I have a '97 extended cab f150 w/ the V6 and 3.08 gears. I know - it's a pig... anyway, the truck came with 235/70x16 tires from the factory and when I replaced them at 62,000 miles I went with a 255/70x16 and noticed a decrease in power because of the gear ratio change. I now have 113,000 miles on my truck and it is time to change these tires - I would like to go w/ a lower profile tire than what came from the factory so to regain that power plus some. I am looking at either 255/60x16 or 245/60x16 (i'm not sure if then even make the 245) and would like some suggestions on who makes a good looking truck tire in one of these sizes. I know a couple of you have the 255/60's because of your signatures.

I really appreciate any replies...

Robbie

 

Robbie, you want to calculate tire diameter when making your choice. It's the diameter that affects overall gear ratio (and your "power"). Search the web for a tire size calculator or just look on this message board.

Your original 235/70 tires were 29 inches in diameter and you went up to a 30 inch tire with the 255/70's. If you want to go back to the stock diameter your best bet would probably be a 255/65-16 which would also be a 29 inch diameter like stock but wider.

A 275/60-16 would also be 29 inches but there are not too many tire choices in that size. There are lots of tire choices in the 255/65 size. (try tirerack.com and search by tire size).

.................Scott

 

Scott D, thanks for the reply/information. According to the tire size calculator a 255/65-16 is 29.5" which is about 1/2 an inch taller than stock which isn't a huge difference but I would actually like to go w/ a shorter but wider tire than stock which is why i was looking at the 255/60's. I've done some searches for the 255/60's and can't find but 1 or 2 tires that look more like a car tire than something for a truck. Anybody know of a good looking 255/60x16?

Robbie

 

Stay away from Michelin Cross Terrain SUV tires. They look like a car tire and the mileage on them really suck.!! Mine are over 1/2 gone and I only have 13K miles on them.