Does any one feel there is a big difference in balance issues between these two sizes? I have run both but have slight vibrations problems still and wondered if going back down to a 265 would make much difference? Any thoughts or experiences?

 

I can't think that there should be a problem with balance reguardless the size of the tire. That is not too much a difference in sizes( 265 or 285) I just installed a set of 285's on my truck and they balanced fine. Maybe there is a bit of a problem with the tires themselves?

 

A 285 tire should balance out just like any other size.

So are you saying that with 265's you had no balance problem, and now with 285's you do? I'm not really understanding .

 

My 265 Coopers previous had almost no weight on them but my 285 Michelins have quite a little, not sure on how much. I don't know if that is an issue but it does take more to balance them.

 

Thats not a problem between tire size differences but brand differences. Another thing to keep in mind is that the balance job is only as good as the person operating the machine.

 

Keep in mind that, as tire size increases, mass increases. What would have been small flaws in molds of a smaller tire size get magnified if similar flaws occur in tires of a larger size. I've seen some huge tires take several ounces to balance and other take almost no weight. However, I can't remember EVER seeing smaller tires taking more than, say, 5-6 ounces. Rims are another potential trouble spot. If you're fond of mashing curbs or rock-crawling with low psi and you bang up a rim, it'll get out-of-round causing the balance machine to indicate the need for excessive weight. Generally, if you treat your rims right and use quality, name brand tires, you should have little problem balancing them.

One final thought: move the tires with the most weights added farthest from you--back passenger side, back driver side, front passenger side, front driver side should be the order of tires but weight differences should ideally be negligible.

 

On the topic of 285s, is there any rubbing issues on a stock suspension equipped 1997? I'm going to change out the stock 16 inch wheels and tires for some 17 inch wheels and hopefully some 285/70-17 tires.

 

You shouldn't have any problem if it's a 4x4 model. 2WD models will have issues with the larger 285 size. A stock 4x4 will show clearance issues with 315's as they will rub the control arm at full turn. Hope this helps

 

The backspacing plays a big role in what size tire fits with rubbing or no rubbing.

 

Has anyone used the ceramic beads for balancing their tires instead of lead weights?

 

I used the beads instead of the weight once.
While they seemed to work well,.....
The installer HAS to (mine didn't) use a special filtered valve stem when using these.
If not, the beads get caught in the valve stem when air escapes as you check the pressure, causing a slow leak and an overnight flat tire.
(don't ask me how I found this out)
Went back to lead weights with my last tire purchase.