Wheels/tire sizes

[1Gary]

We have all talked about how tire sizes impact gas mileage.We have also talked about how these mods in tire sizes and wheels impact the stock suspension parts like tie rods,idler arms,etc,which are not built for it and shorten those parts life.

The question here is with a 3" pipe lift and about the same in the rear,what is the limit I could go to so as not to have that adverse effect on the stock parts and gas mileage??.Ford 9"rear end ratio of 3.70's.

[ihatemybike]

What size? Stock, but that's no fun.

Usually people match the tire to the lift.
2" = 235/75R15 (29")
3" = 30x9.5R15
4" = 31x10.5R15



Any lift will cause you to lose mpg do to increased aerodynamic drag.

[astrozam]

have a look at this...viewtopic.php?f=12&t=6561

[1Gary]

The basis for this question is the compromise of tire sizes/rims that would not effect stock steering parts as much.Honestly I am looking for everyones input,but more directly from Lifted or Lockdoc.I have read Bill say that if you use this size tire it would result in a shorten life and that I think is a real assessment of the situation.

[leadtrombone]

What size? Stock, but that's no fun.

Usually people match the tire to the lift.
2" = 235/75R15 (29")
3" = 30x9.5R15
4" = 31x10.5R15



Any lift will cause you to lose mpg do to increased aerodynamic drag.

I don't want to hijack here.. But i was looking at puttinh 235/75R15 on my safari. It is stock height. Will i have issues with those fitting in the wheel wells???????

[ihatemybike]

I tried putting 235/75R15 BFG ATs on my 94. The rear was fine, but there was serious rubbing on the rear of the front wheel wells when turning. Looking under Grumpy, it appears that the sheet metal can be cut and made to clearance. I don't recall anyone ever doing it though.

I ran 235/70R15 BFG Radial TAs on my 2000, minimal rubbing when turning.

[leadtrombone]

Well... a good thing i haven't already bought them... #-o

I guess i will have to stick with 230?? 225's


Hmmm.. Well enough hijacking for now.. I should start another thread for those questions...

Sorry to interrupt 1Gary.

[loopie]

The basis for this question is the compromise of tire sizes/rims that would not effect stock steering parts as much.Honestly I am looking for everyones input,but more directly from Lifted or Lockdoc.I have read Bill say that if you use this size tire it would result in a shorten life and that I think is a real assessment of the situation.

- For rims...it is only an issue of weight. The lighter the better (unless you're rock crawling or packing serious weight). I'm going to say that the stock aluminum rim would be hard to beat for weight and load rating without spending quite a chunk of change.

- Tires...the shorter and narrower and as solidly ribbed a tread patten as possible will give the best mileage and the least strain on the steering components. Every step you take away from that...equals less fuel mileage and more strain. I think the scale is pretty linear, a 235 will fair better than a 30 etc...

- Steering components(AWD)...leave the torsion bar in the factory setting for maximum life of the steering components. For 2wd...a spindle is the only way to get lift with no affect to the steering components.(not including body lifts)