Hey Guys,

In my quest to build the Perfect Truck, I hope I did not make a critical mistake. As mentioned in my first post on FTE, I ordered a fully loaded F-250 Lariat 4x4 w/ the 6.2l engine. For some reason, Ford will not put 20" wheels on gas trucks, it's only an option for diesel packages. However, I WILL NOT be denied! I found a set of brand-new OEM 20' "take-off" wheels from a guy in CA, and bought them right. Ordered up the same Michelin tires that come stock on the '11 SD trucks.

Now that I have spent all this money and got exactly what I want, I am worried that the 20" wheels will dog the engine down. Should I be worried about this? I am going to deliver the tires, wheels and B&W hitch to the dealer so when my truck arrives they can deliver it "as new" with the TPMS stems installed and everything. They are also installing the 7-pin trailer plug in the bedside for me, at only $175.

Any opinions if this would affect the power of the 6.2? I can't help but wonder why Ford doesn't offer the 20"s as options on the gas SD trucks.

Thanks!!! And even if it's slow, it's going to be one of a kind, and look Bad-***!

 

the size of the rim isnt going to affect your power or MPG...

its the size of the tire that surrounds it that will make a difference..

 

We have not put larger tires on our 6.2L yet and most likely will not. But we had put Fords 20 inch rims and tires on our 3v V10 and i made a 5 mile trip and took them off and sold them a week later. They were very very heavy and robbed acceleration and power. I have seen large tires and rims rob as much as 20-30 hp at the ground.

 

Thanks for the info! I am going to keep my OEM 18"s set up and ready to bolt back on if things don't seem to be working out. I am also planning on weighing the tire/rim combo to see what the total difference is.

 

not to mention mpg, my taller 18s over the stock contisux 17s cost me 2mpg but I'm no longer worried about them folding over flat in the twisties.

 

I gave up even thinking about MPG when I bought my first 5.4 SD two years ago. I can burn a lot of gas for the $8k difference for the diesel. Looking forward to seeing how the new 6.2 performs!

 

check out mikes (post #3) thread on the 6.2 test mule they bought a while back. good video and pretty awesome motor.

 

Good point I was planning to do that when we did the swap but failed to do so.. Post back if you can what each one weighs.

 

I'd be interested in the weights too.

 

OK Guys,

I got my wheels today via FedEx and I have the exact specs on the Michelin tires. These are the same tires that come stock on the Ford Super Duty trucks w 20" wheels. The wheels weigh exactly 30 lbs each, and the tires weigh 61 lbs.

So... 91 lbs each wheel set not mounted or with correct psi. If the numbers change significantly once the tires are mounted with the TPMS and inflated I will update the post. I will also get the info on the stock 18"s asap.

 

Tires and rims don't rob power at the ground, they can't. They do decrease acceleration. The 20-30 hp loss is shown on an inertia chassis dyno. The tires and rims add rotating mass to the driveline. When accelerating (or decelarating) a vehicle you have to overcome the translational inertia of the vehicle as well as the rotational inertia of the driveline and tires. Bigger tires and rims will have a higher rotational moment inertia meaning it takes more effort to increase or decrease their rate of rotation.

Net effect is the truck will accelerate like it is producing 20-30 less horsepower and it also won't stop as well either.

 

I am looking forward to seeing the final numbers, and looking at the comps both ways. I do know that the 20" Michelins are 4 lbs each heavier than the 18" Continental turds that come stock. The 18" wheels are probably 3-4 lbs lighter as well.

There is always a price to pay for lookin' good!!!

 

It's here!!! Ford Dealer called about 3:00 pm today, they were (carefully!) unloading my '11 6.2 and taking it into service to install the in-bed 7-Pin wiring plug, chrome steps and exhaust extension and to take the 18"s off. I am meeting the dealer Tuesday at 8:00am to give him the 20"s, and a big check!!!

Can't wait to see how she looks all put together, I will posts on Tuesday when I get 'er home. All that is left to do is install the B&W hitch sitting in the garage and we are ready to go.

Again, thanks to all for the advice!

 

Congrats!!!!

You've got to post lots of pics, and give a good review of your new ride.

 

I just swapped out my stock 18 inch rims and 275 70 18 Continentals for the older style 20 inch Super Duty rims and Nitto Terra Grapplers 295 60 20 and I could not be happier with the look of my truck now.I did not notice much difference in power or breaking.Here is a before and after pic
Before:
After: