Well I thought I was a genius running the 9x16 (35’s) to get more speed with fewer rpms to improve mileage. Thing I didn’t learn until now is that with 26 air pressure and rolling resistance mpg is about 8, which isn’t worth it in my book.

Looking at stock size 235/85/16’s (31.7) at some low rolling resistance AT tires like the nexen roadian at pro ra8. They seem like a good deal/price. I see the 7.5x16 (32’s) bias ply tires but my guess is that they would have to be run a little lower pressure and would have a higher rolling resistance.

I realize the 1972 4x4 f250 isnt a Honda but I’m at least wanting to get to 12 or 13mpg. I did headers/exhaust/carb to get power and efficiency and 8.5mpg is kind of a bummer after all that. Way back I had 11.5mpg pulling a bed load of bricks on stock manifolds and 235/85/16's, 55MPH.

I like the stock 16” wheels. I have typical 390/4.11 gears, no overdrive.

Anyone have a recommended tall/skinny rock/mud shedding low resistance ~32” AT tire recommendation? I’d consider a road tire if it was good with rock shedding on gravel.

It seems like 255/85/35 (33’s) are mostly all mt tires and my guess that the larger size/lower rpm’s advantage would be trumped by heavier weight/lower pressure/more rolling resistance.

Thanks for chiming in!

 

It has been a little while since I have read the forum so you may have already gotten your tires.I spent some time researching mine and before putting these on my truck. I have been happy with their performance and wear. I was trying to get a modern tire that resembled the original size (tall and narrow) the best. I could not find any information on rolling resistance though. I can take a closer picture of the tire if it helps.

T235/85R-16 MICHELIN XPS TRACTION E

 

Thanks for the recommendation Boxwood. Good to see the tires with stock wheels on your rig - looks great! Can I ask if you're happy with their performance and mileage? Sounds like you researched them, what helped you with your decision?
You're right, it's somewhat hard to find information. I was able to find "fuel efficient" on michelin and firestone's website. I've been comparing consumer reports, manufacturer's data, and other sources.

 

Nice looking truck- great color too. I went with 900 x 16's on mine, but then I wanted a nice size/proportion on my 1968. Last I checked I got 8.8mpg.

 

Thanks Jim, that's a great looking truck. I looked for a late 60's to restore when I was shopping for mine.

I drive mine pretty close to home and to beat around town so I don't have any accurate gas mileage. The tires seem to ride smoothly but considering the gearing and suspension, I don't get over 50-55 mph.

 

I also stay close to home with mine, it's a fair weather pickup. So my gas mileage estimate is for around town with a few secondary highway miles since I am about 10 miles from town.
I have owned it for 45 years this summer. It's not fully original any more since I added power steering, C6 automatic and 427Fe. But it's all Ford.

My dad's first pickup was a brand new 1972 like yours only Candy Apple Red, that was the beginning of my love for these F250 4x4's and I knew I was going to have one of my own some day.
I think he paid $3600.00 for his new truck.

Jim

 

Im digging the boxwood green trucks. Cant wait to paint mine boxwood. Soon

 

are you on stock ride height? Want to run the 9.00 6 but wonder if it'll rub

 

I did have my springs re-arched many years ago and installed some Airlift air springs between front leafs and frame rail- as a precaution. So I never scrape and I had 10.50 x 16's before I switched to 900's.
My suspension components are all original OEM.