Hey folks,
I was thinking of dropping my ram back close to stock height and getting rid of these BFG AT 35x12.5x17's tires. Im tired of the noise and rough ride they create and the measly 10-mpg city rating Im getting, and would like to get back close the the mileage and power I had when I first got the truck.

The only other tire/wheel I ever had on this truck was the 33" tires with the 20" flower petal wheels. I got rid of those in favor of 17" moto wheels.

The problem Im having is the only tires I have ever had for this truck where the stock goodyear 33" street tires and the 35" BFG AT's that I got after I lifted the front end. I have no experience with any other truck tire.

The question I have is this, If I went back down to the stock 17" size of 265/70/17 and got some terra grapplers do you think it would be possible to get back up to the 16/17mpg, comfort and quiet I was getting when I had the 33" tires? or would I have to go back to, ug, a street tire to get that back?

 

It will be quiet and comfortable when you're dead. Live it up for now. No one likes to see a truck get UN-modded.

 

Except the wife the kids and me. Whats the point of a mod, If the person owns the truck doesn't like said mod. We have all done things to our vehicles that we wanted un-done.

 

I know man, I was just picking on you. I wouldn't say I am an expert (many on this forum are) but I would think dropping your size back down would make a pretty solid difference. Dropping back down in size should give you back a lot of your mpg and acceleration. The difference between an AT and a highway tread should be minimal. The AT probably weighs a little more and has more rolling resistance, but that shouldn't make a huge difference. It's that diameter that changes everything. As for the sound, I've never run the Terras so I've got nothing on that one.

 

What kind of mileage are you getting with you 33" A/T'S?

 

Well, I have no idea. I just put them on a couple weeks ago and I have yet to recalibrate for the new tire size. So my overhead read out is wrong. It still thinks I have 31's. I'm sure it isn't good.

 

MPG change isnt going to be night and day. It will be slight. Maybe find someone to do a trade with??

 

First point - as for mileage, did you get the computer reflashed for the larger tire size? If not, then your odometer (and speedometer) is reading lower than reality so you're calculating your mileage from a false number. Meaning, you'll calculate out a lower MPG than you're actually getting.

As for noise, yes, the BFG AT/KO tires are noisy. I had a set on my old Explorer 4X4 and they sang quite a song on the highway. My Terra Graplers also sing a little, but not nearly as loud.

Concerning ride, that is partly dependent on how much air you have in the tires. If you've drastically overinflated them, they'll ride like your tires are steel! I take it that they're truck tires ("LT" rated), and not "P" rated tires (like P-295/70-R-17) so they have a much higher maximum inflation pressure than the street tires. But that max pressure is designated for carrying maximum load, which is also much higher than ordinary P-rated tires. Try driving with 40 psi in them, and make adjustments up or down from there to get to a more suitable ride. Just remember that if you're loading the truck heavy, you'll need more air pressure.

And if all else fails, sell them and get tires that are more suitable to your needs.

 

Never like to see a guy un-mod a truck, but I feel 'ya. I drive my Grand Cherokee more and more for the quiet ride, ease of handling and better mpg's as well as to keep the miles down on my truck.

Terra Grapps in 33" would be an improvement over what you have now in terms of MPG (although as 'Weed states, would not be night/day), ride quietness and comfort. Probably a great compromise between the BFGs and the soccer mom stockers...

 

I will say if you are looking for something that is completely quiet but still has a decent look to them, check out the Bridgestone Dueler Revo's, i went through 2 sets of them on my Tahoe. i got 60K out of the first set....they handle great, especially in the rain and they look good too.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....r+A%2FT+Revo+2

but i wouldnt go back to the 265...if you went with these its a great price. $736 for the set

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....2OWL&tab=Sizes