I'm thinking about going with the Pro Comp Muds. 33's. Will there be any problems with this size tire on stock rims? I am concerned about any handling problems that I may have? I'm look for a larger tire than the stock size. I just haven't picked out the rims I want to get yet. Would a larger rim be a better way to go?
Also, what would you guys suggest for an all around tires, that is somewhat agressive looking, good in mud, snow, and rain? If I go with the Mud's, I will need to gt different tires for the winter.
I've only had my truck since Oct and it is my first truck. And this site has been great. So thanks guys.

 

I wouldn't reccommend putting anything over a 12.5" wide tire on stock rims. An 8" wide rim is the minimum reccommended width to run. If you want an all around good tire BFG AT/KO is the way to go, only problem is that they're so blasted expensive its almost not worth it. You could run mud terrains year round. Alot of people get 40,000+ miles on a set. Just make sure that you rotate them regularly. Also getting them sipped would help out too.

 

the pro comp's already have pretty good sipping and perform pretty well on the road they also run quieter than allot of the other mud tires they should be a good all year round kind of tire

 

Nice truck dude. Just curious, but where in Wa State do you hail? I'm in Puyallup...... I understand if you don't want to give any specifics......

Wish I had a "true" OffRoad................

Mine just has the decals. No skid plates or 17" aluminum wheels......

 

MitchF150

Hey I live in federal way not to far from Puyallup, got to love the rain huh

 

Used to live there not too long ago. Man, that area around 320th has gotten pretty busy.

Gotten used to the rain. Seems strange that we had a drought last year? Just can't stand the traffic!

 

MitchF150,

You are running 265/75 on your 97. I have a 98 2WD, 4.6, with 3:55 gears and want to install the same size tires on mines. What did you do to correct the speedo? As I understand it from this board, 265/75 will throw your speedo off by up to 3-4 MPH.

Help please. Thanks.

 

Just had to swap the VSS gear on the tranny. It's basically the speedometer gear. Stock was a 20 tooth gear. I had to get a 19 tooth gear to bring the speedo and odo back in sync. Since you have a 98, it's the same thing. 99 and above need to have the computer recalibrated.

Got mine at the Ford parts dept. Cost only $12 out the door. Took about 5 minutes to swap out.

 

go to my photo gallery in my signature my 33x12.50's on stock 17" rims, with 3" body lift

 

MitchF150,

Thanks much...it sounds too easy to switch out the VSS gear. Can I do it myself with regular tools? If so, what tools are needed? What are the steps I need to follow to swap out the speedo gear and what does VSS stand for?

I really appreciate your help.

 

Vehicle
Speed
Sensor

It's on top of the tranny above the output shaft. All you need is a 7 or 8 mm socket or wrench (maybe it's a 10mm, I don't recall, but it's small). It has a bunch of wires coming out of it.

First off, clean up the area around the nut. You don't want any dirt falling into the tranny!

Remove the nut. Gently pull out the VSS assembly. It has a small O ring to seal it. You don't want to damage it.

You should now see the gear. I think there was a small clip holding it on. A pair of needle nose pliers is needed to pull it off. Now, you should be able to pull off the old gear. Replace with the new one. Reinstall the clip, slip it back into the tranny. Make sure it seats all the way in and doesn't bind at all, tighten the nut. Test drive.

 

Hey how do you like the 5.4 what knind of milage do you average with it I am geting around 17mpg with the 4.6liter as long as i'm not flooring it around too much I wish mine had the 5.4 but I got a real good deal on this one I wonderd about upgrading it to the 5.4 but from what i have heard I would be better off selling this and just buying a new truck

 

I'm getting around 15 mpg overall. That's even with some WOT bursts too. I'm glad I got the 5.4. Leaves no doubt that I "should" have gotten the bigger motor

Yeah, it's my everyday driver and all, but I don't think a one or two mpg difference is gonna make me retire any earlier!

I like it that it has it's peak torque at a lower rpm then the 4.6. Especially since I got some taller tires.

I'm gonna be hanging on to this one for as long as it lives. It's at 82k miles. I figure at 100k, it's just gettin' broke in!

 

MitchF150,

Your directions are great on changing out the VSS gear...even I can do it. I noticed you still have the stock gear ratio 3:55. After installing the taller tires, did you notice any loss of power? After changing the VSS gear, do I need to look at going with a larger gear ratio (i.e. 3:73)?

Thanks again.

 

Yep mine has 85k+ miles on it but it still runs great and even though I only have the 4.6 it goes pretty good and I dont have anything to tow right now but if I get a boat again some day I may have to break down and get a new truck with the 5.4 otherwise I love this truck it has evrything I want but bigger tires and I plan on geting those next month