads as you talk about above.
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FollowupID: 408264

Reply By: desert - Friday, Feb 10, 2006 at 12:46

Friday, Feb 10, 2006 at 12:46
There is no right answer. 31 are cheap and will lower your gearing a tad, depending on what you are driving; 32's will keep that gearing pretty much as is; I run 33's as they allow a tad more ground clearance, don't upset the gearing too much and have a soft, flexible side wall for a cushion ride. Each size will do the job just a little bit differently.
AnswerID: 154284

Reply By: Crackles - Friday, Feb 10, 2006 at 16:51

Friday, Feb 10, 2006 at 16:51
Yes size does matter & up to a point the bigger the better.
The only way to get real ground clearance is bigger tyres & when driving through a bog hole if several people have gone through before you with oversized tyres often you be left stranded on your diff. The larger rolling diameter makes it easier to drive over or out of holes & as previously mentioned bigger tyres generally have a more open tread pattern. Wider tyres will grab the side of ruts where skinny tyres often spin.
The down side is reduced fuel consumption, higher gearing, speedo out by 5 to 10% & poor braking. Generally going up 2 tyre sizes from standard will give increased four wheel ability without the need to modify gaurds, gearing etc.
Cheers Craig............
HZJ105 Cruiser with 285/75 MTRs & 255/85 BFG MTs.
AnswerID: 154332

Follow Up By: Shane (QLD) - Saturday, Feb 11, 2006 at 09:55

Saturday, Feb 11, 2006 at 09:55
Crackles,

Just a point , ever wondered why all the Cockies run around with skinny tyres on their 4'bys, I can tell you from first hand experience. Wide tyres in the mud out in Western QLD are bl--dy useless, they do not have the ability of the narrow tyre to dig down to the hard stuff quickly & your all over the road like a mad womens sh-t. In fact they can be very dangerous at times at speed in mud.
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FollowupID: 408402

Reply By: NUTS! - Friday, Feb 10, 2006 at 17:03

Friday, Feb 10, 2006 at 17:03
Thanks for the replies everyone.

Do most people run two sets of shoes? 33" for trips and standard for around town?

I've found the 33" MTR's are a pain when driving around town, regret taking off the 31" ST coopers and im thinking of saving up some $$ so i can run two sets...???

Cheers
NUTS!
AnswerID: 154337

Follow Up By: SteveL - Friday, Feb 10, 2006 at 19:36

Friday, Feb 10, 2006 at 19:36
Save up and run two sets.Also get a compressor ,rattle gun and a good trolley jack.It'll make the job a lot easier.-Steve
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FollowupID: 408354

Reply By: Member - Brian (Gold Coast) - Friday, Feb 10, 2006 at 18:27

Friday, Feb 10, 2006 at 18:27
Lotsa people do that..... depends how lazy you are... I am WAY too lazy for that!!!!!!
AnswerID: 154352

Reply By: NUTS! - Sunday, Feb 12, 2006 at 11:33

Sunday, Feb 12, 2006 at 11:33
Yeah, ive got the rattle gun and compressor already, and might take your advice. The 31"s handle so much better driving around town but I love the 33" off road with the extra clearance and traction....

Now I just need the $$ !!!

Anyone selling the following cheap:
1 x 33" (285/75/16) M/T
4 x 31" A/T (for 15"rim)

Cheers
NUTS!
AnswerID: 154540

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