I have a 97 2wd ext. cab 8ft bed 4.6L f150 with 3.55 gears. It came stock with 235 70 R16's on it. Right now they are 225 75 R16. I was looking to get new tires and was not sure if I wanted to change size or not. My truck is rated to tow 7,000lbs now. I was looking at 245 75 R16 or 265 75 R16 wheels. The 245s are 5% bigger than what I have now. So does that mean I would be able to tow 5% less weight (6,650) I do landscaping and lawn mowing and tow a tandem axle trailer total weight with equiptment of about 3,500 lbs. When I am hauling mulch I might have 6,500 total trailer weight. Should I stick with the same tires I have now so I have enough torque or would I be ok getting larger tires? I do not want to have to change the axle or gears in the truck. Also, would either of these larger sizes fit on a stock 2wd truck without rubbing.

 

I recommend keeping the same size you have now. If you''ve pulled that weight for a few years, you'll notice 5% difference in gearing (plus heavier tire = less power).

 

I had 265 on a 16'' wheel, on my stock 2000 4.6v8. they drove killer. we actually have a super strong engine. so if you want bigger you can easily fit 265's, and not notice any difference in driving/towing. also, if you live in las vegas i'll sell you my brand new (not a scratch) chrome 16'' wheels with 4 month old bfg all terrains for $400. (702)326.8981 i'd still have kept them on, but i lifted my truck and and put on 315's. these bigger tires i need to regear.