Just wanted to say hello first since I am new here. This is a great forum with lots of good info and opinions. I was hoping that I might get a little help.

I just bought a 1998 F150 V6 reg cab and the tires are shot. Actually it has 4 different tires. The fronts are 235/70/16's and the backs are 255/70/16's. I have been reading reviews left and right and think I might have it down to two tires: the Bridgestone Dueler A/T Revo's or the BF Goodrich All Terrain T/A KO. I am leaning towards the Bridgestone's. Any opinions on which I should go with?

Second I belive the stock size tires for my truck are 235/70/16's. I am looking at going with 265/70/16 or 265/75/16. I know the 265/70/16 should fit ok does anyone know if or how well the 265/75/16's would work. Any info would be great. Thanks again for everyones opinion.

Brent

 

Welcome first of all.....

You'll find that the 265/75/16's to be about a 31" tall tire. The stock size is about 29" tall. The taller the tire, the slower your speedo and odo will be unless you re-calibrate it. Since you have a 98, it's just a matter of swapping out the VSS gear. If you have the auto, it's located at the tailshaft of the trans and is on top. Not sure where it is on the manual trans.

I did mine several years ago, and if I remember correctly, the stock one was a 20 tooth gear and I needed to put in a 19 tooth gear.......

The VSS gear does not help with the loss of effective gear ratio you will have with the taller tires.... I don't know what the effective ratio is, but I know I'd need to go to a 3.73 gear to bring it back to the way the 3.55 and little tiny 29" tall tires were.....

I don't notice too much of a loss, but I've got the 5.4 and it makes up for alot of it...

As far as the brand goes, I can't help much there........ I've not run either one, but I don't think you could go wrong with the BFG's........

Good luck! Tons of other info on this subject in past posts. Especially about the VSS gear swap. It's really easy, once you know what to look for!

 

Hello MitchF150,

I had a 97 2wd with a 4.6 and 3.55 gears, it came with 235/70-16's and replaced them with 265/75-16's, the speedo was off about 4-5 miles an hour at 65 mph, the power loss was barely noticeable. In hind site I would have gotten 255/70-16's or 265/70-16's, they are not as tall and would have looked a little better, hope that helps.

 

Hey there rkjerue, I only mention the slight change in gear ratio because he's got the V6, so it'll be a bit more underpowered to start with.

I agree about the 265/75/16's on 2WD trucks...... Just a tad too tall for their ride height IMO....

I had 255/70/16's on my 4x4 and they were still too small! Was able to trade them in plus the difference for the 265/75's and was much happier!

 

I agree that is a little too large for a V6 and odd looking for 2WD. 255 or 265/70R17 would look best IMHO.

As for tire selection, they are both great tires. The BFG is king of the hill and been around a long time with the Revo being the new kid. You really cannot go wrong with either IMHO which I generally say go with the cheaper of the two.

 

Wow, I am glad I did ask. I think you guys may be right on the taller tires not looking right on my V6. I will probly stick with what works 265/70/16's. Thank you very much for your opinions.

As far as the speedo being off, I know it is off right now so I guess I will have to cross that road when I get there. I will definatly look into the past post about the speedo gears.

Now it is just a matter of finding the best deals locally on the tires. Wish me luck there. Thanks again for the help.