Hello all, first time posting here. This post is from my phone as i am on vaca and didn't lug my laptop along, so apologies for spelling and grammar if they are off the wall in spots!

Okay so first off i just bought a 2008 stx supercab 4x4 with the 4.6l engine. I don't plan on heavy towing with it, it is my DD but i do plan on a bit off off roading with it. Right now im looking at going with a 2.5" level and some 33" or 35" MTs, then painting the rims black. Stock 17s on it btw, dont really have the cash to do new wheels and i like the look of the stock ones when partially blacked out. Looking for pics or advice as to which tire size would be better looking and cost effective. Tire recommendations?

Not sure what my gear ratio is, i think 3.55 but is there an easy way to check that whr. I get home?

Also probably going to do the gotts mod and get a programmer. Any suggestions? How hard is a programmer to install?

Got a friend who is a tech and does most of my work for me so if it is too much for me i will enlist aid. Any other suggestions as to cheap mods to start off with? Going to replace the factory grille, but i want to squeeze a bit more power out of it.

Thanks in advance!

 

Read the gear code off the door jamb sticker.

If you are going to be putting 35's on it, you should regear to 4.56's. 4.10's should be enough with 33's.

You WILL need a programmer to correct the speedo/odo for bigger tires, and you will need the tunes to make up for the loss of power turning bigger tires and more wind resistance from the lift. For programmer/tunes info, read the sticky thread in the Programmers forum.

 

Cool, thanks for the input. When i get back ill check the gearing. I figured i would need a programmer after reading various threads on tire sizes.

 

It's most likely 19 (3.55 open) or H9 (3.55 limited slip).

 

I have 285/70/17's with painted stock wheels on my truck. I have 3.73's on my STX so haven't been overly concerned with a gear swap but am considering it. Truck is heavy, 4.6L 2v is kinda weak, but does better with a bit more RPM.

 

Assuming i have 3.55s, although it does have the towing package so maybe 3.73s, would 285/70-17s be ok?

Seems like it should be ok, with a programmer to fix the speedo and tune it better for the tires.

Also my door sticker is missing so i guess ill look at the badge under the truck on thr axle or whatever to get my gears. Wish i would have brought my truck with me, have seen some cool off road shops down here.

 

Should be 3.55 (most often). Tag on the differential may also tell if LS. My '06 4.6 STX 4x4 has the tow package and is 3.55 LS. The bigger the tires the harder the engine will have to work (any engine), but 285s aren't much bigger than the stock issued 265 size. Tuner will definately perk up the throttle response and transmission shifting. Sticker missing from door may indicate a replacement door...

 

Yeah pretty sure it is a replacement door. Truck has 40k on it and other than that is like new so im pretty happy. Good to know i should be alright with 285s, the 265s just look small but i dont have the cash to regear it right away.