Hi All,
Further to my previous thread regarding type of tire to buy, I am now wondering about size. I am driving a 2003 F150 4x4 supercab, 4.6L, 3.55 gears. Tire size indicated on door 235/70/16. Current tire size 245/75/16 when I bought the truck. I ordered P255/70/16 Michelin LTX AT2's from Costco. I then called back the next day to change them to P265/70/16. It appears both sizes may now be sent. I first thought I would stay with the 255's as available from factory, then didn't like the thought of going to a smaller diameter tire. The 265's will only be slightly larger diameter and wider than the 245's I am currently running. The truck is a daily driver with not alot of hauling or trailering (however do hope to get a 20-25' travel trailer which would only be used a few weeks out of the year). Any one have trouble running the 265/70/16's with the 4.6L? I can't make up my mind, and I don't know how they will look/handle or affect performance until they are on. Your thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks

 

I am currently running 265/70/16 cooper st's on my 2000 w/4.2 V6 and i have no problems except maybe a loss giddyup and less MPG. That is with the V6 tho.

 

Shouldn't be any problems IIRC that is a stock size on these trucks, although I bet the all came with 3.73 rears.

 

I think that the wider tires will look better, give it a more 4x4 look. I'm running 265/70-17s and I'm thinking of going a little wider the next time. Your mileage won't be hurt too bad at all I don't think. I'd say go for the 265s

 

The 265's fill up the wheel well just a touch more, and won't rub on anything.

 

those came stock on my 4x4

 

Just out of curiosity, is that with a 4.6l and 3.55 rear end?

 

it was a 5.4 with 3.55 gears

 

My 4.6 has 3.55's and it came with 265/70r17's. Part of the off road package I guess. and it does fine with power and millage. I've got a 5-speed though.

 

Im running the 265/75r16s with an auto 4.6 and 3.55 rear end. I did not see any hit to mileage, maybe slightly less... Rubbing is absolutely no issue. Anyway, acceleration is fine and I think the truck rides better (smoother) and they fill the wheel well fine. My speedo was never corrected and its now 10% off. The truck originally came with 235 16s... Which looked like crap.

My 265s are wider and taller than both those tires your considering so you will be fine.

 

Thanks for the info. I feel better about going with the 265's now. Should be getting them installed at the end of next week.

 

I have the 285's on mine, and I will be going back to 255-265's when these wear out. The mileage decrease and power loss are NOT worth it...especially on a DD like yours and mine.

 

i initially had 255's on my 98 f-150 with manual tranny and 4.2. i went to 265 mud tires and noticed no difference. this last fall i went too 285's when i got new tires and worried it would be a dog, i have noticed no power or milage difference. i will never go with anything smaller than a 285 again. they fill the wheelwells perfect, it looks mean and i get great traction. plus i only have the six cylinder which has 15000 miles and i can't tell the difference from the 255's that were stock. i think 285 is thebiggest size that will fit an f-150 but i may try 305's next time