Thank you for the photos.

Nope, I have no clue about tires or tread design. But I know I need new tires before the old ones turn into donuts, 255/65/16.* They are old, dried out and cracks all over.
Even though in bad shape, they have got me through, where some guys with big tires could not.
I drive about 7000 miles a year. 95% on paved roads, and go offroading few times a year.
I have the OME HD lift on it. not much worried about the rubbing than the gas mileage. I also have an ARB bumper that does not help with the gas milage.

Would a thinner tire offset the loss from a bigger tire? (less friction area)? Every little bit helps with gas being at $4.30 a gal in NYC.

Want to be somewhere between 30 and 31". Thinking to go with the 245/75/16 s. The guard dogs look good, but the warden tread seems to have a more solid footprint and I would guess better handling.

Still, I like the agressive look of the guard dog.... yeah its about looks too... its a toy after all....

 

If i had to buy over again I'd go with mud tires. For the gas mileage get a "beater" that's what I am doing.

 

The guard dogs are there off road tire and the warden tread is there snow tire.