I have a new 2012 FX4 5.0 with the 20" rims. I am looking into a 2" level and approx 35" tire. I read that I need a 4.56 gear swap as well.

Questions:
Do I need a gear swap?
Will it effect my mpg?
What if I do the gears first and drive on the stock 32" tires, what will the effect be?
What leveling kit should I get?
What tires do you recommend for mostly city driving, some freeway and occasional seasonal snow or mud? (not too expensive)

Can someone provide some insight into a good setup with links. Thanks much!

 

Gear swap is up to you.

Yes going to bigger tires will lower your mpg. The gears will help get some of it back and also the power you'll lose when going to bigger tires.

You'll burn more gas to keep it simple.

As for leveling autospring kit's always seem to be a good choice.

Cheap and 35" tire for a 20" rim don't go together. But the Federal Couragia M/t seems to be less expensive tire in that size.

 

The best choice for the OEM 20's in my opinion is the 285/65-20 (35x11.50) BFG AT KO. Not sure if anyone else makes this size. The OEM 20 inch wheels have a ton of backspacing which causes a lot of 305mm to 325mm wide (12.50-13.00 inch) tires to rub the control arms/ball joint.

 

What gears do you have now? If 3.73 you may find that the performance loss its acceptable. Do you tow a lot? If so the gear change may be more beneficial. I have 315/70/17 with 3.55 gears and it isn't too bad since I am not towing heavily right now. If I get another camper I will regear to 4.56.

 

What about the Nittos in 295/60/20, Would they be too wide , Wandell ? I was thinking about those for my truck and how would it fit.

 

I got 295/70/18 on my 2011 with 3;73 and still pulls my wakeboard boat with no problem can bearly tell the difference from my factory tires. also installed a cai at the same which might have helped as well.

 

I think that would be a good option.