TMan

My 06 2WD Mega Cab needs a new set of tires. I would like to get something just a little taller than the 265.70.17 that are on it to cut down the RPM just a tad. I am not into 4 wheeeling (2WD) but use my truck about 100% for towing and hauling. Replacement Michelins are over 1K at Discount tire with the road hazard.... anybody have any experience with going with a little taller tire and if so what size would that be... A 275.70.17?

clemson725

The next size up in anything you can find is probably going to be a 285/70 or 285/75. If you're towing 100% of the time though I'd stick with the 265s. Granted a taller tire rotates less for the same speed resulting in lower rpm, but its bigger diameter essentially decreases your overall gearing. A 2" taller tire will make a 3.73 gear seem like a 3.50 and a 4.10 seem like 3.85. Also you will be increasing your rotational mass quite a bit which will take away some power and erase most, all, and maybe even more than what you will gain from a larger diameter. Think of a tire as a flywheel. The more mass a flywheel has, the harder it is to start moving and to accelerate. I dont mean to lecture you, but your 100% towing comment threw a red flag at me. I just changed mine on my 4wd to 285/70/17Es from 265/70/17Es and the decrease in power is in fact noticable.

bansh-eman

You might look at trying to grab up a set of stockers that someone swapped out for larger tires and wheels. You can get them for near nothing. Hell I might end up getting rid of my stockers soon if my wife gets my truck lifted for me while I am gone.

clemson725

I'm headed to texas tonight. I have the set of BFG 265/70/17 that i just took off mine that I'll sell if you wanted to go that route. 7/32 tread left. around 15,000 miles or so.

MikeyB

I'm running 285/70/17 on my 2wd. Looks a whole lot better than the stockers. A drop of about 100 rpms while cruising. Effectively changing the gear ratio from 3.73 to 3.58.

I haven't notice a difference between the two sizes when it comes to performance, fuel economy or towing.

MikeyB

TMan

When the fuel prices went to hell, I stopped driving my truck and bought a little car to run around town in. I drive about 400 miles a week back and forth between shops.
I just about now only use my truck to haul my race car to the track or kids dirt bikes, etc. I wasn't looking for a 500 rpm drop, but if MickeyB is right, 100 rpms would be what I am looking for. I am turning almost 2000rpm with the worn out stockers at 70mph. I am sure a fresh set of tires might account for 25-50rpm.
Where would I look for new take-offs at. A new set of tires is almost 1K.... I am all about saving money..

n2moto

Tire stores will have take offs. Check the classifieds here and on other CTD forums. Find somebody close to you and either buy the wheel/tires or just the tires if they have it that way.

bansh-eman

Craigslist, local tire shops, ebay, here, other Dodge diesel forums. Some dealers will let you buy the takeoffs, but the majority of the time they sell them to local tire shops rather than general population.