I'm looking at getting some new tires soon for my 1998 Expy 4x4 w/load leveling suspension, 3.73ls rear end. Currently I have 265/70/16 Goodyear RTS pieces of crap on it right now and they suck on road and offroad. I'm looking to replace them with either the Bridgestone Dueler A/T Revo's or the Yokohoma Geolander A/T II's. I'll probally go with the Bridgestones baised on the reviews of them but I haven't decided on what tire size I should get. I think the current stock ones look too small on the truck so I'm thinking of going with 285/75/16, the same size as I have on now, or something similar to the 285/75/16. What size can I fit on the expy without lifting it or having the tires rub. Any downsides to putting a larger tire on? Thanks

 

By going to a taller tire you are effectively raising the differential gear ratios. This change will cause slower acceleration from a stop or from low speeds. A heavier tire will take more energy to bring to a stop, therefore braking distances would increase.

How significantly will acceleration and braking performance decrease in your case? Got me.

 

Definitely go with the Bridgestone Revos in the 285/75/16 size, but I wouldn't go any bigger for fear of rub. I've got 285's in the regular Dueler AT's and have no regrets.

 

285/50/20's-
You'll need 20 inch rims, but hey- your truck wil love them!

That's the only way to go!!!

 

285/70-17 BFG AT-KO's. No rubbing (but nothing bigger would fit without rubbing). Love the tires: quiet on the highway, great in the snow and LT load range D for pulling my trailer. The only thing I don't like is that they are not as good in heavy rain as the RT/S's were.

Ian

 

Well, I'm going to stay with the stock rims. Uncle Sam doesn't pay me as much as I'd like to put on new ones. I think I've decided to go with the 285/75/16 Bridgestone Revo AT's very shortly after I a few more paychecks.

 

If you go with the 285/75-16 that will give you an 'effective' gear ratio of about 3.4 : 1 which may leave you when you look at the truck but when you drive it.

 

Looks like you got four different recomendations here.
Why don't you just play it safe and get one of each.