I currently have 235/75/16 which are stock on my 2001 F150 2wd, I want some bigger beefer tires. I was thinking of BFG A/T 285 /75/16, or any 33" All-Terrian Tire. I am for sure getting the Daystar 2.5" Leveling kit, and may get the 3" Fabtech Spindle lift later.

My question is because of such a big different in tire size from stock to new tires will I have to regear? if i dont will i notice a big power loss?

Also will the 285/75/16's fit with just the levling kit on my 2x4 just until i get the 3 in lift later?

thanks for any info

 

first off what gears do you have now? i have the 3.55 LS in my 2000 f-150 4x4 and that seems to work fine. i live in dulth mn which is all steep hills. i have flowmaster duals, cold air intake, and a super chips tuner also which help a great deal. it pulls fine with the sled bed and two sleds on it too. if i were to get extra money i would regear to 4.10 gears just for faster acceleration. im not that much on highways for long periods of time so that wouldnt bother me with the VERY slight decease in gas milage. i have the 285/75/16 bf goodrich at ko's by the way. so if you have a 3.55 id say your fine.

 

The Daystar is for 2004+ and 33's will be very tight for a stock 2wd 01. You can get a body lift, which will look much better and no worries about rubbing.

You are talking about doing a 10% effective gear reduction, plus tires that weigh twice the OEM 235's. The tranny will be shifting oddly and you'll notice a performance difference.

 

Daystar does make a coil spacer for the 4x2 97-03 F-150's. 33's would be a good size. I've seen a couple of people actually fit 285's on stock 4x2's but it is an extremely tight fit.

 

Hmm, my mistake. Then, I agree that 33" w/ the 2.5" would look good.

 

ok now that I know they will fit, will I have to regear? i have no idea what my gear ratio is now, its all stock. i really dont want to have to re-gear. and if i lose a couple of hp, thats fine.


so do u think i will be ok with this tire upgrade? (engine wise?)

 

The axle code is on the sticker on your driver's door.

19 = 3.55 open
H9 = 3.55 LSD
26 = 3.73 open
B6 = 3.73 LSD
27 = 3.31 open
18 = 3.08 open
25 = 4.10 open
B5 = 4.10 LSD

10% is a large difference. If you are used to how your truck drives now, you won't like it with 33" tires. At least gear swaps on 2wd trucks are <$500.

 

Yes difinately, take a look at ur gearing because im not sure you could pull off a 33". 285/75/16 could be done though, thats pretty damn close and that would be cuttin close to rubbin in the front, I agree u should go with a 3 inch body lift, u should check out on cardomain 4X2's with 285/75's before u decide...good luck man...

 

Regardless of what you do with your gearing, be sure to check out the Nitto Terra Grappler tires. They are cheaper in price than anything mentioned in this thread and are just as good if not better than the others. The tires have a very aggressive look and are exceptional off road. On road they are quiet and have good manners. I have been running these tires for a few thousand miles and could not be happier.

 

alright i checked my drivers door and i have the 19 = 3.55 open. How would that be pushing 33's?


and if i do need to regear; where do I get them? how much? how much to install (rough estimate)

 

What engine do you have? I have the 5.4 with 3.55 gears and am happy with it's performance with 33 inch tires.

 

I have the 4.6 with dual flowmasters and a K&N FIPK intake


I usually drive senseabily as this is my daily driver so I dont need anything like a 300 hp. so do you think my 4.6 would be ok?

 

It can handle it. Just be aware that it wont feel as fast...and your speedo will be a good deal off.
New gears are always something to consider when you run larger tires, so if you think you can afford it, that would be a good idea.

 

I agree.

 

Randy's Ring and Pinion at this link (http://www.ringpinion.com/)has pretty good pricing on gears. I also would recommend a master install kit if you do this. also, make sure you go to a shop that has extensive experience in installing ring and pinions. The correct gearing will keep your performance where it is now and will help to lose less gas mileage with the biger tires. you will definitely need to get your speedo fixed too.