I need new tires for my '04 XLT 4x4. I've got the factory 17" chrome wheels (which I actually like and am not looking to replace). I don't have a leveling kit, the setup is stock.

I think the wheels are 7.5" at the rims, so the 265 fit, and the 285 fit that rim as the absolute low end of the range, so I'm guessing they wouldn't bow up in the center.

The 285s cost a bit more than the 265s. And I think I might need to change out the brakes to handle the 285s properly. The 285 would make the truck about 0.5" taller than the 265s, which seems barely noticable. 285 have a D load range and the 265 have a C load range (I'm not sure of the numbers those represent, I plan on towing a light travel trailer at some point in the future but no more than 4500lbs with a tounge load of probably under 500lbs)

Is there a reason I would want the 285s versus the 265s?

Thanks for the help.

 

you'll be fine with 285's. no need to change brakes.

 

Other than making the truck 1/2" taller, why would I choose the 285? I haven't seen them side by side to know but I can't think I would say "wow that looks a lot better than the 265 on the truck".

 

The 285 is actually about 1" taller than the 265, and it is also about 3/4" wider.

You probably wouldn't have any problems with the 285. It would be mostly for looks that you would choose them over the 265's.

The only slight issue I think you might see is if you have 3.55 gears, then the extra height may hurt you in the mpg department and show a tiny seat of the pants difference in power getting up to speed. If you have the 3.73's I doubt you would notice any performance differences.

Hope this helps.

CJ

 

Thanks, yeah I have 3.73

The tires are indeed 1" taller, however that only makes the truck ride 1/2" taller since the axle is at the center of the wheel.

They are around $20+tax per tire more for the 285s so I'm still not sure I'd see a benefit for the ~$86 difference on the slightly larger set.

 

Personally, I'd stick with the stock size and put the saved money towards something else.

You chose very good tires, btw.

Joey

 

Personally, the little difference in money, go 285's. It is just the right size to know it isn't stock. My buddy put them on his and had that just big enough to make a difference look. The width was more noticeable. Also take into consideration speedo and that stuff. Ford dealers can fix that pretty cheap.

 

285's a will make you truck sit a inch higher not half an inch the 285' s are two inches taller than the 265's. You will notice the difference they look so much better than stock at least they did on mine.

 

My speedo would actually be more accurate with larger tires. My stock tires are the 255/70R17 ameritrac stink-o tires.

Right now when it says 60 I'm actually doing 55.

I use the scangauge, which reads the speed off of the truck computer, which is accurate.

 

285s.do it.do it

 

I double checked at www.bfgoodrichtires.com and conti-online.com and here's the specification differences:

Stock Tire Ameritrac 255/70R17: Height: 31.1" Width: 10.2"

BFG tire Height:
265s - 31.8"
285s - 32.8"

BFGs Width (on an 8" rim):
265s - 10.7"
285s - 11.0"

So the 265s would make the truck (31.8-31.1)/2=0.35" taller than stock
285s would make the truck (32.8-31.1)/2=0.85" taller than stock

And the 285's are 0.3" wider than the 265s.

To me that almost seems identical between the BFGs but then again I don't have a side-by-side pair in front of me to tell if my eye would see it.

 

I have 2000, and put 285's on it. It's not really noticable until you park it beside another on 265's. They really make a difference. The truck doesn't look bigger, just one helluva lot tougher. And BFG's are the only tire to run on a 4X4.

 

I have the 285/70R17 BFG' ATs and say stick w/ stock size. Besides the 5% loss in gearing, you gain 10 pounds in rotational weight per tire. They do look cool, but I dislike driving it for it's performance penalty.

 

Here are some pics of mine... I love them...

 

Go with the 265s. Your not going to really see that 1" in diameter difference, and you have almost $100 to spend on something else.