I have a 1999 F250 SD Crew Cab and want/need to get new tires. I have two questions:1) I want a tire that has better traction in the rain. I hydroplane a lot with the stock Firestones and want to go to another manufacturer. 2) I would like to put a little taller tire on but do not know how big I can go or what it would do to milage, speedometer or anything else. I currently have 265/75/R16's.

 

As far as size, 285 if you want a little bit taller. I have seen and driven a F250 CC Lariat V10 auto, that had 305 BFG Ats with no lift. Didn't rub, and looked badass. Far as in the rain, Swamper SSR, if you want a mud terrain or BFG At/Ko if you want a all terrain. Far as milage, depends on what engine you're running and gears. With either gasser, expect maybe 1-2mpg less, with the diesel you won't see much of a loss. As far as the speedo being off, you'll have to buy the Superlift Tru-speed unit to recalibrate the speedo.

 

I have seen several Super Duties in this area running 305/70-16s on stock wheels. There are even more around here running 33x12.50s on 16.5x9.75 inch aftermarket wheels. I don't know if they have any rubbing or not, but as common as they are down here they must fit OK. If you go with a 305 or 285 your spedometer should not be off much. Your tires are approximately 32 inches tall and 305/70s and 285/75s are only an inch taller.

 

Thanks, I do have the 6.8 V10 with the 373 limited slip rear end. I would like to put on the 285's but don't want to give up any gas milage or increase ride noise. I have put in a K&N and it has helped my milage. Someone told me that high performance spark plug wires would help with milage too.

 

The new wires will only make a difference IF your old ones are shot in the first place. Then you should notice a loss in gas mileage and performance at that point anyway.

When you get new wires (or plugs for that matter), all you are really seeing or feeling is the engine getting back to it's normal self again. Most people don't notice the gradual reduction in performance as they drive the same vehicle on a daily basis. Put some new wires or plugs in and they think they've gained 20 hp above the stock ratings. When really, they have just gained back the 20 they lost in the first place.

Do the V-10's even have wires? I thought the V-10 was the same as the 5.4, just with two more cylinders?

Anyway, you originally asked about tires..... I don't think you'll see any difference in gas mileage or performance with a 285/75/16 and a V10 with 3.73 gears. The speedo may be off some, but you can check that easily enough afterwards.

 

The V10 has coil on plug... no wires. The 285's would be a good choice. the 255x85x16's would work too if you wanted taller but not much wider. You won't need the tru-speed. A dealer can reprogram the computer to the new tire diameter. You may loose some power with the 3.73's and taller tires. If you get the speedo fixed then it may not be much.