Expy 4x4 16" or 17" wheels - pros/cons?

2000Expy · #1 (**permalink**) 05-13-2008, 08:37 AM

I'm wondering whether I should continue to use the 17" wheels on my truck. It originally came with 16" wheels, but I bought the 17's from a brother-in-law and they had tires on them. Anyway, I've had these through the original and one set of Revo tires.

Question is, what's the advantages and disadvantages of the two wheel sizes? The larger wheel reduces the towing load, but I don't really tow much. I'm not sure about gas mileage or drivetrain wear, but wonder.

pdqford · #2 (**permalink**) 05-13-2008, 10:21 AM

If your tires are taller than the original tires your odometer will understate the miles traveled (therefore your cakculated MPG will be understated) and you will be traveling faster that the speedometer indicates.

Also, taller tires will act like you have taller gears (lower numerically) in the diffs. The taller tires will reduce the mechanical braking effect because of the leverage of the greater radius. The taller tires may have a slightly reduced rolling resistance.

The larger wheels will allow more air circulation around your brake rotors keeping your brakes cooler.

All that said, a difference in overall height of an inch or so may just barely be noticeable - depends on how sensitive you are to your vehicles performance.

Darth Baiter · #3 (**permalink**) 05-14-2008, 02:08 PM

Mine's on the beach a lot. I'll take every inch of clearance I can get. Besides the 17" wheels make the truck look better than 16's.

2000Expy · #4 (**permalink**) 05-16-2008, 01:12 PM

Thanks guys. As an engineer, looks are not usually my prime concern; I guess it's a fault. I believe the height difference is neglegible because the tire profile is lower for the 17" than the 16" wheels. My guess is that Ford did it more for styling than function.

alloro · #5 (**permalink**) 05-16-2008, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pdqford

If your tires are taller than the original tires your odometer will understate the miles traveled (therefore your calculated MPG will be understated) and you will be traveling faster that the speedometer indicates.

Here's a webpage that calculates what happens with a change in tire size.
Tire Dimensions Made Simple - Discount Tire Co.

2000Expy · #6 (**permalink**) 05-19-2008, 06:17 PM

1.5" difference in overall height, -33 rpm diff in spin and 3 mph faster than reading

2000Expy · #7 (**permalink**) 05-19-2008, 06:18 PM

You know I don't think I've gotten any rep points since I've been here.

sbclemens · #8 (**permalink**) 05-19-2008, 10:20 PM

Didn't the stock 17's come with larger rotors/calipers?

cbradford · #9 (**permalink**) 05-21-2008, 03:12 PM

The 17" will handle better