Please don't jump my case, I've researched this and haven't found a satisfactory answer. I've got a 97 4x4 with Axle Code 19 (I believe I read it is 3.73 gears). I'm currently running stock (I believe, that's what was on it when I bought it) 265/70/16 tires. I want to go with a bigger tire, maybe 285 or 305 on it. The guy at the tire store said I can even run 315 w/o rubbing...not so sure about that. The question is, can I run 285 or 305 tires with the 3.73 gears, or should I take that money and get 4.10 gears before I up my tire size? I'm new to all this truck modding stuff. It has been/will continue to be my daily driver as well as my work horse. The most I would tow with it would be a couple ATV's, a small boat 16' - 22' or something like that.

Anyway, any advice will be greatly appreciated.

 

You should be fine running 285's or 305's with 3.73's Lots of people run them on 3.55's. Good Luck Man, and welcome to the site.

 

I'm running 285 with 3.55 (just found out today, was told I had 4.10 when I bought it) and I've had no problems. I tow scrap iron trailers wieghing 6000 lbs and our cooler trailer that wieghs alittle over 7 grand loaded, towed it just fine. If I get into it when I take off I can still spin both tires. I'm running a 5.4 tho with a E4OD.
My buddy had The same truck setup you with 285s, but his was a 99. he never had a problem towing his little two horsetrailer with both horses, so I would think you would be alright.

 

I agree. I have 33s or 305s and a 3.55 rear gear, and haven't really noticed a change in drivability. It does an affect on acceleration and braking but its small. The 33s, I think, look the best on a non lifted/leveled truck.

 

19 = 3.55 Open
H9 = 3.55 LS
26 = 3.73 Open
B6 = 3.73 LS

Welcome to the site

You should be ok with 3.55 and 33"s. It won't be the fastest out of the hole as others have stated. You could step up to 4.10 with 33"s if you wanted, but if you are going to run a larger tire 35" or larger in the future you'll want to re-gear again to 4.56 or 4.88

 

Thanks everyone for the welcome and the information. This place is a world of knowledge. Just like school, except I wanna learn this stuff.

 

yeah 19 is 3.55 open diff. some .73s would be more fun!

 

I run 285/70R17 with a 3.55LS and the 4.6L with intake and exhaust mods and it does just fine for what I use it for. I have pulled some decent weight with it too and it hauls like a champ. I also keep it in tip top condition with maintenance too though, and that helps!