at some point when i get around to putting in my lift im going to have to settle on a tire size i will end up running on my stx.

my question is, at what point will larger tires really start turning my 4.6l truck into a dog WITHOUT changing the gearing? will that particular size engine really begin to struggle with 36's, 37's, 38's? any input would be appreciated.

ideally i would like a 6" suspension, 2" body and 36x13.50 but im afraid a tire like that is going to make the truck unable to get out of its own way. thanks. hope you guys can help this newbie out a bit.

 

Most people, including myself feel that 35's are the limit without regearing.

 

Is it a 2v or 3v?

 

well you can possibly go with 35s without regearing, but your truck will be the biggest dog you ever owned. the biggest your really gonna go is 31/32 inches (265/75/16s or 285s) without regearing and without making it into too much of a slug on the road. anything bigger you'll be doing nothing but watching the tach race the fuel gauge until you finally reach highway speeds. the 4.6 is weak, i hate to admit it i wish i hadnt got one, but it would be ignorant to not say 36s or bigger without regearing would completely kill the motor for all its worth

 

i agree

 

I disagree. Most of the 97-03 4x4's came from the factory with 32's (265/70-17).

 

I have to agree with Wandell. The 35's would be the limit on that. I am running 35x12.5R20's DC Fun Country 2 that are 34.6"tall on my 2004 Ford F150 FX4 and did not notice that big of a difference over the stock 18's that were 32.1" tall. I do 90's highway driving and have not noticed a decrease in fuel economy either as long as I keep my foot out of it. I would go with the 35's.

 

ok cool. thanks for all the input guys. i did plan on doing a few other things first before the lift anyways. like exhaust, black n-fab nerf bars and changing up the intake in some way or another. i just dont know if ill go with a CAI, or something like a gotts mod. but either way it will be a while yet. maybe by then i can find someone who can help me do the re-gear just so i dont make any mistakes. and then i can go with the particular setup i really want as i stated before. thanks again fellas.