Hello, I don't post much, but I do read a lot. I've searched for quite a while, and still can't seem to find the answer to my questions.

So, first off, I have a 07 Lariat super-crew with OEM 20's. I hate the performance and looks of the OEM Pirelli tires. I want something a little more aggressive, but don't want to lose performance/mpg's.

First choice is OEM size, 275/55/20. Which, not a lot of tires in that size appeal to me. OEM size would be best for performance/mpg's right?

Second choice is 285/55/20. BFG's AT come in this size, which I like that tire a lot, but is pricey. Just how much would my performance/mpg suffer? And would going 10mm wider give me that more aggressive look I'm after?

Thrid would be 305/50/20, which would give me that wider look I want, but most people seem to not recommend this size in a 4x4. Why is that? Does it look stupid? Or is it the skinny sidewall?

And fourth would be a 305/55/20, which I think sounds like the best fit for looks, but am worried about my performance/mpg's suffering big time. Also, I know this size is nearly 4% diameter difference, which is gonna mess with my speedo.

So what do you guys recommend? I plan on getting some 5100's and leveling the truck in the near future. I'm just not sure what is the overall choice. My truck is not a daily driver, but has racked up 53k since I bought it new in 06. I get about 17mpg now, and would hate to see that take a huge dump after I buy tires.

TIA, sorry for the long post....

 

Hey.

you keep mentioning mileage ... 5 TIMES in fact

... so IMHO, stay with the stock tire size and just run these:

http://www.coopertire.com/html/produ...?page=zeon_ltz

Bonus - yer speedo will still be accurate, and yer mileage will not take a dump. Those LTZ's look real good in the stock size.

BTW - the 305/50/20's have about the same sidewall height as stock - they are not 'too skinny' ... it's a ratio, remember

MGD

 

I would wait til you did the leveling kit to buy tires if you can, that way you will see how much room you have to make a better choice on a tire size. You don't want to buy tire and then level the truck and find out the tires you just got are to small and don't look right. IMO

 

And at that point, the OP's mileage is guaranteed to head towards that dumpster. A level kit also kills the aeros (well, makes an already bad situation even worse).

Given the obvious priority on economy, Dog, (5 times !!! lol) you have some decisions to make because you cannot have it both ways.

Plan on adding a flash programmer to the mix to correct speedo and regain some of the lost power ... and still no guarantee that you will regain any mileage.

MGD

 

haha, ya I guess I did say it 5 times...

It is a concern, but not that big. It's not daily driven, but I do use it for our family trips and such. I can handle it dropping a few mpg's, I just don't wanna see 10mpg or below average.

And I just don't really like the look of street tires on a 4x4 truck, looks silly to me. I wanna stick to an A/T type tire, esp since I camp/hunt. Thats why the BFG A/T's are very appealing.

And I only plan on lifting the truck a 1-1.5 in the front, and leaving the rear stock height. I don't mind the rake look.

And, while my truck in completely stock now, I do plan on a programmer/exhaust in the near future also, so I hope I'll see a little increase in my mpg's with those.

I think I'm really just tron between 285/55 and the 305/55. One is very close to stock, while the other is not, but is a more aggressive look that I want.

Damnit, I feel like a girl...lol can't make up my mind...

 

Level it
Get the 305/55's
SCT Tuner to get back the little MPG's you will lose with the two above choices!

This way you get the look you want and your MPG's stay the same they are now!

 

^^ That's not gonna happen.

You will get back some or the lost power due to increase in both rolling dimater (e.g effective gearing change), and the rotational mass increase, and the small aero penalty at speed.

But that will come with a mileage penalty. Luckily the OP indicated he's willing to absorb that, so no biggie.

MGD

 

I was in the same boat roughly 2 years ago. Wanted something better than the OEM Scorpions (both looks and performance).

I stepped up to a 305/55 and haven't looked back. Best decision I have made for my truck. I went with the Mickey Thompson Baja's. Same Price as the BFG's.

I also added a 2" level kit, and then Firestone air bags (due to the rear sag when attaching a trailer).

The look is nearly perfect IMHO.

 

I'd say that if you go with the bigger diameter tire then OEm,your performance will suffer some,but your MPG will get better (lower rpm's at same speed).......

 

Haha....boy wouldn't that be nice if your MPGs went UP with your tire size. I should be getting around 20mpg with my 35's then....but no...more like 14.

My advice... go with the 305/55 for sure! You will def. be happy with the look and the perf.