So I need new tires.
I can't deside 265's or 285's
Stock ones where LT245/75R16 = 30"
Right now it has LT265/75R16 = 31"
I would like to go up to LT285/75R16 = 33"
I am runing stock 3.55 gears and stock 7" Rims.

Question are:
First, will the 285's fit the 7" rims well or should I wait for a set of 8" rims.
Are the 285's going to rob a noticable amount of power
Are they going to rob a noticable amout of fuel
Should I just keeping running 265's until I can afford a gear change.
Anyone here running 285/75R16's with stock 3.55 gears and
stock 7" rims ?

 

285s will fit the 7" rims, but i dunno about the gears u got, i have 3.92s and they turn them fine, fuel wise i was gettin like 10mpg before i did mods.

 

My Educated and experienced opinion, Dont go over 31" tires with stock 3.55 gears if your concerned with performance and drivetrain strain / life....overall its just a bad idea although some seem to be able to pull it off without any real problems the bottom line is you lose a lot of power and performance and usually mpg...Much more than bolt on upgrades can provide and the transmission already needs help... more strain and heat from constant shifting at higher load points is not good. If you have a stick you can pull it off better without as much negative effects.

 

I bought my truck when it had stock 3.55's and 285's on the stock rims. So I don't have a comparison of the 265's. But I have run 315's on the stock rims (little scary) and with stock gears. Now I have 8 inch wide rims for my 315's and still 3.55's. There was a pretty noticeable lack of power with the switch and mpg's did go down a hair.

 

For the 285s fitting 7" rim width, I always check the tire specs and go by that. I changed rims completely to accommodate. Going 33s will impact you, especially in the area you are in with the hills. However, I've no idea your driving style there and daily use. The other component in going 33s is guaranteed rubbing since truck is at stock height, right? You could minimize the rub with backspacing (< 5").

Maybe when we see each other at Prairie City next weekend we can go over this there too.

 

Another new topic.

 

3.55s turn 285s fine

 

As compared to what?

 

Have run 285's and 265's on mine with 3.55 gears and stock rims. No issues, no rubbing (but I don't go offroad for fun, only if I need too). Power difference was not really noticeable to me. Difference in MPG, maybe one MPG. I drive on the highway a lot, so I went back to 265's. 285's sure looked better, though. I'd say if you don't commute very far daily or mainly just use the truck for short trips, go with 285's if ya like em better. If you drive 60 miles to work each day like me, I'd keep the 265's (stock size on mine).

 

Idk lol my truck has 3.55s and 285s on it and it runs just fine. My dads has 3.92s and 285s, not much difference at all. Just with my truck geared higher i cant pull a big load as good