I just bought a new 08 mega cab 4x4 and I want to put a bigger mud tire on the truck.

WHat is the biggest mud tire you can run without a leveling kit without rubbing?

What is a good size increase from the stock tire without getting too hammered on fuel economy?

I am new to this forum and very impressed with what I have learned so far from you guys.

I would really value your input, thanks

 

Most will agree that with stock wheels, a 35x12.50R17 tire will only rub a tiny bit on the control arms at full lock on a non-lifted truck. As far as being hammered on fuel economy, that all depends on your perception of "hammered." My truck stock netted 16.67mpg the first 1700 miles of her life. At that point a level lift and 325/70R17 tires were installed and i yield anywhere from 13-15.5mpg depending on driving habits. I have right at 10k on the truck now. It was an acceptable tradeoff for me to get the truck looking exactly how I wanted it, though it may not be for others. Hope this helps.

 

great input BroncoHound....much appreciated

 

I changed to 315's and I actually see a gain of about 1mpg but the truck only had 2500 miles when I changed. Now I have almost 6000 miles and am averaging, not towing, 16, and getting better!

 

Hayseed, did you clear 315's with or with a leveling kit?

 

I had 35 x 12.50's 17's Nitto Mud Grapplers onmy 06 Mega Cab with no rubbing at all....except for one time I hit a big pothole going about 40 and bottomed out...

 

I had 35x12.50x17 Mickey Thompson Baja Clawa on my truck...just rubbed on the control arms a bit...not enough to do damage. I found it annoying tho.

 

loanman, 315/70R17 is the metric equivelent of 35x12.50R17. They are almost identical in size and vary more by manufacturer than actual size difference. If you are afraid of them rubbing, a 305/70R17 is just a little bit narrower and shorter; many find this to be the perfect compromise between form and function. I personally went with 325/70R17 which is essentially a 35x13.00R17 and I only have the minor full-lock rubbing I mentioned earlier.

 

broncoHound, I went to a les schwab today and they said they do not make a 305/70/17 only a 295/70/17? did the guy not know what he was talking about?

 

Depends on what tire you are looking at. The Toyo A/T's only come in a 285/75R17 (34x11.50R17) then all the way up to a 325/70R17 (35x13.00R17). The Toyo M/T's are available in a 285/75R17, a 295/70R17 (33.5x12.00R17), and a 35x12.50R17.

With Nitto, the Nitto Terra Grapplers are available in a 305/70R17 (34x12.50R17) and a 325/70R17. The Nitto Mud Grapplers are available in a 35x12.50R17.

If i were looking for something a little smaller than a true 35" tire, I would most likely go with the Toyo A/T 285/75R17. It is 34" tall yet only 11.50" wide so you won't take nearly as much of a hit on the fuel mileage. If you were only looking for an M/T i would suggest the Toyo over the Nitto. The Nitto Mud Grappler has some crazy sidewalls, but i hear the mileage on them is rediculous. I have read some very positive feedback on the Toyo M/T's as far as longevity are concerned and they seem to be getting rave reviews everywhere for their grip. Hell, everything Toyo sells nowadays seem to be laced with gold...