285/75R16 (~33x11")

This was the first modification I did to my 4Runner. I originally had them in the 265/75R16 (31x10.5"). The MT/Rs (Maximum Traction Reinforced) are at the top of the pack when it comes to off-road traction and street performance. With their soft-gripping, deep (19/32") tread and extremely tough three-ply sidewall, this is what I was looking for in tires. Being on a rocky shelf road on an incline and having a tire go flat that needs changed does not excite me in the least.

Also, sharing characteristics of a mud terrain tire, they will not cake up as easily in the mud as an all terrain tire would since the lugs have a wider void which allows them to self clean easier. Many others have indicated they don't do well in the mud, but I have to say they have performed flawlessly for me in the few times they've been in small patches, usually being able to turn out of a deep rut and make their own path. They've also performed excellent in deep snow. I have no complaints.

Of course, their on-road manners shouldn't go unnoticed either. The MT/Rs are top-notch as well with their relative quietness and good handling for having such an aggressive tread pattern. They typically last around 45,000 miles. I did have one set that lasted 55,000, but the front ones were fairly bald at that point.

As of September 2009, I have switched to the second generation, kevlar MT/Rs. They were only $1 more than the previous model, so I figured I'd give them a try. However, they are marginally bigger (either taller wider, or both) at the same size than the old version as I have considerably more rub in the back of the front wheel wells. I'm not sure what I'll do the next time around, as unfortunately, the first generation ones appear to be on their way out.