Gonna need tires soon, trying to decide what size...
#1
Gonna need tires soon, trying to decide what size...
I bought my 97 F250 PSD (E4OD/4.10LS rear) almost a year ago. Been going through it fixing a bunch of issues here and there. Here in the next month or so I'm gonna have to bite the bullet and put some tires on the ol girl. It's a super cab long bed 2wd "Grandpa Truck" if I remember correctly the factory specified tire is LT235/85R16 load range E. I have been considering staying the same height, but going to wider tire, thinking a 265/75R16. I could be wrong but it seems like doing this would give me a little more lateral stability. This truck is a 3 season tow rig, I have a slide in camper that rides in the box and pull a 20' car trailer I use to haul my wheeling rig to different OHV trails and events. Any thoughts on running this size tire (LT265/75R16) on a 2wd? Or would I be better off sticking with the factory size? Oh I also am planning on installing air bags in the rear to help level things out if needed.
#3
#4
You're probably going to get a lot of opinions! Here's mine and I'm a long way from being a tire expert and I'm not saying I'm right. About wider tires providing more lateral stability, I'm not sure about that. A wider contact patch is going to make the tire more responsive to steering input and responsive can also be defined as squirrely depending on your point of view.
I stayed with the stock tire size because I think wider tires on trucks are mainly for looks - nothing wrong with that though. Wider tires have more rolling resistance, burn up a little more fuel and also are more inclined to have wear problems than the narrower stock size. The stock tire size is also cheaper, which counts a lot for me. Again, just my opinion, I'm not claiming to be right.
The air bags work great on my truck.
I stayed with the stock tire size because I think wider tires on trucks are mainly for looks - nothing wrong with that though. Wider tires have more rolling resistance, burn up a little more fuel and also are more inclined to have wear problems than the narrower stock size. The stock tire size is also cheaper, which counts a lot for me. Again, just my opinion, I'm not claiming to be right.
The air bags work great on my truck.
#7
I was leaning towards staying with the stock size. The fuel economy issue did cross my mind. Just thought I'd ask around, see what you guys think about it. I usually don't go for 2wds either, but this truck has a beautiful rust free body. And it's mechanically sound, and it drives perfect. I couldn't pass up a sweet deal. I could always convert it to a 4wd later if I decide to.
Trending Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
hwoolsey
1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
5
12-05-2005 09:36 AM
bigFAWKINranger
Brakes, Steering, Suspension, Tires, & Wheels
6
07-12-2002 01:58 PM