Notices
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks 1987 - 1996 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350 and larger pickups - including the 1997 heavy-duty F250/F350+ trucks

new tires?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Dec 13, 2010 | 07:04 PM
  #1  
yours's Avatar
yours
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
new tires?

Im new to the diesel truck game. (and this forum which Im glad to have stumbled upon.)

I just purchased a 1991 f-250 w/a 7.3 diesel. It has a set of 235-80-16's on her.

My question is how big of a tire can fit without lifting the truck, damaging the drivetrain, or rubbing of course?

265's, 275's, 285's, 33x12.50's, 35x12.50's or bigger maybe?

I just want the truck to look a little meaner. Thanks in advance and again glad to be part of the community.
 
Reply
Old Dec 13, 2010 | 07:22 PM
  #2  
big-ugly's Avatar
big-ugly
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 8,674
Likes: 0
From: town of less than 200 ppl
well someone's gotta say it... There is a search function for a reason. This has been discussed many times. I myself am also guilty of being lazy and not wanting to use it, but this would be a common one to find. Check it out, and good luck to ya
 
Reply
Old Dec 13, 2010 | 08:45 PM
  #3  
yours's Avatar
yours
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Not being lazy. I used the search and have found useful info but can not seem to find a definitive answer to my question.

Just looking for a little help in making the right decision. After all load range E tires are very expensive and I don't want to make a mistake.
 
Reply
Old Dec 13, 2010 | 08:47 PM
  #4  
L. Ward's Avatar
L. Ward
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 957
Likes: 2
From: Graniteville
Assuming its a 4x4, you can run 33's comfortably, and 315's will fit, but they're a snug fit and you wouldnt want to go offroading much with them
 
Reply
Old Dec 13, 2010 | 08:49 PM
  #5  
Pkupman82's Avatar
Pkupman82
Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 3,441
Likes: 5
From: Muskegon, MI (home)
From what I have seen 285/75R16s fit quite nicely on these trucks with no lift. Is it a 4x2 or 4x4?
 
Reply
Old Dec 14, 2010 | 07:11 AM
  #6  
yours's Avatar
yours
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Thanks for the feed back guys. I had no idea something that big would fit.

It is a 4x4 and I will do a little off roading from time to time. nothing like some of the guys I've seen on this forum, but I will get her dirty.

I will mainly use it as a winter truck and to tow my classic cars with when needed.

if i remember correctly increasing the diameter of the tire will increase my gear ratio slightly. So just for an example (not correct #'s or math) if I put a tire on that is 3" taller than the stock tire and the truck has a 4.10 gear ratio the taller tire will change the gearing to say a 3.90?

Does anyone know of a website that would allow me to type in tire sizes and give me these gearing specs?
 
Reply
Old Dec 14, 2010 | 07:44 AM
  #7  
L. Ward's Avatar
L. Ward
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 957
Likes: 2
From: Graniteville
- Dirt Road Magazine - Gear Ratio Calculator - (dirtroad.com)

Theres some calculators there. The 1st calculator is the one you want, and then you use this formula

A - B = C

B - C = D

A = New gear ratio from calculator, B = Current gear ratio, C = Computed difference in ratio, D = Equivalent gear ratio

Using your current gears/tires (31's & 4.10) if you went to a 35, you would need a 4.63 gear to stay at stock rpms. Take the 4.63 (A) subtract 4.10 (B) and you get .53 (C)

Now take the 4.10(B) and subtract the .53(C) and you get 3.57(D) which would be your equivalent gear ratio with the 35" tires on stock gears.
 
Reply

Trending Topics

Old Dec 14, 2010 | 11:16 AM
  #8  
yours's Avatar
yours
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
thanks for all the help L.Ward, may the 4x4 gods smile upon you! By the way love your avatar!

Im thinking I may go with the 285/75-16's they will through the speedo off by 3.9 mph and give me a drive ratio of 3.78. Theirs better sizes that wont change things up so much but the other sizes dont seem to come in load range E's.

If I do go with the 285's they wont damage the drivetrain or 4 wheel drive system right?
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

 Brett Foote
story-3

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-5

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
Old Dec 14, 2010 | 11:36 AM
  #9  
Big_Al59's Avatar
Big_Al59
Laughing Gas
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,115
Likes: 13
From: west plains spokane,wa
The 285's will be fine, ran them on my 97 psd for years. I think they look better than the stock 235's. I don't think they will make any noticeable driving difference in your truck, didn't in mine anyway. Mine had 4:10 and an auto.
 
Reply
Old Dec 14, 2010 | 11:54 AM
  #10  
yours's Avatar
yours
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Great news mine also is a auto but with the 3.55's and limited slip.

I was thinking about some Bridgestone A.T. Revo II's anybody have any experience good or bad with these?

Or maybe some Firestone Destination A.T.
 
Reply




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:42 PM.

story-0
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-2
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-4
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-7
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE