Upgrading a Land Cruiser 100 with aftermarket wheels and tires delivers immediate off-road performance gains. When it came time to add our first upgrades to OVR’s LC100 project vehicle, wheels and tires were the obvious choice. We selected Nomad Wheels’ 501SA Convoy in Salt white paired with Toyo Open Country A/T III tires to enhance both capability and style. Here’s why aftermarket wheels and tires make sense for off-road enthusiasts, and how our chosen setup performs on and off the trail.
The Land Cruiser 100 Series platform responds exceptionally well to wheel and tire upgrades, with gains in both capability and aesthetics. For our LC100 project build, we prioritized a setup that would enhance off-road performance without compromising daily drivability.
After extensive research into Land Cruiser 100 wheel fitment options and all-terrain tire performance, we landed on a combination that checks every box: Nomad Wheels’ 501 Convoy in 17x8.5 with zero offset, mounted with Toyo Open Country A/T III tires in 34x10.50R17.
This combination addresses the LC100’s needs while working within the constraints of the 100 Series platform.
Why We Chose Toyo Open Country A/T III Tires
Choosing which tire to go with is a difficult decision as there are many great options out there. We ultimately chose to go with Toyo Tires’ Open Country A/T III tires.
Toyo Open Country A/T III Tires: Why We Chose This All-Terrain
The Open Country A/T III all-terrain tire is one of the newer all-terrain options on the market and is designed not only to supply high amounts of traction when off-road, but also to have responsive on-road handling too.
Toyo A/T III Performance Features
What’s more, it’s said to be quiet on the road too, which was an important factor for us. We were looking to avoid the head numbing droning sound that’s associated with some off-road tires while cruising around town or on the long distances we drive in order to get to a trail.
Another bonus is that the Open Country A/T III’s sidewall and tread sports an attractive, aggressive look as well.
Tire Size Selection: 34x10.50R17 Explained
As for tire size, we went with a “pizza-cutter” style narrow fitment in 34x10.50R17LT sizing. Its inflated factory specs list this size at 33.5” in diameter and 10.6” in width. This is about two-and-a-half inches taller than the tires we are replacing, which is a bonus.
Being a taller tire, we did worry about rubbing issues up front due to our pretty much stock vehicle height, but we’ll get into that in a moment. First, let’s talk wheels.
Nomad Convoy 501SA Wheels: Design and Construction
Again, there are plenty of fantastic choices for wheels on the market. We wanted a classic steel wheel look for the Land Cruiser so Nomad Wheels made it an easy choice for us to make.
The company’s 501 Convoy wheel features a classic look that is reminiscent of basic steel wheels but with a cleaner, much more modern aesthetic. This design makes the wheel easy to wash too, which is another bonus.
The wheels are crafted from Nomad’s FormLite construction out of A356-T6 aluminum alloy, which make them light in weight and sturdy enough to easily endure the punishment of off-road driving.
Zero Offset Fitment for the Land Cruiser 100
Our set is sized in 17x8.5” with a zero offset. Convoy’s zero offset wheel fitment is ”pushed out” when compared to Toyota’s stock wheel, which gives the Land Cruiser a wider track.
This also lends it a more aggressive wheel-well-filling stance as well. We really like the look of the Convoy and appreciate its design details such as the company’s slogan, ”For The Wayward Individual” that appears on the reverse side of the wheel.
501 Convoy is available in black, gray and the color which we chose, a shade of white aptly named, Salt.
Weight Comparison: Our Tundra Wheels vs. Upgraded Nomad Setup
Bigger wheels and tires also mean heavier overall weight. The 17” Toyota Tundra and Cooper Tire Discoverer AT3 4S’s in 275/65R18 we were replacing weighed about 69 lbs., 10 oz. each, while our new upsized Nomad and Toyo setup weighs about 79 lbs., 5 oz. each.
Including the spare on the back bumper, that’s nearly 52 extra pounds that the vehicle is now carrying. That’s just something to keep in mind if you choose to go with larger wheels and tires. For a look at the visual side-by-side size differences, take a look at the gallery below.
Will 34-Inch Tires Fit a Stock Land Cruiser 100?
To better safeguard against potential trail hazards, we opted for sturdy metal valve stems in a shorter length compared to common rubber ones. This choice ensures increased strength and enhanced protection against damage caused by obstacles encountered during off-road adventures.
Installation Process and Clearance Testing
It’s also worth pointing out that the Nomad Convoys require a “tuner” style lug nut, which is slimmer than the standard lug nuts that Toyotas come with.
With the tires mounted and balanced, we excitedly installed them onto the Land Cruiser, wondering if the larger diameter front tires would clear the wheel wells.
The LC100 is lifted in its rear with heavy-duty OME springs, which probably raises the truck about 2” to 2.5”, so rear fitment wasn’t going to be an issue.
The front, however, features stock suspension components but is probably raised about an inch over stock height. One of the LC100’s previous owners probably adjusted the front tension bars to get that minimal lift.
Rubbing Issues: Our Real-World Experience
We found that the front tires do rub a small amount, but not enough to really worry about. When the wheels are turned 90% to the left or right, the outside tread of either tire will contact the fender lining.
It makes a rubber on plastic rubbing noise when in motion but it barely misses contacting any metal surface in the wheel well even under some suspension flex.
That said, we will look into trimming the liner and maybe hammer back a seam weld near the potential contact point. It’s something that’s common to do on LC100’s when large diameter tires are installed.
Toyo A/T III and Nomad Convoy Performance Review: On-Road and Off-Road
We’ve taken this wheel and tire set up on several trail runs so far and we’re more than thrilled with the set. Not only does it give the LC100 a whole new look, but the tires are noticeably capable and very quiet on the highway.
The white Nomads are attention grabbers for sure, we’ve gotten a few compliments on their looks both on and off the trail.
Enhanced Traction
Off-roading often takes you through challenging environments, including muddy trails, rocky paths, and sandy dunes. Aftermarket tires are specifically designed to provide improved traction and grip on such terrains.
Specially designed tires feature deeper treads, aggressive patterns, and specialized rubber compounds, allowing your vehicle to maintain traction even in the most demanding conditions.
The enhanced grip ensures you can power through obstacles, ascend steep inclines, and navigate tricky descents with confidence.
The intended use of our 100 Series Land Cruiser is overlanding and off-pavement exploration. For LC100 owners who regularly tackle challenging terrain, the Toyo Open Country A/T III provides enhanced traction, so enhanced traction in the form of more capable tires is an obvious upgrade to go with.
Improved Strength
The Land Cruiser 100’s substantial curb weight of approximately 5,500 pounds demands wheels that can handle both the vehicle’s mass and off-road punishment. The Nomad Convoy’s aluminum alloy construction is designed to carry the weight and weather the copious amounts of trail abuse that will be thrown at it.
These rugged adventures can be punishing on your vehicle’s wheels and tires. Aftermarket options are often built with robust materials and reinforced construction to withstand the rigors of off-road driving.
These components are designed to resist punctures, sidewall damage, and rim bending, ensuring that you can push your vehicle to its limits without worrying about wheel or tire failures.
Alloy wheels are stronger than steel wheels and are often times lighter, increasing not only wheel strength but increasing your rig’s range too.
Running Larger Tires: Ground Clearance Benefits
Many drivers choose to go with larger than stock wheel and tire sizing to increase vehicle ground clearance and to have a larger contact patch.
Increased ground clearance is crucial for off-road vehicles, as it determines the maximum obstacle size your vehicle can tackle without getting stuck.
Upsized aftermarket wheels and tires can help increase your vehicle’s ground clearance and overall traction, allowing you to conquer larger rocks, fallen logs, and other obstacles. Another benefit to taller tires are taller sidewalls, which allow more “meat” when tires are aired down.
On the Land Cruiser 100 platform, moving from the common 275/70R16 factory size to our 34x10.50R17 setup adds approximately 2.5 inches of ground clearance.
Customization & Personalization with Aftermarket Wheels
Aftermarket wheels and tires offer a wide range of options to suit your style and preferences. From sleek and aggressive designs to classic and rugged aesthetics, there is a vast selection of aftermarket products to choose from.
By selecting the right combination of wheels and tires, you can transform the appearance of your vehicle and make it stand out from the crowd. We were excited to spruce up the Land Cruiser’s looks by selecting a new set of wheels.
Land Cruiser 100 Wheel and Tire Upgrade Cost and Performance Impact
Upgrading wheels and tires is one of the most noticeable changes you can make to a Toyota Land Cruiser 100 Series, but it’s also one of the easiest places for costs and trade-offs to add up quickly. For the OVR LC100, we kept things relatively straightforward and budget-conscious.
Pricing Breakdown: What to Budget
On the pricing side, it’s best to think in terms of ranges rather than fixed numbers, since both wheels and tires tend to fluctuate throughout the year. The wheels we used typically retail around $339 each but can often be found on sale closer to the low-$200 range depending on promotions. Tires in this category generally land in the $300–$350 range per tire. For a full set of five wheels and five tires, that puts the total package roughly in the $2,500 to $3,200 range before mounting, balancing, and any additional shop fees. It’s still a significant investment, but one that aligns with most mid-tier overland-focused wheel and tire setups.
Comparing This Setup to Other 100 Series Options
When it comes to comparing this setup to other popular options in the Land Cruiser space, there are a few common directions people go. Many stick with factory-style 16- or 18-inch wheels paired with all-terrain tires. Others step up to more aggressive hybrid or mud-terrain tires for added traction, often paired with heavier-duty wheels. Those setups can offer more grip in extreme conditions, but they typically come with increased road noise, added weight, and a hit to daily drivability. Our approach leans more toward balanced use—something that works on the trail without making highway miles a chore.
Fuel Economy Impact of 34-inch Tires
Fuel economy is one of the first things people ask about after going to a larger, heavier tire. In our case, there was a noticeable but small impact. We saw roughly a 1 mpg decrease in fuel economy after the switch. That aligns with expectations—larger tires add rotational mass and change gearing slightly, both of which require more effort from the drivetrain. It’s not dramatic, but it’s there, especially on longer highway drives.
Speedometer Accuracy After Tire Upgrade
Speedometer accuracy is another common concern, especially when changing overall tire diameter. We didn’t recalibrate the speedometer after the install, but we did make some informal observations. At an indicated 65 mph, the actual speed appears to be about 5 mph faster. This wasn’t measured with any precise instrumentation, so consider it a rough reference rather than a hard number. Differences in tire size, wear, and even GPS readings can all affect the outcome, so results will vary depending on your exact setup.
Taken together, these are the kinds of real-world factors that don’t always show up in spec sheets but matter once you start living with the vehicle day to day. The added capability and stance are immediate, but it’s worth going in with a clear understanding of the costs and small compromises that come with it.
Final Thoughts
The combination of the Toyo Tire Open Country A/T III’s with Nomad Wheels’ 501SA Convoy Salt is just the wheel and tire setup we were looking for in terms of looks and performance.
If you’re an off-road enthusiast seeking to take your 4x4 vehicle to new heights, investing in aftermarket wheels and tires can be a game-changer. With improved traction, increased ground clearance, enhanced durability and the opportunity of personalization, we think this upgrade is a no-brainer.
Nomad Convoy Center Caps (Article Update)
While the Land Cruiser’s front hubs don’t allow for many center caps to fit, we found out that Nomad Wheels makes an optional deeper center cap to remedy this problem. We were happy to install them to the front of our LC100 for a more complete look.
Land Cruiser 100 Wheel Fitment Guide: What You Need to Know
To learn more about the offset of OVR LC100’s wheels, you will want to read this article too.
Wheels & Tires
Toyo Tires
Toyo Tires’ Open Country A/T III
Size: 34x10.50R17LT
Nomad Wheels
501 Convoy
Size: 17x8.5 | 5x150 | +0
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