Bigger Tires!!
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 6,940
Likes: 2
From: Eastern WA
Larger diameter increases ground clearance (a + on 4x4); wider improves stopping distance and handling. But, since they are wider they create more wind drag ( - gas mileage ) and have more rolling resistance (more - gas mileage). Larger diameter tires tend to "float" over small potholes ( a + , esp on dirt/gravel roads) where small diameter tires drop into the hole easier, making the ride more noisy and jarring. Increasing tire diameter will improve gas mileage (well, for most people that don't burry their foot into the gas at every stoplight), but will detract from acceleration since you have effectively reduced (numerically) the axle ratio of the vehicle. Increasing the tire diameter will cause the speedometer/odometer to read less MPH and miles than you are actually doing/covering. This can be easily corrected however.
With this all said, only you can decide if the benefits are of value to you. Myself, I prefer ground clearance, safety, and a quiet, decent ride over a slight hit on my gas mileage since gas is cheap these days. BTW, I don't have a clue if your def of bigger means wider or taller.
With this all said, only you can decide if the benefits are of value to you. Myself, I prefer ground clearance, safety, and a quiet, decent ride over a slight hit on my gas mileage since gas is cheap these days. BTW, I don't have a clue if your def of bigger means wider or taller.
Last edited by CowboyBilly9Mile; Jan 15, 2004 at 03:16 AM.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 4,410
Likes: 1,016
From: Central KY
I upgraded my tires just ONE size larger (only increased diameter 1") and the results are good and bad.
Good: Higher stance, better looks, and I never get stuck now.
Bad: Gas mileage has DECREASED, truck requires more distance to stop, acceleration is diminished, handling is spooky past 65 mph.
Before you upgrade tires, make sure you weigh the good and bad and decide if it's worth it. It's the classic battle of "form vs. function". Personally, I go for function (and safety) first. So when these wear out, I'm going back to factory tire size.
Good: Higher stance, better looks, and I never get stuck now.
Bad: Gas mileage has DECREASED, truck requires more distance to stop, acceleration is diminished, handling is spooky past 65 mph.
Before you upgrade tires, make sure you weigh the good and bad and decide if it's worth it. It's the classic battle of "form vs. function". Personally, I go for function (and safety) first. So when these wear out, I'm going back to factory tire size.
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More Turbo
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 578
Likes: 1
From: Green Bay Wi
Well I just installed a set of 235/75/15's Have 4.10 rear gears
I think the reason you lost some mpg is because you already have smog gears They like 3.08/3.55 gears in those new trucks.
I think the reason you lost some mpg is because you already have smog gears They like 3.08/3.55 gears in those new trucks.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,006
Likes: 0
From: Coastal North Carolina
No Bigger tires give better gas mileage. Period. Wider tires dont because they are wider and catch more air. Taller dont improve mileage either. They put the truck up in the air more causing more wind resistance at freeway speed, and it is harder to get them rolling in city driving. Plus the extra weight of the extra rubber. But on the bright side, unless you go really tall (like 33's or bigger) there isnt going to be a big enough difference to worry about.
Braking does decrease with taller tires though. The brakes have to apply more force because of the extra leverage applied by the tires (physics). But really it is whatever you like and can afford.
Braking does decrease with taller tires though. The brakes have to apply more force because of the extra leverage applied by the tires (physics). But really it is whatever you like and can afford.
Freshman User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
From: DESTIN FL
Tires, Tires Tires everywhere. I had 245/75/16 as stock(recall tires), went to 265/75/16, now I have 255/85/16.
Lost some mileage with 265's, picked some back up with 255's, but I love 33 inch tires on stock rims.
Lost some mileage with 265's, picked some back up with 255's, but I love 33 inch tires on stock rims.
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