Nitto Ridge or Trail? 265/70 or 285/70 17’s?

[Lurch Church]

Hello, I’m a new member here from Land O Lakes, FL

I’ve read through dozens of threads here, the information is great, thank you guys!

I’m split in my decision on 2 things right now and can’t make up my mind:
I have a 2005 Explorer Eddie Bauer 6cyl 2WD that I’m putting on the eBay 2”/1.5” strut spacers, taking off the running boards, and putting 2” wheel spacers on the stock 17”x7.5” rims. I’m mostly going for the “look” since it’s street driven most of the time.

So, first- Nitto Ridge Grapplers or Trail Grapplers? If they wear the same, then I like the more knobby look of the Trail version, however- I can’t imagine that with less contact area touching the road that it would last as long as the Ridge model. Any experience?

Second- I know the sane thing to do is to get 265/70r17s at 31.65” tall but the 285/70r17’s look more extreme at 32.65” tall and a little wider. I may have to trim a little plastic but I don’t mind that.

Any suggestions either way- on either decisions would be highly appreciated!

 

[Lurch Church]

I decided to go with Nitto Ridge Grapplers 265/70r17's. I don't want to do the body lift, and the 3.73 gear ratio will be affected less with the shorter tires. I think the larger tires will rub too much also.

I'm also getting the BTF uni-ball upper control arms for safety, does anyone have a used pair for sale?

 

[Lurch Church]

I changed my mind LOL
When I showed up at the tire store and saw the 265/70r17's they were just too small.
I'm going up to a 33x12.50r17 with 2" wheel spacers, Rancho quicklifts, 2"/1.5" strut spacers, and BTF uniball UCA's.
I'm sure that I'll have to trim a whole lot of inner fender well and maybe even some of the outer fender lips, but it will look a whole lot tougher. I'm hoping I won't have to do the body lift too, but will if I have too. Mounting 12.50's on stock 7.5 rims is a little shady too (8.5 recommended), but a whole lot of people on the Jeep Forums do it all the time.

 

[JW]

I have 285/70-17s on my 2003 with the BTF arms and spacers (stock Limited wheels with 1/4" spacers). Rubbing is minimal against the plastic and the fender liners, and I contact the frame at full lock, but that's it. I'd probably have even less if my struts didn't have 200,000 miles on them.