Hi all>> I am getting to the point that new tires are on the horizon and i was just wondering what is the biggest size i should go with without hindering to much performance. I now have the following: 3:08 gears 5 speed 4.6 and 245-16's... Also what are some good tires for on and off road use. I now have b.f" longtrail and they worked well except for they spin easily on wet roads just by letting out the clutch. Thanks. for any help here.

 

Is anyone out there? come on you guys lend a hand here

 

I haven't stepped up to a larger size yet, but a 2wd and 3.55's with no lift, 265/75/16's sounded like the largest for my needs.

When I asked about, performance loss seemed to be noticed beyond this tire size with 3.55's.

With your 3.08 and 4.6 engine, performance loss may be more noticeable, but you could compensate by adjusting your shifting points and wearing the clutch a bit more

(Currently I have a 5.4, auto, 3.55ls, 2wd with 235/70/16's stock)

hope this helps...
Tim

 

I don't see or remember if you have a 2wd or 4wd. Either way, I'd say that with the 3:08 gear, you'll notice a difference if you go much taller. I've got 265/75/16's with a 3.55 gear and had to adjust for the speedo, so it had to have an effect on the gearing. I've also got the 5.4 and auto, so any drop in performance is really not noticed by me anyway. I wouldn't go any taller myself, unless I regeared. Others say that the 285/75/16 are fine to run too, but I plan on hauling and towing, and don't want to regear.

For you, I'd guess that maybe a 255/70/16 would be fine to move up to. That's what I had on my rig, but since mine is a 4x4, they still looked a bit small. (it actually had 235/70/16's originally!) I then swapped them for the 265's and am much happier.

 

Buckdropper, can't comment on the size too much but I've had both the BFG Long Trails and Radial All Terrains on previous trucks. Tomorrow, I'm having the BFG Radial A/T's put on my truck. IMO, there's no comparison. The radial A/T's run quiet on pavement, have an agressive tread pattern for mud/snow and last forever. The long trails are just big car tires. The new rubber compound in the KO is an improvement on an already great tire.

BTW, have you dropped a buck yet? I've got the last week of October set aside to run up country with my buddies and chase one down. Yep, I'm in full rut right about now. Neck swelling and all that... Do you guys hunt mulies or whitetails? Good luck finding a buck and also on your new tires.

 

Buckdropper,

You said you didn't want to lose too much performance.
Do you mean off the line or highway or offroad hills?
A bigger tire will affect your perfomance by how much....?
Standard answer is it depends...
Pros to a bigger tire:
Better looks (personal opinion)
More ground clearance
Better ride (depending on the tire)
Better off road capability (deeper tread depending on the tire)
Heavier tire (more weight in the tire will aid in wheel travel?)
Cons to a bigger tire:
Gas mileage (drag and weight and rolling resistance)
Wear and tear on the suspension
More expensive for more rubber (and maybe new wheels)

So If you've decided to get a bigger tire, good on ya.
If you're really concerned about performance, consider all the
above...
I've used Dunlop Radial Rover A/Ts. They're a good off road tire since they have deep lugs and good siping, but stiff sidewalls and a square shoulder make it a good quiet highway tire. 60,000 mile warranty, you can't go wrong. Tire rack has 265/75s for $88 ea...
Good luck

 

OOPS! Maybe by "buckdropper" you mean that you are a spender of $$ not necessarily a " buck- dropper " in the sense that you are a deer hunter. I hope that I didn't offend your sensibilities!!


For all I know you are a gun hating, peace loving environmentalist, which is OK too, I just assumed that in going by the handle " buckdropper", you were a hunter. No offence intended.---mashie banks...

 

Mitch150;

You're running 265/75s...do have shots?


All:
I was thinking of bumping up the tire height, mainly to fill up the space - I too have 255/70s now and, though a decent size, look like donuts on a 4x4 f150.

I'm not too worried about width, though.

I saw a 235/85 on a f250 that filled the wheel well nicely.

Any suggestions on this angle?

(all on 16's)

thanks all,

Kurt
97 f150

 

Actually, now that I think of it, I'm not sure if my sig pic is of the 265/75???? I did have 255/70's for about a month before trading them in for the 265's.......... I too thought the 255/70 was too small.

Anyway, here are some that I know are the 265. May not show too well, but here ya go.





Hope that helps!