I have an '88 Toyota pickup that I usually drive once a month to the parts store, etc. It still has stock rims/tires sizes. It needs a couple of tires now, but I have a situation... I have 4 new tires that would fit, but are 15 inch, instead of the factory 14. I don't know whether to buy four 15 inch cheap rims or just get new 14 inch tires. Would there be any benefit having 15 inch rims and tires in basic street driving and would it hurt my power and/or mileage, considering it is a little 4 cyl.

Any comments welcome.

 

Hey Unwind, you will be able to make the change. Some things to keep in mind though...the bigger wheels may rub on the front unless your toy is lifted. The other thing is it will affect mileage/power, but it will be hardly noticable. The only benifit of having bigger tires/wheels...look & ride height. If I had 4 new tires already I would just buy the wheels. Hope this helps.

 

You might experience a little more wear on the front suspension. Like Bordercat said, you will want to check the clearance. Not only on the fenders, will a good bump rub the tires, but can you fully turn the steering wheel without the tires rubbing anything on the inside wall of them.

For the most part, I'd say you should be fine with the 15" wheel/tires.

 

If the dimensions of the larger wheel are the same as the stock (offset, etc) and you don't change the outer diameter of the tire size, you won't notice any difference other than possibly a slightly stiffer ride.

Unless you are going to save a considerable amount of money, I wouldn't change the wheel size. There may be a few more tire sizes and brands for 15" wheels (am speculating here) but I have noticed that a lot of the time when I see "Tire Blowout" sales at PepBoys, etc, they list 14" tires as the sizes that are so cheap.