Mike

Thanks.. I actually picked the 17" wheels today. They appeared very heavy but that is compared to my Wife's 15" Volvo wheels. I will weight them and compared them. In my own unofficial way, I placed the tires side by side with the current 20's and the 17"s were about 1.5 inch smaller. My Truck is running 275/60 r20's and I am going to 265/70 r17's.

I thank you all for all your help.

 

a 275-60-20 has a diameter of 32.99 inches
a 265-70-17 has a diameter of 31.60 inches

That 1.4" is going to make a difference in your speedometer by reading faster than what you are really going. If you can afford to change tires, the following size would be a better match: 285/70/17 - 32.8".

 

I went from the aluminum 20's/Goodyears to 17" wheels with 33" tires. Per my GPS, my speedo is actually closer to accurate NOW than it was straight off the lot. I know the tire diameter didn't change much, but my speedo is about dead on now. Before it was off by 1-2 mph.

 

You better save those 20's for a while you may find that your gas mileage will drop a lot. Plus you can use them in the winter and save the 17's for the summer. I have 18's on my pt for the summer and 16's for the winter. .The 18's cost a grand a piece.

 

20's for the winter?? Those Goodyears can't keep traction in a light sprinkle, nevermind snow and slush. I'll take my A/T tires any day in inclement weather. Also, most people I know who go DOWN in wheel size go for more of a "durable" wheel as opposed to those who go UP in size who usually go for *bling* which they want to protect all the time.

I noticed a small, negligible drop in gas mileage around town, but highway is still the same...right around 17-20mpg (per overhead display). I also put a 3" bodylift on it, which probably attributes to the mpg loss as well.

 

Was looking at tires (wanting to go to AT's). Even 1 year later there aren't many choices for 20" wheels. and they are still pricey.
I understand the weight and its the tire Dia. not the wheel that effects things.
Has anyone else went from 20's to 17's or vice versa kept the same tire dia. and noticed any difference in ride, mpg, or handling?

 

Clyde

I will keep you posted. I am trading wheels and tires tomorrow. I will try to match as close as I can. The 285's will match my existing 20's very close. I dont really think I will have a huge difference in the MPG. One of the reasons I went with the 17" wheels was because like you, I just dont see enough choices for 20" tires. Not that I plan on going serious offroading or anything like that. But the walls on the 20"s are soft and one puncture wall is not a good thing riding up Han's Peak... I will post.

 

Th 20's with the stock Goodyears are appx 33" tires. I haven't noticed a real mpg change, and I actually think the truck rides smoother. I don't even feel the railroad tracks I have to cross over every day anymore. I would brace myself when I saw a bump or something coming up, but would be surprised when I would barely feel anything.

 

There are some good choices with the 20's out there. Especially in A/T's. Nitto's are a great tire but a bit pricey. Bridgestones work great as well. Personally, I'm going with Goodyear Silent Armor's later this month. My dad put a set of 17's on his and they work awesome in the snow and are extremely quiet for an agressive tread. I talked to Goodyear and they are starting to make 275/60R20 size this month and available to the dealer by June.

 

Again - thanks all for the feedback. I was also wondering if anyone could tell why the 1k lbs difference in towing when using 17"s Vs 20"s. As I read more about this, Dodge's towing guide give the 03 1500 QC with the 5.7l engine and the 3.92 rear diff 1000 fewer pounds of towing Vs the same set up but with the 17" wheels.
I did not get the vehicle to tow 8500lbs but I wonder why?