Tire/Wheel Advice

[HeliPilot]

I have a '96, Club Cab 4X4, 5 spd. dually with stock 16" wheels/tires (235 85R 16s) and 4.10 gears. I just drove from WA to TX and predictably turning a pretty high RPM (2400) at 70 mph. I'll be using the truck to tow a 17,000 lb gooseneck trailer (appropriate guages, performance mods have been done) and was curious if a set of stock 17-inch wheels/tires would lower the RPMs appreciably for a bit better mileage (got 17-18 mpg at 65 and 15-16 at 70 mph on the trip down), but not so much as to diminish the towing ability of the 4.10 gears? Do the later model trucks with the 17-inch wheels run 235 85 17s? Would this even be worth the bother? Thanks much!

[BuffaloLake]

Specification Sidewall ..Radius Diameter Circumference ..Revs/Mile ....Difference
235/85-16_____7.9in___15.9in__31.7in_____99.7in________63 6______0.0%
235/85-17_____7.9in___16.4in__32.7in____102.8in________61 6______3.2%
245/85-16_____8.2in___16.2in__32.4in____101.8in________62 3______2.1%
265/85-16_____8.9in___16.9in__33.7in____106.0in________59 8______6.3%

Here are a few of your options. Going with a taller tire will help with RPM's, but it is also going to throw your speedo off. If you are wanting better fuel mileage, stick with the 16's, but maybe go up a size or two. A 17" rim with a 32" tire will weigh more than a 16" rim with a 32" tire. Heavier wheels need more power to turn them (hurts fuel mileage), and take longer to stop. The 17's will corner better, but the 16's will give you better shock absorbtion.

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1998.5 24v 3/4 ton 4wd quad cab long bed 192,xxx miles, Airdog 100, BHAF, 6" Aussie stacks (thanks to FBD) with custom heat shield, auto trans rebuilt for towing, Hornblasters 240 Shocker, occasionally tows 35' 5th wheel...

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Last edited by BuffaloLake : 11-27-2008 at 04:56 PM. Reason: spaces didn't save