I currently have 265/70/17 tires on my '97 F150 4x4, 4.6L V8, with a 3.55 LS rear axle.

I have been reading up on changing tire size on this board and how it affects speedo, gearing, performance and towing.

My question is how much will going from 265/70/17 to 285/75/16 (???) really affect my speedo, gearing, performance and towing capicity (all I tow is jet skiis)??? Is there enough clearance (w/o a lift) to go to this size tire?

The reason I am asking is after reading all these posts, I called the rep at 4wheelparts and asked him these questions and he said the tire size was "in the same bracket" as the current one and wouldn't affect anything (other than acknowleging I would need to re-calibrate my speedo) but he said the gearing would be "fine"??? So now I'm confused, is he just trying to sell me tires or is he right in saying it won't affect my trucks performance too much?

ANY help/info/advice would be GREATLY APPRECIATED!

Thanks!

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'97 F150 Lariat 4x4, 4.6L V8, 3.55 LS, "The Green Monster"

 

I just put 285/75/16 BFGs on my truck and they fit fine without any lift. Slight rubbing rubbing on the front fender valence occurs when backing up with wheels turned. This to me is not a problem. As far as the speedo is concerned, I figure my speedo is showing about 3% faster than before. Effective gearing is about 3% higher than before. I really can't tell any performance difference. But I really like the look.

Later,
ALA G8R

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97 Lariet SC Flare 4x4, Red/Silver, 5.4L, 3.55LS, ORP
**Superchip, K&N w/ ABM, Flowmaster
**16x8 AR Bajas, 285/75/16 BFGs
** Westin Nerf Bars, Soft Tonneau, Bel Radar Detecter
** Pioneer CD Player, Infinity 57.1CS components, MTX 5000 Thunderform subs, Rockford Fosgate 400a4 amp, Audio Control EQX, Streetwires Power Distribution
http://home.hiwaay.net/~ebryan/Truck1.jpg

 

ALA G8R,

Thanks for the input. I went to 4wheelparts today and bought the 285/75/16 BFG All Terrain T/A KO's and 16x8 Weld Racing Super Single Typhoon Wheels. We talked it all through and everything sounds like it'll be alright, just gotta find a good speedo guy now (hopefully that won't cost too much after what wheels and tires just cost me!)

Now the big decision is white letters out or black letters out? (Leaning towards the white letters out.)

Thanks again!

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'97 F150 Lariat 4x4, 4.6L V8, 3.55 LS, "The Green Monster"

 

With those fancy wheels, I would go black letter out. How much did that package cost ya if you don't mind? I am gonna do the same thing in about 2 or 3 months.

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'97 F150 4x4 Off-Road Extended Cab Lariat Flareside white/tan, tan leather, 4.6, 3.55

Duraliner bedliner, Husky floormats, Custom seatcovers (I only cover the leather when I'm really dirty, though), Premier single-lid toolbox

Gibson 2.5" split-rear exit cat-back exhaust, K&N Air Filter

Many more modifications to come

http://ocu-stars.okcu.edu/cvenable.stu/index.htm#b

 

lovemy4x4,

It was a bit pricey, but the wife was there to ok the deal (and she liked the weld typhoons better than the 589's too! The 589's were too flat)

Here you go (4wheelparts in Burbank, CA):

Weld Typhoon 16x8 $230 ea.
Closed Lug Covers $90 (for 4)
BFG AT T/A KO 285/75/16 $150 ea.
Mounting and Balanceing FREE (as it should be for those kind of bucks!)
Front end alignment $90
SO for the wheels and tires approx $1,700 (good thing for credit cards with low interest rates!)

I also added 4 Pro Comp Explorer 3000 shocks at $29 ea. + Installation.

BTW, good call on the black letters out....I saw some "Owners Pics" with similar setups and really liked the black letters out.

Already thinking about nerf bars (although I don't like the way they look (too short) on STD. Cabs) & a Bugshield (any reccomended brands??)

I'll post a pic once the tires and wheels go on.