Help: Tire swap predicament
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 283
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From: Bogota, Colombia
Help: Tire swap predicament
Hi Guys,
My 2nd Bronco (1994 XLT, Stock 302, E4OD, 3.08 gears) came with LT31x10.5 R15 tires (which are manufacturer recommended, I believe) which are too tall for my garage (and I have less visibility than in my 1st Bronco with smaller tires) and the ride is rather stiff compared to what I used to have in my first Bronco, P235-75-R15 tires, which worked well in most areas, except maybe in the looks part. I want to swap the 31" tires for the 235-75... again. I also believe I will gain (with the smaller tire) in torque, city fuel economy and acceleration, plus I need a softer ride for my 5-month old baby who rides in the back next to my wife (now a Bronco-lover too..), what do you think? is it worth the change according to what I need?, thanks.... Uh, before I forget, I don't do much off-roading, no towing and only moderate hauling.
Thanks!
My 2nd Bronco (1994 XLT, Stock 302, E4OD, 3.08 gears) came with LT31x10.5 R15 tires (which are manufacturer recommended, I believe) which are too tall for my garage (and I have less visibility than in my 1st Bronco with smaller tires) and the ride is rather stiff compared to what I used to have in my first Bronco, P235-75-R15 tires, which worked well in most areas, except maybe in the looks part. I want to swap the 31" tires for the 235-75... again. I also believe I will gain (with the smaller tire) in torque, city fuel economy and acceleration, plus I need a softer ride for my 5-month old baby who rides in the back next to my wife (now a Bronco-lover too..), what do you think? is it worth the change according to what I need?, thanks.... Uh, before I forget, I don't do much off-roading, no towing and only moderate hauling.
Thanks!
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 31,930
Likes: 1,499
From: Ottawa, Ontario
Yes.. P series tires have a 2 ply sidewall while LT tires have 4-ply sidewalls, so ride will be smoother. If your truck has quad front shocks remove 1 pair for more ride improvement. 3.08 gears suck.. should be 3.73 or better with the 5.0.
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 2,018
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From: Longview, TX
You might want to check the height difference between the two sizes then divide by 2 to estimate how much the axles will lower to fit your garage.
Mine origanally had LT31x10.5 R15 from factory. I recalibrated the speedometer because I am now running P235-75-R15 Uniroyals. There is some whipping when trailer towing. Raising rear psi to 38 helps. Next tires will be P235-75-R15 Long Trail...Tour (Uniroyal or Bridgestone, can't remember but same company anyway). Dealer gets no complaints on the new Tour tire that handles water better than the Long Trail. Says we can inflate to 51 psi when needed on them then be sure to lower the pressure to normal when not needed. He does not recommend more than 38 on current tires. I seldom get off road deep into the woods except to pull son-in-law's tractor out of the mud or sand. He burries it about once a year and his Z71 is usually not adequate.
Mine origanally had LT31x10.5 R15 from factory. I recalibrated the speedometer because I am now running P235-75-R15 Uniroyals. There is some whipping when trailer towing. Raising rear psi to 38 helps. Next tires will be P235-75-R15 Long Trail...Tour (Uniroyal or Bridgestone, can't remember but same company anyway). Dealer gets no complaints on the new Tour tire that handles water better than the Long Trail. Says we can inflate to 51 psi when needed on them then be sure to lower the pressure to normal when not needed. He does not recommend more than 38 on current tires. I seldom get off road deep into the woods except to pull son-in-law's tractor out of the mud or sand. He burries it about once a year and his Z71 is usually not adequate.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 9,182
Likes: 12
From: Gateway to the West
Where'd you find a 94 with 3.08's? I know it was available but I didn't know... well anyhow, Your rpm's are gonna climb just a bit with the shorter tires which COULD contribute to poorer mileage. It really depends on your driving style and the terrain. Hills are gonna hurt (unless you "run 'em"... truckers trick and only slightly illegal).
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