Which is worse? The Lift or the Tires?

LaGrasta · Post by **LaGrasta** » Thu May 29, 2008 7:47 am

betz wrote:I've been getting 19-20 MPG mixed driving on my 'stro. I have the 4" lift and big BFG ATs. I also use the Hypertech Energy Max to tell the computer what tire size I have, and it is supposed to improve my mileage too.

we have almost the same set-up, but i can't get that mpg all that often unless I'm on the freeway for an extended amount of time with cruise control. Any ideas? I have the JET programmer by the way (http://www.jetchip.com/). Take note of my rear axle gear in my sig. Maybe that is killing me...

dunedog · Post by **dunedog** » Thu May 29, 2008 7:57 am

[quote][/quote]Maybe that is killing me...

Yep! I've got 3.42 and with 235's, I figure I'm around 3.23 so if you have 3.23 and 30" tires you've runnin' .....oh my!
Great if you were headed East across the panhandle of Texas with a stiff tailwind.....

otherwise not so good.

phr1$k37 · Post by **phr1$k37** » Thu May 29, 2008 7:57 am

3.23 gears ... that must lag a lot with those bigger 30" tires. What is your PSI on your tires? I know for a fact that 10% mpg can be had for correct/incorrect PSI. I know that I can get about 50-100kms more for using 38PSI instead of 33PSI but 33PSI bites the ground so well with these Toyos I like it haha Never tried higher yet.
Experiment with your tires PSI as it is very noticeable in our big lifted heavy vehicles.

betz · Post by **betz** » Thu May 29, 2008 9:49 pm

LaGrasta,
Are you running full synthetic fluids? This will make a difference. I am also running a K&N air filter which is supposed to increase MPG and HP.

LaGrasta · Post by **LaGrasta** » Fri May 30, 2008 7:53 am

I run 40 psi in my BFGs, K&N and full synthetic as well. I'm not willing to compromise the look with smaller tires or even passenger tires. The BFGs MAKE this van. I get compliments all the time. People are so blown away with a lifted Astro with BFGs. They are saying "why didn't I think of that". I always reply, "why didn't GM think of it?" A Z71 Astro would have sold like crazy. "Forget the MiniVan, go with the MaxiVan!
That only leaves me with the rear end gears to help my situation. Back to stock 3.42 or taller? This 3.23 axle gear swap and rebuild cost about $700. My wife is going to kill me! ](*,)

WVKayaker · Post by **WVKayaker** » Fri May 30, 2008 9:19 am

Pics?

LaGrasta · Post by **LaGrasta** » Fri May 30, 2008 5:32 pm

I couldn't find any real great pics, but here is the overall general look of it.

WVKayaker · Post by **WVKayaker** » Fri May 30, 2008 6:44 pm

looks good!

LaGrasta · Post by **LaGrasta** » Mon Jun 02, 2008 10:33 am

thanks, the 30" BFGs along with the lift makes it look serious in my opinion. The rear DPS system in the pic is set-up for hauling a motorcycle. I also have a large Thule box for the roof. When it's time for a serious road trip, it's up for it!
We're heading for Yosemite again in a few weeks. I'll have it packed up heavy. I'll try to take a few pics to post.

WVKayaker · Post by **WVKayaker** » Mon Jun 02, 2008 11:06 am

Sounds like a plan, you know we love pics!

stomp13 · Post by **stomp13** » Thu Jun 12, 2008 3:23 pm

LaGrasta if you can, more pic's please.

WVKayaker, so do you have a total of 3inchs of lift? I see you have OLV 2", plus add-a-leaf, and your bars turned up 1inch.

Im thinking OLV 2inch with 29" BF A/Ts.

I am also sweating the mpg. My other truck is a full size bronco with a 6inch lift, 35" M/Ts, rear locker, 4.56s. that gets like 10-12mpg. My Astro (3.42gear) is getting for days 20-23mph, and I would like to keep it in the upper teens. Im planning on Mobil 1 next oil change.

WVKayaker · Post by **WVKayaker** » Thu Jun 12, 2008 3:57 pm

3" is about right, maybe a bit more...my 29" tires took a toll..going back to the 225-75's added almost a 100 miles to a tank of gas....

stomp13 · Post by **stomp13** » Thu Jun 12, 2008 4:26 pm

The 225/75/15's what type of tire? Is it your old trails?

WVKayaker · Post by **WVKayaker** » Thu Jun 12, 2008 4:31 pm

yep...BFG Long Trails

Astrophysics · Post by **Astrophysics** » Fri Jun 13, 2008 9:56 pm

Lots of good info on tires.
My 2003 AWD Astro with 225/70-16 BFG TA KO is done to about 14 mpg in stop and go traffic , with 3.42 axle.
K&N air filter, 35 psi in tires , I guess I could pump up to 40 psi but it would ride stiffer.
disconnecting the ATC fuse did not seem to make an noticeable difference.

I am impressed that the BFG Long Trails are such a good high mileage tire.
I was thinking of getting smooth highway tires such as Michelin X or ?
I will probably get a set of 215/75-16 Long Trails. Is it true that BFG is now part of Michelin?
I noticed on the Tire Rack site there is a new improved Long Trail that now is rated for 44 psi max vs
35 psi max. Also the new Long Trail looks like a smoother tread pattern. The other thing about the KO AT is that is weighs 3 or 4 pound more that the Long Trail...that stiff side wall is heavier.

I have a full size spare brand new 215/75-16 tire but Costco said it had to be mounted with the raised white letters out side showing. I would prefer black wall look.
I like to buy USA tires but only what Goodyear or General are US companies now.

Astrophysics

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Which is worse? The Lift or the Tires?

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Re: Which is worse? The Lift or the Tires?

Re: Which is worse? The Lift or the Tires?

Re: Which is worse? The Lift or the Tires?

Re: Which is worse? The Lift or the Tires?