2nd Gen Dakota Tech 1997 - 2004 Dodge Dakota Tech - The ultimate forum for technical help on the 2nd Gen Dakota.

Tires

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
  #1  
Old 01-01-2013 | 11:13 PM
joe002's Avatar
joe002
Thread Starter
|
Professional
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 122
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix, AZ
Default Tires

Hi. I just purchased a 2004 Dakota SXT 4x4.

The truck has P265/70R16s but the sticker in the door shows P245/70R16. The tires are really bald and so I want to get new ones (I'm planning to get BFG KOs)

I know both tire sizes were available stock, but I don't know if someone just upgraded the tires on their own. Any way to tell?

Also, are the wheels for both tire sizes the same (the sticker says 16x7.0).

As a side note, I checked the speedometer against a GPS and the speedometer shows 0-2 MPH slower than the GPS. This may be the standard amount the speedometer is off or maybe the speedometer wasn't re-calibrated for the bigger tires?

I know the dealer can flash the computer to match either tire size.

I will be mainly driving the truck on the road, but will need to drive it on the dirt to collect wood.
 
  #2  
Old 01-02-2013 | 01:34 AM
MadisonDakota's Avatar
MadisonDakota
All Star
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 829
Likes: 0
Default

If the door says 245, it left the factory with 245s.

You can put those back on if you want. The 2mph might be from the different sized tires. All 4 rims are the same size.
 

Last edited by MadisonDakota; 01-02-2013 at 01:36 AM.
  #3  
Old 01-02-2013 | 02:26 AM
magnethead's Avatar
magnethead
Legend
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 8,020
Likes: 171
From: Fort Worth, TX
Default

Originally Posted by MadisonDakota
If the door says 245, it left the factory with 245s.

You can put those back on if you want. The 2mph might be from the different sized tires. All 4 rims are the same size.
^ That
 
  #4  
Old 01-02-2013 | 09:57 AM
01dak3.9's Avatar
01dak3.9
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 414
Likes: 0
Default

The door tag on mine says 215/75R15 but I still had 2 factory 235/75R15 tires up until last week. The reason I know that is because my grandfather bought the truck practically new and only replaced 2 tires. My build sheet also says 235/75R15.
 
  #5  
Old 01-02-2013 | 10:09 AM
Robbadodge's Avatar
Robbadodge
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 380
Likes: 0
From: Signal Mountain, TN
Default

My build sheet and current tire size match. P265/70R16. Yet, my GPS says the speedo is off by about 2 MPH (speedo reads slower than actual).

Personally, buy the tire that gives you the look you want. For me, fill the wheel well with an off-road look. Small tires look odd to me; whether your look is street or off-road.

Enjoy your ride!
 
  #6  
Old 01-02-2013 | 06:39 PM
magnethead's Avatar
magnethead
Legend
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 8,020
Likes: 171
From: Fort Worth, TX
Default

Originally Posted by Robbadodge
My build sheet and current tire size match. P265/70R16. Yet, my GPS says the speedo is off by about 2 MPH (speedo reads slower than actual).

Personally, buy the tire that gives you the look you want. For me, fill the wheel well with an off-road look. Small tires look odd to me; whether your look is street or off-road.

Enjoy your ride!
I agree, fill it to look good. Except for racing...then I want the shortest effer I can fit
 
  #7  
Old 01-02-2013 | 09:08 PM
joe002's Avatar
joe002
Thread Starter
|
Professional
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 122
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix, AZ
Default

Thanks for the replies.

OK, good to know the wheels are the same size for both tire sizes - thanks.

It sounds like my speedo is similar to Robbadodge as the tires are the same size (though thy are really bald) and my speedo is off (slow) by around 2 MPH. With new rubber on there it will probably be a little slower still…

In my Jeep I have oversized tires and gears and I bought something to update the speedo so it’s dead on. On my car the speedo always seems to read faster than what I’m actually driving (according to the GPS), even though the tires are stock.

Anyway, the 265s certainly look better, and the 245s are cheaper and may give me a little better MPG…
 
  #8  
Old 01-03-2013 | 05:41 AM
mmguy18's Avatar
mmguy18
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 427
Likes: 0
From: St Clairsville Oh
Default

Really your preference.
 
  #9  
Old 01-03-2013 | 08:46 AM
Robbadodge's Avatar
Robbadodge
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 380
Likes: 0
From: Signal Mountain, TN
Default

Originally Posted by joe002
Anyway, the 265s certainly look better, and the 245s are cheaper and may give me a little better MPG…
I don't believe you purchased a Dakota while considering gas mileage. Sure, you want to drive smart, but you purchased it to be a truck knowing you'd only get up to 18 highway and 10-12 city.

As stated, it's up to you. Put on what you'll be happy with. Go to the tire place, have them roll one tire size to the front, and the other tire size to the rear, compare them, switch them back and forth. Buy what you like because you'll be stuck with a bad decision for 50K miles.

OR, you'll be happy for 50K miles.

Good luck!
 
  #10  
Old 01-03-2013 | 09:27 PM
joe002's Avatar
joe002
Thread Starter
|
Professional
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 122
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix, AZ
Default

Yeah, sure didn't buy it for the gas mileage, but it's one (small) thing in the equation.

I did get the correct build sheet from Chrysler today, and guess what, it says it came stock with:
TZAP Goodyear Brand Tires P265/70R16 OWL All Terrain Tires
WD1P 16X8.0 Cast Aluminum Wheels

I went out and measured the wheels and they do appear to be 8" wide.

So I guess I got a bad sticker too, and some factory wheels can be different?

Anyway, that settles it as I'll be getting the 265s, which do look nicer and may help keep me from getting stuck some day.

Thanks for all the help and feedback.
 


Quick Reply: Tires



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 04:34 PM.