been thinking about it for the last couple of weeks, the idea being to go to a lighter setup to improve throttle response.

Here's the options...
keep the same rims...
1) the toyo open country AT is 60 lbs for a 325-60-18 saves approx 15 lbs/tire. has a D rating but there may be one with an E rating (still checking).
2)the toyo open country MT is75 lbs for a 325-60-18 no real savings on current rim, just a bitchin lookin tire.

Pro-Comp 1059 17x9 or Eagle series 102with non-lug covering center caps (my preference)
3) thetoyo open country MT in a 295-70-17 size... the idea here is to bring the tire back under the fender so it lines up even with it (or close to even). this tire is 1~1.5" taller than the 33's so it'd be a slight bump in overall lift. may not be able to get it in the garage if I went this route. It barely fits now. saves about 5 lbs/wheel

4) the pro-comp xtreme AT(current tire) in a 33-12.5-17 with the 1059 17x9 rim. saves about 5 lbs/wheel & 15 lbs per tire. It has an E rating.

here are some pics I dug up...






[IMG]local://upfiles/1508/E2E2DC56F2074CFDB1033757BEFFA8C0.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]local://upfiles/1508/EB1DB2E8FCA946E5B23C7064A1C4F578.jpg[/IMG]

 

Don't you think the increase in diameter will offset any weight loss you might have, if your goal is to get more throttle response? Will such a small amount of weight really make that much difference? If you were talking about a motor that you were basically max'd out with I could see where something like this could make a difference, but you should have power to spare when it comes to throttle response...

 

IDK, I think with a .6" increase in overall height, .3" to the axle it might not make that much of a difference in loss... but the weight savings could make a difference... I got an email from the guy i've been talking with on the tires & he mentioned that the 285-75-17 toyo AT is 67 lbs but is 33.8" tall and has a tread width of 11.8"

current tires new are 33.2" tall & 13.2" wideaccording to their website.. when I had the 295/75-16's on my 2000 I liked them alot, they were tall but not too wide and fit well in the fenders. no need for flares. Also I think a narrower tire will imrove aerodynamic drag...

 

When the stock tires wear out, I am going to do a Kore Recon lift and add a set of ProComp 7089s (17x8) with 33X12.5R17's.

 

That whole weight thing has two sides - one says that less weight will be easier to turn, and the other says more weight will help momentum once under way. I almost think it'd be a wash since for every acceleration you also have as much if not more coasting where you using the minimum power to maintain speed. Yes, the extra weight would take more power to turn initially, but once turning more weight would require less power to maintain.
Yikes! Maybe more concern would be A) Looks, B) extension beyond fender or flare and potential body damage, C) unsprung weight effect on bearings and suspension components, and D) ???
I think the effect will be so minimal that your potential measurement uncertainty will be greater than the actual change - making it hard to prove you right or wrong!

 

well if there would be a way to measure a difference, i'd find it lol

 

U got the torque to turn just about anything.