The 2004 Toyota Trucks 4Runner sits in the early years of the fourth-generation SUV, a period when Toyota blended traditional body-on-frame utility with more refined everyday drivability. That mix makes tire choice especially important, because many of these trucks now serve double duty as commuter, trail vehicle, and long-term keeper. This 4Runner uses radial tire fitments in either 265/65R17 or 265/70R16, depending on sub-model and wheel setup. The main decision is less about vintage-style construction and more about confirming the correct rim diameter, then choosing a tire that matches the truck's intended road and light-trail use. Getting that starting point right matters before comparing sidewall style, load capacity, or all-terrain character.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 2004 Toyota Trucks 4Runner
Two primary tire sizes apply to the 2004 Toyota Trucks 4Runner, and the correct choice depends first on the exact sub-model and wheel diameter. Both are radial metric sizes, but one fits a 17-inch rim and the other fits a 16-inch rim. Before comparing tire options, confirm whether the truck is a Limited, SR5, or Sport and verify the actual wheel size on the vehicle, especially if wheels have been changed over the years.
265/65R17 is a metric radial size that uses a 265-millimeter nominal section width, a 65-series profile, and a 17-inch rim diameter. On the 2004 Toyota Trucks 4Runner, this size is part of the primary fitment and is used on 17-inch wheel applications. Its role is straightforward: matching the correct wheel diameter comes before any other tire decision. Once that is confirmed, the next step is choosing a tire that suits how the truck is actually driven, whether that means maintaining a stock-style overall stance or selecting a more utility-focused radial within the same fitment.
265/70R16 is also a metric radial size, with the same 265-millimeter nominal width but a 70-series profile on a 16-inch rim. This size applies to certain 2004 Toyota Trucks 4Runner configurations and should not be confused with the 17-inch fitment simply because the section width is similar. Available choices in this size can include an all-terrain layout such as the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 with raised white letter sidewalls. It is the size to evaluate when the truck runs 16-inch wheels and the owner wants to balance fitment, load capability, and a more rugged tire presentation.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 2004 Toyota Trucks 4Runner because tire size is not the same across the full lineup. Limited and Sport models use one primary size, while SR5 can appear with either 16-inch or 17-inch wheel fitment, so confirming the exact truck and wheel setup is the first step.
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2004 Toyota Trucks 4Runner Limited
The 2004 Toyota Trucks 4Runner Limited uses the 265/65R17 radial fitment. Tire selection here starts with the 17-inch wheel, then moves to choosing a radial that matches the truck's everyday road use, ride expectations, and overall appearance.
The 2004 Toyota Trucks 4Runner SR5 is the sub-model that needs the closest fitment check because it can use either 265/65R17 or 265/70R16. That makes wheel diameter confirmation especially important before comparing tire options, sidewall styling, or more trail-oriented tread choices.
The 2004 Toyota Trucks 4Runner Sport uses the 265/65R17 radial size. With the size established, the practical decision becomes choosing a tire that supports the vehicle's intended mix of street driving and utility use without drifting into the wrong rim diameter.
The tire sizes listed on this page assume factory-standard vehicle configuration. The following modifications may affect tire fitment and are not reflected in this guide:
Suspension changes (lowering, lift kits, spring replacements)
Body alterations (fender modifications, custom bodywork)
If your vehicle has been modified from factory specifications, verify tire clearance before purchase.
Best 2004 Toyota Trucks 4Runner Tires for Sale
Available product choices for 265/70R16 include BFGoodrich in the All-Terrain T/A KO2 series, with radial construction, raised white letter sidewalls, and rim-width compatibility suited to 16-inch wheel applications. That gives buyers a useful comparison point if the 4Runner is set up for a more rugged all-terrain look.
These 2004 Toyota Trucks 4Runner FAQs focus on the two correct tire sizes, sub-model differences, 16-inch versus 17-inch wheel fitment, product-selection factors, and the maintenance checks that matter before putting a used SUV back into regular road service.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 2004 Toyota Trucks 4Runner?
A 2004 Toyota Trucks 4Runner uses either 265/65R17 or 265/70R16, depending on sub-model and wheel setup. Both are radial metric tire sizes, and the key difference is the wheel diameter: one fits a 17-inch rim and the other fits a 16-inch rim.
The most important step is confirming what is actually on the truck before ordering tires. Limited and Sport models use 265/65R17, while SR5 can use either size, so the sub-model helps narrow the choice but the wheel diameter should still be checked directly on the vehicle.
What size rim does a 2004 Toyota Trucks 4Runner use?
The 2004 Toyota Trucks 4Runner uses either a 17-inch or 16-inch rim, depending on which tire size applies. The 265/65R17 fitment uses a 17-inch rim, while the 265/70R16 fitment uses a 16-inch rim.
That difference matters because tire sizes with similar width numbers are not interchangeable across different wheel diameters. A quick check of the wheel itself or the existing sidewall marking will settle the issue, which is especially useful on SR5 models or on trucks that may have had wheel changes over time.
Do all 2004 Toyota Trucks 4Runner sub-models use the same tire size?
No. The 2004 Toyota Trucks 4Runner Limited and Sport use 265/65R17, while the SR5 can use either 265/65R17 or 265/70R16. That means the lineup does not share one universal tire size across every covered sub-model.
Sub-model identification is helpful, but it should not replace a wheel check. The SR5 is the reason this matters most, since two primary fitments are possible, and a truck with replacement wheels can differ from what the badge alone might suggest.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 2004 Toyota Trucks 4Runner?
Start with the correct primary size for the truck: 265/65R17 or 265/70R16. From there, compare construction, intended use, sidewall style, rim-width compatibility, and load capacity rather than assuming every tire in a similar size serves the same purpose.
A 4Runner used mostly on pavement may call for a different tire character than one that sees dirt roads, towing, or trail work. The smartest comparison is between tires that match the actual wheel diameter and vehicle use, with enough attention paid to clearance, load needs, and overall tire presentation.
What sidewall styles are available for 2004 Toyota Trucks 4Runner tires?
One available sidewall style in 265/70R16 is RWL, or raised white letter. That treatment gives the 2004 Toyota Trucks 4Runner a more traditional truck and SUV look compared with a plain black sidewall presentation.
Sidewall style does not change the need to start with the correct tire size and wheel diameter. Once fitment is confirmed, sidewall treatment becomes part of the visual decision, especially for owners who want a more rugged appearance to match an all-terrain tire choice.
What brands offer tires for the 2004 Toyota Trucks 4Runner?
BFGoodrich is available in the 265/70R16 fitment for the 2004 Toyota Trucks 4Runner. That option appears in the All-Terrain T/A KO2 series, which pairs a truck-focused tread style with a raised white letter sidewall treatment.
Brand selection still comes after fitment confirmation. A buyer should first verify whether the truck uses the 16-inch or 17-inch tire size, then compare the available tire's load rating, rim-width range, appearance, and intended use before deciding which direction makes the most sense.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 2004 Toyota Trucks 4Runner?
A period-style approach starts with the correct original-size format for the truck's actual wheel setup, either 265/65R17 or 265/70R16. On a 2004 Toyota Trucks 4Runner, that usually means preserving the factory-era metric radial look rather than changing to a different diameter or an overly aggressive fitment.
Appearance choices come after the size is settled. A raised white letter all-terrain can lean toward a more rugged early-2000s SUV presentation, while a simpler sidewall can keep the truck looking closer to a stock road-going setup. Exact originality is best checked against vehicle-specific reference material when that level of detail matters.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 2004 Toyota Trucks 4Runner restoration?
Yes, correct tire fitment matters because wheel diameter and tire proportions have a strong effect on how a 2004 Toyota Trucks 4Runner sits and presents itself. Using 265/65R17 where 17-inch fitment belongs or 265/70R16 where 16-inch fitment belongs helps keep the overall look in the right range.
Restoration-minded buyers should pay attention to more than tread alone. The sidewall style, overall stance, and whether the truck still wears its original wheel type all influence how authentic the finished vehicle looks, even when the tire remains a modern radial rather than a specialty collector-vehicle design.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 2004 Toyota Trucks 4Runner?
Yes. Wheel changes, suspension lifts, lowering, different offsets, and body or fender modifications can all affect tire fitment on a 2004 Toyota Trucks 4Runner, even when the tire size itself is one of the correct primary sizes for the model.
A truck that has been altered should be checked for wheel diameter, wheel width, steering clearance, and room at full suspension movement before a new tire is chosen. That matters most on SR5 models, where two factory-size paths already exist and later wheel swaps can make assumptions unreliable.
What should I inspect before driving a 2004 Toyota Trucks 4Runner on new tires?
Before regular road use, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm the tire size matches the rim diameter, and look over the suspension and steering for worn components. Tire pressure, valve stems, lug torque, and visible clearance at the fenders and inner wheel wells should also be checked.
That inspection helps the new tires perform as intended instead of masking other issues. A 4Runner that has spent time parked, used off-road, or fitted with replacement wheels deserves extra attention, since alignment problems, aged hardware, or hidden rubbing can shorten tire life quickly.
How often should tires on a 2004 Toyota Trucks 4Runner be inspected?
Tires on a 2004 Toyota Trucks 4Runner should be inspected regularly, not just at replacement time. Frequent visual checks for uneven wear, cuts, bulges, embedded debris, cracking, and slow air loss are especially worthwhile on an SUV that may alternate between daily use and long idle periods.
A more thorough inspection before a longer trip is a smart habit. Tire pressure, tread condition, and any signs of contact with suspension or body parts should be reviewed, and the check becomes even more important when the truck has aftermarket wheels, modified ride height, or a history of off-pavement use.
