need some tire advice
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need some tire advice
I have been trying to decide on new tire since I bought my truck last June. I have an 2005 STX 4x4 supercab with the 4.6 L. I don't think I can stand to look at those Generals one more day. Anyway, I want the BFG All Terrain T/A KO, but I can't decide on size. I am trying to decide between the 265/70/17 & the 285/70/17. The 265's are obviously cheaper, but I think the 285's might look better. There is only a 1'' difference in the heights. I want a beefier tire, but I do not want zapp what little performance is in the 4.6 L and I'd rather not kill my gas mileage. What should I do?
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,462
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From: Dedham, MA
On a smaller car, 1" would be a substantially visible uprgrade. On a truck this big, won't be too noticeable. The wheel wells are just plain HUGE. However, 1" larger would look that much better than a smaller tire. I would do it. I agree about the General's, they're hideous, horrible tread design, and don't take tire dressing (silicone) properly. I entertained the idea of having them reverese, to at least hide the not-so-white lettering.
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Joined: Oct 2004
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From: NORCAL
Pics of new tires BFG 285/65/18 in my gallery. They ride pretty good, a little stiffer than the passenger tires that came stock. Had to get these because sidewalls were rubbing on the street around corners, especially towing! Looks like I could have gone bigger except BFG doesn't make an 18" bigger than this. Wider would have hit the control arm on the inside I think.
Last edited by blub; May 2, 2006 at 07:17 PM.
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Joined: May 2004
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From: Mirror, Alberta
Originally Posted by slash12376
I have been trying to decide on new tire since I bought my truck last June. I have an 2005 STX 4x4 supercab with the 4.6 L. I don't think I can stand to look at those Generals one more day. Anyway, I want the BFG All Terrain T/A KO, but I can't decide on size. I am trying to decide between the 265/70/17 & the 285/70/17. The 265's are obviously cheaper, but I think the 285's might look better. There is only a 1'' difference in the heights. I want a beefier tire, but I do not want zapp what little performance is in the 4.6 L and I'd rather not kill my gas mileage. What should I do?
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If you take a look at my gallery the first picture is minutes off the dealers lot with the 265 BFG's. I'm sure you will be able to find other pics with the 285's and as others have said it's hard to tell the difference as far as appearance goes.
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Thanks for the info bigdavewilson. After alot of research and help from people like yourself, I took the plunge today and went with the 265/70/17 and I couldn't be more happy with them. When they pulled the truck out of the bay, I couldn't wipe the smile off my face. They look perfect! I honestly don't think I would want them any bigger, especially with 4.6 and 3.55 gears. On the drive home I couldn't really feel any power loss, just a firmer more stable ride.
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Originally Posted by bigdavewilson
An important consideration is your current gear ratio. If it is already a 3.55 then the 285's will change it to an effective ratio of about 3.40. This may have a noticeable effect on acceleration and hill climbing. If it is a 3.73 then it might help mileage to go to the bigger tire.
If you take a look at my gallery the first picture is minutes off the dealers lot with the 265 BFG's. I'm sure you will be able to find other pics with the 285's and as others have said it's hard to tell the difference as far as appearance goes.
If you take a look at my gallery the first picture is minutes off the dealers lot with the 265 BFG's. I'm sure you will be able to find other pics with the 285's and as others have said it's hard to tell the difference as far as appearance goes.
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Oxford, CT
I also have a STX that came with the generals 255 OEM. I swapped them out with the BFG 285s, mounted on stock rims at first...Saved up some $$ and got aftermarket rims. You will regret not getting 285...check out my gallery. They looks sweet. I just wish I had goten 315s instead...
P.S. I had those tires on without a leveling kit for a while. No rub issue at all.
P.S. I had those tires on without a leveling kit for a while. No rub issue at all.
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