Underground TRD Sport on Westcott lift kit, Open Country AT3 285/70/17 tires, RRW RG6-s 17x8.5 +25 offset wheels

Westcot lift kit
RRW RG6-s 17x8.5 +25 offset wheels
Toyo Open Country AT3 285/70/17

Had to remove the OEM front mud flaps

I am a complete rookie at all of this so I apologize if this question is seemingly moronic…why does it seem like many with the ORP drop from an 18” to a 17” wheel? Thank you.

adVic said:

I am a complete rookie at all of this so I apologize if this question is seemingly moronic…why does it seem like many with the ORP drop from an 18” to a 17” wheel? Thank you.

Click to expand...

The smaller wheel gives you an opportunity to increase the sidewall height of the tire. That gives you more traction when you air down and gives you a better ride at the proper PSI.

Thank you

mevera87 said:

Westcot lift kit
RRW RG6-s 17x8.5 +25 offset wheels
Toyo Open Country AT3 285/70/17

Had to remove the OEM front mud flaps

Click to expand...

How is the ride quality for daily driving? I have that lift in hand and getting it installed in a month.

mevera87 said:

My commute to work is a hr each way. It’s not bad.

Click to expand...

828findadventure said:

How is the ride quality for daily driving? I have that lift in hand and getting it installed in a month.

Click to expand...

My commute to work is a hr each way. It’s not bad. Gas millage went down from 20 to 15 at 73 cruise and 17 at 70mph on cruise

mevera87 said:

My commute to work is a hr each way. It’s not bad. Gas millage went down from 20 to 15 at 73 cruise and 17 at 70mph on cruise

Click to expand...

Thank you, I sold my 21 Tundra to get the 4Runner so the gas mileage is still better, but I sure do wish we had bigger gas tanks.

This a great Chat GPT question, here is what I found.
17-Inch Wheels
Advantages
More sidewall (taller tire profile) → better cushioning and ride comfort, especially on rough roads or off-road trails.
More flex in the tire → improves traction on rocks, sand, and mud.
Easier to air down for off-roading without risking rim damage.
Disadvantages
Less sharp handling on pavement compared to a lower-profile tire.
Can look “smaller” aesthetically if you prefer a sportier, more aggressive wheel appearance.
.
18-Inch Wheels
Advantages
Lower-profile tire (shorter sidewall) → more responsive handling on pavement.
Can clear larger brakes (if you ever upgrade brakes, sometimes 18s are required).
Slightly more “premium” look for some people.
Disadvantages
Harsher ride on rough roads since there’s less sidewall cushioning.
Less forgiving off-road → greater chance of bending a rim or pinching a sidewall when aired down.
More expensive tires in this size range.
.
Larger Tires (Regardless of Wheel Size)
Advantages
Improved ground clearance → better for off-road obstacles.
More aggressive stance & look → fills out the wheel wells.
Wider contact patch → can improve traction in sand/mud.
Disadvantages
Reduced fuel economy (heavier and more rolling resistance).
May require trimming or a lift depending on how big you go.
Speedometer/odometer gets thrown off unless recalibrated.
Slower acceleration & more strain on drivetrain (especially with very large/heavy tires).
.
Rule of Thumb for a 4Runner:
If you’re mostly off-road or mixed use → stick with 17s and a taller tire.
If you’re mostly on-road and want sharper handling/appearance → 18s can make sense, but you give up some off-road comfort.
Most 4Runner off-road enthusiasts prefer 17-inch wheels with larger all-terrain tires (e.g., 265/70R17 or upsizing to 285/70R17 with a mild lift).