Hey RR,

Thanks for answering. I am not into offroading, but I am a builder and do go where the pavement stops and the dirt begins. It's tempting the Futuras, but I still am doubtful. I called Sears, and I am pricing the Bridgestone Dueler and Revo series. I might opt for new rims, because the Factory stock on the Lariat just doesn't give it what it truly needs; probably Outlaw style from American Racer. I just might put on Ranchos and go for broke.

Tedmeister

 

I think your reservations are justified... I would look long and hard at the REVO tires from all the reviews I have read. I just wish I had more local feedback or forum feedback from people in order to justify the higher price here -- currently my buddy thinks he can get them for me at $220/tire vs $140 for the Cooper AT.

I have been thinking long and hard as well on the issue of rims. My F250 comes with 7" alloy wheels and that is not ideal for the 285/75R16; wheels are equally pricy here due to shipping costs, so that I may end up sticking with the 265/75R16 size to fit the 7" rims better. Also, I have the 5.4 V8 with auto tranny, so I don't have tons of horsepower to spare in going to larger tires, and there is no dealer available to reprogram the electronic tranny/PSM to take into account the larger diameter tires. So I would be stuck with odometer/speedometer/shift-point still set for smaller tires if I went up an inch to the 285s. If Sears has the REVO in 265/75R16 I would be thinking of ordering them myself!

RR

 

Hey RR,

I suppose living all the way up north, everything is at a premium. I would definately try Sears, and walk in with a print out of the tire(s) you want from Tire Rack and see if they will match the price, plus give them the incentive that you are thinking about custom wheels, and see if they can put together a package. It never hurts to try. How is the Canadian market? For sure the US Dollar goes much further?

The 3 tires I like are all 285/75/16 and are BFGs ($158.00), Bridgestones' Dueler D693 ($117.) and Dueler Revo AT ($144.00).

I'm not concerned about the tranny, I ordered my rig with a V10 mated to the 6spd. (3.75 config.). The auto with the 5.4 was too slow for me in a 2 door, so going four with an 8 ft bed would spell diseaster. My MPG averages around 11.3. I know, time to drill up in Alaska. (Sorry Reindeer)

Custome Rims: Mountain Hood has a nice pair of stock rims, and his truck is in the XLT trim! I ordered my rig in the Lariat package, and they just don't do the truck any justice. I prefer American Racer, with the key to lock the rims in the Out Law II model.

Shocks: I think I might just go for new shocks as well with the larger tire. If I'm going this far, why not go for broke, well at least on the Sears card.

Tedmeister

 

Tedmeister: Absolutely you need new shocks to go with the tires. My GF asked how much tires were going to cost and I mentioned shocks might need to be changed "while it's up on the hoist." I explained that it was like buying a new purse -- best to go ahead and get belt and shoes that match. . .

I thought long and hard about the V10. In the end what convinced me were the local contractors, most all of whom have 5.4 V8s because there is almost no highway travel [we have a total of nearly 300 miles of gravel or rock mining roads connected to Nome, which are referred to by the state as 'highways' and are open mid-May to as late as December or so, depending on snowfall (no winter maintenance and in some instances no maintenance at all) and because of the mileage factor. Even though the difference is minimal, that little bit counts since our lowest gas price in the last 10 years or so has been $2.25/gal. However, I couldn't agree more -- time to drill in Alaska!!! I haven't noticed that the wild animals mind the activity and in really cold weather caribou have been known to huddle next to the pipeline to get warmth from the oil (which is warm enough to flow); by 'really cold' I refer to those days when the TV weather report has someone holding a full can of (non-synthetic ) oil upside down with the top cut off and nothing comes out. Too cold for me -- I prefer the relatively tropical climate here in Nome.

I may try Sears -- closest is Anchorage -- and they tend to have cheaper shipping out to here. Unless we wait for the barges in summer, the tires are air-freighted, which adds a little cost. If I can get the Bridgestone Dueler AT REVOs at about $200/tire, I will order 6, otherwise I will stick with the cheaper Cooper Disc. AT. I keep hearing how quiet the REVO tire is compared to others.

Curious -- what kind of shocks are you lookin at? I've been considering Rancho RSX or Bilsteins, maybe Doetsch DT8000. OK -- thats shoes and belt, next the purse: replace the oem steering stabilizer...

RR

 

The maximum inflation depends on the tire. My BFGoodrich 35 12.50 R16.5's are load range D and maximum inflation is only 50 PSI. The weight rating is for 3385 lbs.

 

The numbers I posted are for 16" rims only.

Your 16.5" rims are a whole different animal.

As for ruggedness of an E vs. D tire, I can't see why they'd be different. Maybe stiffer sidewalls on an E tire? I'd check with the manufacturers on that one, I can't say for sure one way or another.

Waxy

 

Hey RR,

I'm not sure which shocks to purchase. I know Sears does sell Ranchos, and since I am there why not put them on. Perhaps one of the other gurus, like Waxxy might might comment on this subject or any of the other knowledgable rig owners.

It sounds like you are snowed in for 6 months out of the year. Yikes, I thought NY had a bad year. I can understand the concern for really rugged tires. Any reason why you opt for a diesel; initial cost and fuel costs were my reasons.

From what I have been reading and learning, no one even gives load E a second thought. The only reason I brought this up was due to the Tire dealers thinking that the F250 at over 8000 lbs needed a durable tire to hold the weight of the vehicle as well as its alotted haul. Personally, if the D rating tires are close enough, and have a wider selection as well even smoother ride, then its a no brainer.

What else should I add to my rig; new tires, new rims, new shocks, I was thinking darker tinted windows for front windows as well as rain guard for the tops of the windows. What do you guys think about front bush guards? Waste of money?

If anyone else can think of more goodies to add along with the tires, let me know. But hey, the well does run dry here too.

One last thing. I saw Pres. Bush drive his F250 Lariat crew cab today on his ranch. Cool, I wonder if he upped his tire size? He did put on a front bumper bush guard (pardon the pun).

Tedmeister

 

Tedmeister.

For all you ever wanted to know about shocks and more, check out these two threads courtesy of haroutd.

http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/sh...hreadid=109564

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...hreadid=111297

Waxy

 

Hey Waxy,

Thanks for your imput. Let me ask you a question. Did you add new shocks and steering stabilizer to your rig with your BFG 285s?

Let me know. And by the way, nice looking rig, but couldnt maximize the photo. My F250's color is Woodland Green and Beige ( Tan).

Hey RR do you have any comments?

Tedmeister

 

Hey Guys,

I just find an amazing deal, I hope RR will be checking in. You too Waxy and everyone else.

I found a great deal at central4wd.com where shipping is included, along with 1 free shock. Meaning buy 3 and get one free @ $79.90 a piece. Not bad. Here is their toll free number: 1-800-676-2325.


Tedmeister

 

Thanks for the compliment. I don't know why yo couldn't maximize it?

I didn't replace the shocks or stabilizer when I replaced the tires. IMHO neither is necessary simply due to a tire change to 285's. However, both upgrades will improve handling if you do them.

I plan to run the stock stuff till it's worn out, at that point I'll spend the cash for some first class shocks and a stabilizer.

Waxy

 

Dang it, that does sound like a pretty good deal, I'm guessing they'd charge me to ship them to Canada though.

Unfortunately, I can't afford it now.

I was planning on doing shocks this fall before hunting season.

Thanks for the heads up though.

Waxy

 

I don't want to re-open old wounds or restart the war between the shocks, so I won't get into the Rancho-Bilstein rematch. BUT, I would appreciate any thoughts on what is a good stabilizer for the F250SD 4X4!

Best as I can tell there are basically a few rebranded variations, OEMs, Rancho 5000, some sort of dual Bilstein thingy for Those Who Must Have Bilstein At All Costs, and even Doetsch [replacement for OEM] available as aftermarket kits or aftermarket replacement cylinder stabilizers.

The various posts seem to indicate that the Rancho stabilizer kit is good and superior to the Rancho replacement for OEM stabilizer. Any suggestions for a top of the line stabilizer? I expect that it isn't as critical as choosing shocks. I had/have(?) a chance to get a chromed Doetsch stabilizer that is supposed to be a drop in replacement for the OEM-Rancho cylinder that comes with the FX4 option. Would loook nice but I'm not sure that it is as good as a Rancho Kit -- which might be a longer or bigger cylinder.

Thoughts or suggestions? People locally tell me to expect OEM stabilizer failure easily within the first 5000 - 10000 miles and I want to have a replacement on hand or even to replace it up front.

RR

 

Hey RR,

I can't say I can help you with steering stabilizers. You must live in really rough terrain to have to change it only after 10K. I'm just about there now and its been close to 10.5 months that I've been driving my rig. Well, if it does go, then we both should have the answers from all the experts.

Hey did you or any of the other guys look into Filter Charger Fuel injection kits from K & N or Helix Performance Systems? www.cabelas are priced right along with other add on items. Do we truly need these items? We both have the V10, 6.8 litre engine, so saving some fuel couldn't hurt. What are your thoughts and any of the other fellas.

Have a great weekend and Happy Memorial Day to all Americans as well as to our Canadian brothers.

Tedmeister