Hello,

I have an 01 F150 4.6 Regular Cab 2wd. I've read many posts on here and you fella seems to be the experts.

I've been searching around and I know I can't run a really tall tire with my 3.08 rear gears (axle code 18). What is the absolute tallest tire I can run with the 3.08 gears. I do not want to change gears. I have 235/70R16 stock and want 265/75R16 but even 265/70R16 would do. I don't tow and travel a lot on the high way.

Thanks
Jason

 

I wouldn't go any larger than 255/70-16, which was a factory option.

 

At most a 31" tire, not sure off the top off my head what that transfers to in metric, but anything taller than that and you'll see a huge loss of power.

 

255/70R16 is 30.05
265/70r16 is 30.60
265/75r16 is 31.64 in.

Do you think the 31.64" 265/75r16 is ok? What might possibly happen if I did install a 31.64" tire?

I want a spindle lift (3.5") in the near future so I want the biggest tire my truck can handle.

 

Your gonna see a loss in power and fuel mileage with any bigger tire, the only thing is the bigger you go the more you lose and the more strain your putting on drivetrain. With a spindle lift however you'll be able to clear 33's but I would not recommend that with 3.08 gears, you'll start to be pushing your luck with that. But remember your 2wd, so gear install is a lot cheaper than a 4x4 somewhere in the neighborhood of 450-700 depending where you go, and it is worthwhile to do if you plan to eventually go bigger. And chances are you will, once you have that spindle lift give it a couple months and it'll start to look small and you'll wanna sit higher with bigger tires.

 

2wd regular cab is a pretty light truck to begin with but much over stock and itll feel like an absolute dog. I have the 3.55 gearing and cant wait to change them....being a 4.6 doesnt help either. If you do alot of city driving your MPG will tank with larger tires and 3.08s and ur tranny will hate you. IMHO if you went the 265/70r16 route then the 3.89 ratio from yukon would suit you well and still mantain "decent" mileage. Like Pizza said 2wd gear changes are relatively cheap and make a huge difference.

 

I have the same setup, regular cab, 4.6 and 3.08s. I put on a daystar 1.5" leveling kit and 295/75/16s (33.4") on and no problems whatsoever. I have 285s now, and still no problems. It's been almost two years with this setup. I didn't have much power loss, and still have plenty of power. Personally, I'd reccomend doing the spindle lift, with a leveling kit and some blocks. 33s would look great.

 

You will also want a programmer with tunes to correct your speedometer/odometer and get some of your power back.

Why do you WANT a lift and bigger tires when you drive on the highway?

 

I have a lift with bigger tires and I drive a lot on the highway, so if I had to guess he most likely wants it because he think's it'll make his truck look better.

A programmer would definitely help, you can pick them up on the classifieds cheaper than usual if you look around for a little while.

 

Yes, it's mainly for looks but I live in Michigan and we have some nasty winters so the extra clearance will help. I like my truck but these little 29" tires and the high back have to go.

Yesterday, I started putting on aluminum spring spacers by springtech that mount on the bottom of the spring. I took everything apart and put them in but stopped when I saw the angel. It just didn't seem right.

It was a ROYAL pain! I also couldn't find a 2" taller shocker locally and I had to cut my old one off. When I have more money (after the tires) I probably pay someone to put on the spindles. I know how to but I don't like working on my truck. On a side note I put on new shocks!

Thanks for you help!

Thanks for your input, I'll probably be getting the 31.6" tires. I found a good price on some Kellys. Anything taller then 31.6" the price goes up quick.

 

ive got a '98 4.6 with 4.10s and 265/75/16 and its still a pig. i wouldnt do anything bigger than stock with those gears.

 

I have the 3.08 gears in my truck and I'm thinking about getting a rc 3'' lift kit and some 285/75/16 all terrain tires

 

If your gonna do the lift then wait to get tires until you do and get some 285 75 16's, however before you do that go to a junkyard and get an f150 axle with 3.73 gears and limited slip

 

I was planning to run 285 75 16's with the lift kit

 

Alright we'll I think a 3.73 ls axle is easy to find and would be perfect