Running 33" Tires on the 5th Gen 4Runner

The 5th gen 4Runner's front fender opening is slightly more generous than the Tacoma's, which means 285/75R16 (33.8" actual diameter) clears cleanly at 2.5" of lift without any trimming on most builds. At 2", these tires may graze the front mud flap bracket at full compression and full lock — trimming the plastic bracket resolves it in minutes. The 295/70R17 (33.5" diameter) in the 17" size is the alternative, but it's more expensive per tire, requires 3"+ lift for clean clearance on the 4Runner, and the 17" size reduces sidewall height which is a disadvantage for off-road cushioning and airing down.

Tire compound and tread pattern matter more than brand loyalty. The BFG KO2 remains the all-terrain benchmark — excellent wet traction, proven trail performance, and tread life of 50,000+ miles under normal conditions. The Falken Wildpeak AT3W has overtaken the KO2 in several independent mud and wet traction comparisons at a slightly lower price. Cooper's ST/MAXX is a mud-terrain pattern that's quieter than most MTs while retaining genuine muddy terrain capability — worth considering if the 4Runner sees mixed use.

TPMS sensors require attention when switching to aftermarket wheels. The 5th gen 4Runner uses a tire pressure monitoring system with sensors clocked to the OEM wheels — a swap to aftermarket wheels requires either transferring the OEM sensors to the new wheels (possible with most designs) or purchasing aftermarket-compatible sensors. Confirm sensor compatibility with your wheel vendor before ordering. The system will throw a fault code until sensors are reinstalled and relearned.

For builds running the stock 17x7 OEM wheels, note the relatively conservative 4.5" backspacing — 285/75R16 in a 16x8 aftermarket wheel with 4.75"–5" backspacing gives better clearance than cramming a 285 onto the OEM 17" wheel.

Steps

1. Confirm current lift height; 285/75R16 requires minimum 2" for clean fitment, 2.5" for zero contact
2. Order tires; plan for simultaneous wheel upgrade if OEM wheels have inadequate backspacing
3. Have tires mounted and balanced at tire shop; transfer or install TPMS sensors
4. Install wheels on vehicle; torque lug nuts to 90 ft-lb in star pattern
5. Test clearance at full lock in both directions and at full bump before trail use
6. Trim plastic mudflap bracket if needed for 2" lift clearance
7. Perform TPMS relearn procedure per owner's manual (or have the shop do it at tire install)
8. Recheck lug torque at 50 miles

Why it works

• 285/75R16 fits cleanly at 2.5" lift without any trimming on the 5th gen 4Runner
• Taller sidewall compared to 295/70R17 — better trail cushioning and lower air-down pressure threshold
• 16" size is more affordable than 17" equivalents across all tire brands
• BFG KO2 and Falken AT3W are proven AT choices in this size with wide dealer availability
• No gear ratio change required for normal trail use at 33" diameter

Trade-offs

• 295/70R17 on the 17" OEM wheel requires 3"+ lift — more clearance needed than most assume
• TPMS sensor transfer or replacement adds $50–$150 to the install cost
• Taller tires reduce fuel economy 1–2 mpg typical — more pronounced on highway
• 285/75R16 on OEM 17" wheels can work but wheel offset may cause inner fender contact on some builds — confirm before committing
• Cooper ST/MAXX is louder on pavement than AT-pattern tires — a real trade-off for daily drivers

Tools required

• torque wrench
• breaker bar or impact
• floor jack
• jack stands

Parts

Sources

• 4Runner World Tire Fitment Guide
• BFGoodrich KO2 Specifications

Related

• Wheel Selection for the 5th Gen 4Runner
• Mid-Tier Lift with UCAs — 2.5"–3" Lift ($1,000–$2,500)
• Budget Lift Kit — Bilstein 5100 and Spacers (≤$600)
• All Toyota 4Runner guides & tools
• Browse the full DIY database

Written and maintained by an AZ wheeler and driveway wrencher. How we source guides. Always cross-reference your factory service manual — modifications affect vehicle safety and warranty. Work at your own risk.