Opinions/Experience Wanted

[jhberria]

Yeah, that's what I figured. It was more of a selfish, aesthetic desire than a relaistic necessity.

[JorDaneeKey]

Isn't Bacon wheeling with 33s on 3.42?

[Trail X]

That sounds painful on the highway. Mine are.

[navigator]

I know FlyingMonkey did for awhile. He had some tranny overheating issues in mountains until he installed a cooler.

[boog2006]

Ah-hah! Based on my experience, I wouldn't go over 32s on your 3.42 gearing.

You can, and many have, but your mileage will suffer on the highway because your torque converter will constantly be kicking out of lockup. As a result, you can also easily over heat your transmission.

This page helps I think: http://www.offroadtb.com/articles/tech- ... alculator/

So, no more than 32's on 3.42 gears....which measurement of 32's is that using? Rated? Loaded diameter? Circumference?

[boog2006]

Interesting discussion on actual vs. advertised tire size.

That being said, what are your thoughts on upgrading from my current 265/76/16 Duratracs (advertised as 31.7 inches, actually closer to 31) to 285/70/17 Duratracs (advertised as 32.8 inches, most likely closer to 32 flat, if that)? Feasible with the stock gearing?

After actually measuring mine...I'd by the 285's in a heartbeat. I'd even sell you my new 265's and go by some 285's today.

[Trail X]

Ah-hah! Based on my experience, I wouldn't go over 32s on your 3.42 gearing.

You can, and many have, but your mileage will suffer on the highway because your torque converter will constantly be kicking out of lockup. As a result, you can also easily over heat your transmission.

This page helps I think: http://www.offroadtb.com/articles/tech- ... alculator/

So, no more than 32's on 3.42 gears....which measurement of 32's is that using? Rated? Loaded diameter? Circumference?

I dunno, I'd go by the diameter reported by the manufacturer, or if they do not supply one, I'd go by the calculated diameter based on the 3 tire spec numbers.

[HARDTRAILZ]

I sure as hell would not trust the manufacturers. Known fact that they are inaccurate as hell. Research anywhere and you will find that quickly.

If you go by three numbers...every tire of a selected size would be equal but that is definitely not the real life results.

[Trail X]

If you can find someone else's circumference-based diameter measurement that you trust, go for it, but it's not an easily found number. I'd trust manufacturers more than I'd trust some joe blow on the internet with a tape measure, but that's me.

[djthumper]

Hey! We resemble that remark with our own tire calculator

[boog2006]

I'm not Joe...and I never blow

[Trail X]

[jhberria]

Well, this discussion as me looking at the weight of individual tires/sizes now, as well, as I figure that should factor into the decision.

The 265 Duratracs I'm running now come in at 45 lbs a piece, and the truck has no issues with these. The 285 Duratracs come in at 54 lbs, so about +9 lbs per tire. Would this be a significant added strain?

The 32 inch MT/Rs come in at 52 lbs a piece, while the 32 inch BFGs would come in at around 53 lbs.

[v7guy]

You'll likely notice it accelerating, stopping etc. All that mass rotating can make a big difference. Will you notice and/or care? It's hard to say really.
Look at the tires in your price range at the rough size you want with the best reviews for your behavioral priorities and go with it. It's kinda like picking a girlfriend or wife.

[JorDaneeKey]

It's kinda like picking a girlfriend or wife.

Especially since we lie about our sizes too!