Hi,

My stock P255/70R16 Generals are due for replacement anytime now. Went to the Costco site and their "tire search" results indicated that I could go with a LT245/75R16. Is this a larger tire? Right now, the Michelin LTX M/S is my current favorite. I'd like to go a little larger and wider this time around but not to the point of overdoing it. Any suggestions?

Thanks...

 

The new tire is 3/8" narrower, but overall diameter is just under 1/2" taller than your current tires.

You want bigger go to a 255/75-16 or keep the same 70 series and go to a 275 or 285 width. overall tires size will be bigger.

David

 

You didn't mention what motor you have, but be prepared for a loss in accelleration and mileage with the wider, stickier and taller tires.

I went with a 265/70/16 replacements for my 255/70/16. Calculators on the web showed the new tires were supposed to be 2% taller than my original Generals, but they actually were 5% taller.

Very noticeable drop in accelleration on my 4.2. I was expecting better fuel mileage due to lower revs, but my mileage (even after adjusting for the 5% speedo error) was down, too.

The bigger tires look better, and the stock Generals sucked, but if I were doing it over I would go with my stock size.

 

Some do not have to worry about a power loss. I have the 300 hp 5.4 with 4:10 gears. So I went a lot bigger, 245/70-17 to 295/70-17, believe me I still have LOTS of power, not even a noticable difference.

David

 

if it is 2wd, and I assume it is given the stock tire size, I'd go with something around a 265/70/16. Had a friend with 265/75/16 and it looked too tall for the truck. 265/70 is really only what I'd call one size bigger, and would look nice, buit not be too big, and most likely wouldn't affect speedo calibration or power noticably.

 

Well, I have the smaller 4.6L V8. Didn't consider the mileage and acceleration changes . Maybe a modest change in height would be better... perhaps a P265/70R16 is all I need? Is the Michelin LTX M/S still popular around here?

Thanks

 

go with 265/75/16

 

That tire is quite popular and well liked.

I went with the Micehlin Cross Terrain SUV in 265/70/16 when I replaced my Generals at around 60,000 miles. The Cross Terrain is a "P" rated tire. It may give up some load carrying capability to an LT tire, but it easily exceeds my trucks ratings. Sidewalls seem quite soft and thin, so if you offroad in rocky areas, you should probably get something else.

The Cross Terrain was a huge improvement in ride, cornering, wet weather and dry traction over my OEM Generals. It also is much quieter than my stock tires. I have about 35,000 miles on them now and they look like they will last a long, long time.