Hi Guys,
I've read for hours, and done all kinds of tire research etc. I'm finally almost ready to bite the bullet when the prices of the 275's I was thinking of running scared the crap out of me.

I am going install a 1.5" AS Leveling kit. So I will still have a tad bit of rake, but will look a lot better. I want to keep the factory rims (they look good and money is tight of course).

My truck is stock (except for K&N drop in and 3" exhaust) has 3.55 gears and has all kinds of nads compared to that of my old Chevy with 3.73's. I've never delt with over sized tires/leveling kits etc...

Will the 285's on my truck take away power and torque? I don't tow A LOT of weight, but I do tow frequently enough that I don't want the truck to be a dog, or add a TON of stress to the driveline.

Would I be better off sticking with a 265 or 275 class tire?

Any help would be great. Like my sig says...I'm new here! Thanks a lot.

 

Well the 265, 275, 285 is the tread width, the second number is the aspect ratio and the 3rd number is the wheel size. What are the exact sizes you are thinking about running? That will help a lot in determining how much bottom end will be lost (if any).

 

Oops...A bit more info here. Sorry.

I want to put a bit wider/taller tire on. The 70 (aspect ratio) seems to be the most common size for the 17" rims? So I'd likely just stay with that. I'd like to have a 32" tire I think that'd be a happy medium, but I think its a basturd size since I have a very hard time finding a selection there. So this is why I'm now considering the 285....

265/70-17
275/70-17
285/70-17

Basically between those three. The things that shocked me most were the weight of the tires. I didn't know if that would have a huge effect or not? Stock tires are like 38lbs a peice an to run a 285/70-17 would put me up in the 50-55lb range...

 

If anyone has any tire size/brand/style rec. feel free.

I had BFG's and didn't like them. I'm a huge fan of the Cooper Disc. ATR's, had 4 sets of them. Also looking at REVO's, but I'm open to suggestions. Really don't even need a 6-ply tire but it looks like I might have to?

 

I doubt you will see much difference in mileage between those tire choices. I lost about 1.5 mpg when I went from stock 17's to 20's. Not only did my tire weight increase but so did my wheel weight. Weight does play a factor but since you are keeping the same rims I doubt it would even be a gallon one way or the other? Personally I would go with a 285. I like the wider tire look.

 

Thanks.

MPG isn't a huge concern. My lead foot takes care of that already! HAHA

I'm just more worried about the 'low end' and 'feel' of power loss swinging bigger tires...Maybe its a non issue since they aren't all 'that big'?


Also...I have mud flaps...I know a lot of guys don't like them, but I do. Protects the truck a lot actually. Will 285's (33's) rub on them??? Doesn't seem like they will but..........

 

Shouldnt be a problem with the level kit especially. I don't think you will experience any rub. And your not increasing tire diameter much if any so I don't think your torque will be a problem either.

 

Well if I go 285's its nearly 2" in diameter increase right? 285/70-17 are 32.8" tall where as my 255/70-17 stock tires are 31.1". Or so they say.

 

I'd go with a 285/70-17.

 

You don't think I'd notice any ill effects? To tell you the truth you were the one that I was hoping would comment back!

Shouldn't have any fitment issues should I? Dang I never thought I'd pay this much for tires! LOL

 

Ah ok! I thought the 275 was what your were replacing! That is still not a lot of difference. I wouldn't worry about it! Also depending on the tread pattern you go with the mileage can improve. My wife's explorer had those same BFG's from the factory. They rode horrible and we replaced with michelin. MPG improved by about a mile per gallon and ride was much much better.

 

Ok.

I've got general ameritrac's or whatever they are on there now. Of course they are near bald and weather cracked like crazy. Truck is an 06 and has 38k on it. Can't believe how rough of shape the tires are in. I don't think they were rotated though.

I'm just looking for a good AT tire that will give me good traction across the board. I'm not brand loyal or anything like that, so I'm willing to look at reviews and tires of all brands. I do tow a lot in the winter though, so snow/ice traction is a must, but its not enough to warrant two sets of tires or snow tires...Make sense?

 

I have the cooper zeons and love them. Veru good tire and great price. Try tread depot on the internet, that is where I got mine. However I think the only size they have in 17 is like a 265/70? I bought my 305/50/20 for about $160 each.

 

Wow. Thats a great deal!

I'm looking at the discover ATR as posted above. I really like how those perform. Problem is I've gotta step up quite a bit in load range to achieve the size, which is un-necessary as far as spec goes. But I think thats the case with most of the 'larger' tires.

Thanks for your help!

 

Tire Rack is running a closeout on Bridgestone Dueler Revos for $150 each - in P285/70-17. I just had mine installed on Monday.

They were regularly priced $182 at Tire Rack, and my local Bridgestone/Firestone dealer prices them at $193 ea.