I bought a set of Smith's chrome Twister wheels its the same size as my OEM 17's. I'm interested in running 275/55/17's instead of OEM 275/60/17's. What effect will I get. Is much different of a look. Gas milage? Is it worth it? Just looking for some opinions. Thanks.......Scott

 

I'm with you Scott. I've got the same tire right now and I was thinking of going with a 55 series.

I know the truck's tourqe rating will go up for sure and take off speed will definately increase. But as far as the look goes, I don't know. I'd like to see some pics from other people.

Also, if anyone knows a good place to buy tires online, please let me know!

 

There won't be great difference but some. You get about 1/2" less sidewall a maybe a little rougher ride. RPMs will run a little higher and the relative torque rating will increase.

Go to the following web sites.
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tirete...k/trukform.htm
http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

 

I agree that there will be little difference. However, you often can't look at tire size alone. Really you need to compare the actual outside diameters of the tires mounted on a wheel of your cross-section width. This may actually change the comparison depending on which (ideal) wheel section width the tire was designed for. For instance, the 275/60R17 on your truck (assuming it's the BFGoodrich Long Trail T/A) was designed for a wider wheel than Ford's stock 7.5" wide Al. Alloys, so they're taller on stock Ford wheels than they would be on a 8" replacement.

You can usually get all the information about outside diameters on ideal wheel widths from the tire manufacturer's website.

I hope this clears things up for you. If not, just this: it'll give more torque (faster acceleration), improve city gas mileage, decrease hwy gas mileage and take a little off the top-end (if you normally travel over 90-100mph); but all these effects will probably be only slight. Good luck.

 

I believe those are the tires on the Lincoln Blackwood. Might even be the tires on the Navigator. Find one of those, and you will see.