Tire Size vs. Gear Ratio Solution?
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From: Castine, ME
Tire Size vs. Gear Ratio Solution?
originally I was going to run some 32s on my '94 F150 with 3.55s, but I do a good bit of towing as well and was not looking foward to the loss of highway power. So, I discovered 31 11.50s as a possibility. Same width as the 32s with less power-robbing diameter. (note that I have 235 75 15s now). A gear ratio change to 4.10s is in the future, but not for at least a year. Is anyone running this size?
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From: Trempealeau Wisconsin
Tire Size vs. Gear Ratio Solution?
I am running 4.10's with 33X12.50X15's in my 94 F-150. I also do quite a bit of towing. Usually 3,000-5,000 lbs. But a couple times a month in the summer I end up towing my fathers S250 Bobcat and 20' equipment trailer, my bosses 853 Bobcat and 18' trailer, both of which total about 14,000 lbs. Because of this I am going to switch back to 31" tires. If I had it to do over again I would have gone with 4.56's. This way it would be like running 4.10's with stock 235/75/15 (29") tires. (figuring .10 gear reduction per inch of tire height)
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From: Castine, ME
Tire Size vs. Gear Ratio Solution?
sounds like a good setup you have there, maybe I will just go ahead with the 32s and deal with it until I swap the gears. I usually tow boats from 1000 to 5000 pounds, but do a fair amount of 'wheeling as well so I'm just looking for some better traction (and of course the look 
). By the way, how are those M/Ts you are running? I hear they are excellent for the money.
). By the way, how are those M/Ts you are running? I hear they are excellent for the money.
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Joined: Oct 2002
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From: Trempealeau Wisconsin
Tire Size vs. Gear Ratio Solution?
I love the M/T's. Great traction, very, very good wear and also a good price. I have about 10,000 miles on them and have never rotated them and they still look like they are brand new. I paid $120 per tire mounted and balanced. BFG M/T's wear 175 mounted and balanced. So for that price deferance I decided to try them. My next set of 31's will also be Kumhos.
If you go to 32's and only pull 5,000 lbs, them 4.10's should work out good for you. As long as you are doing the gears you might want to think about putting in a locker or limited slip too. After having the Detroit put in mine, I will have a locker in all of my future trucks!! Hope this helps. Good Luck!!
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Paul
If you go to 32's and only pull 5,000 lbs, them 4.10's should work out good for you. As long as you are doing the gears you might want to think about putting in a locker or limited slip too. After having the Detroit put in mine, I will have a locker in all of my future trucks!! Hope this helps. Good Luck!!
=+=+=+=+=
Paul
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From: Running Springs CA
Tire Size vs. Gear Ratio Solution?
I had 32's and hated them. The 302 will not pull with 3.55 gears and tall tires. They do not have the "look" that you guys seem to want, but Ford engineered the truck for stock diameter tires. If you are willing to pay for 4.10 gears, then they will probably work fine.
I ended up with 255/70-15 Bridgestone Duelers and they have worked well for me off-road as well as on. Dunlop and Pirelli also make that size in an aggessive tire, BFG does not. The wider, but not taller proportions just look a little different on a 4x4.
Jim
I ended up with 255/70-15 Bridgestone Duelers and they have worked well for me off-road as well as on. Dunlop and Pirelli also make that size in an aggessive tire, BFG does not. The wider, but not taller proportions just look a little different on a 4x4.
Jim
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From: Memphis, TN
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From: Newport News USA
Tire Size vs. Gear Ratio Solution?
Steve,
What size tires are you running on your Bronco? You do have 3.08 gears on it right?
What size tires are you running on your Bronco? You do have 3.08 gears on it right?
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From: Memphis, TN
Tire Size vs. Gear Ratio Solution?
I moved up to 32x11.50R15s last year, mainly for the width to carry the extra weight I've added. At the moment, my rear ratio is 3.55, but my 3.08 axle will be ready soon. I've already had the front freshened up and it's still the original 3.07 gears, but the carrier is installed on the '96 axle from my parts truck so I can add 4WABS with Traction Control.
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From: Castine, ME
Tire Size vs. Gear Ratio Solution?
thanks for all the input, I think I will go with the 32's (recalibrating the computer) and do the gear ratio change myself ($500 as opposed to $1500 for labor) so it should not be too bad
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