2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission 255/85/16 Tires with 3.54 gears ?

[Josparkz]

I've been running the 255/85's on my truck for a number of years.

They dropped my 3:54 gears to 3:23 (If I figured it right. )

Just right for a 12 valve that goes on the highway a lot

IMHO the low speed attributes of this truck (just won't go slow)

were not affected. A used spare fits up in back , I've never tried a new one . The speedometer drive pinion took a 2 tooth reduction, to 29 , if I recall correctly . About an $8. part.

Plenty of room for tire chains , and easy to find ones that fit.

On the bad side , no one ever seems to stock that size tire , always have to order them, and the selection is not all that great.

(Hey , BFG !! Why don't you make some All Terrain TA's in that size ? )

 

[jpearson]

What all has to be done to fix the speedo?

 

[Josparkz]

Originally posted by jpearson

What all has to be done to fix the speedo?

On my 96 I went to the dealer and ordered me a speedo pinion (drive) gear for like $8. ( I think I recall needing new o-rings) It goes in a little holder thing in the transfer case . Maybe a 15 minute job if you do it right (This is where the shop manual earns it's keep). If you put it in wrong , no go . It works on a hall effect sensor theory , and you have to position it a certain way or some trick I can't recall right now . I do remember that it defied a logical explanation at the time , but worked right after the directions were followed .

 

[Gifford]

255-85's

I have run the 255-85 mud terrains since the truck had 32K on the clock, never had a clearance problem and even a NEW tire (I bought five the first time) fit in the spare location (with a little persuasion). a used one fits easy. I have 4. 10's so I cant speak to the gearing issue (I WISH I had ordered the 3. 54's)



BTW what are other people paying for the BFG 255-85 Mud Terrains? I will be needing a new set soon and last time I think I paid 140 per tire (mounted balnced etc). If you live in the snow, you REALLY need to have the MT's siped cuz they arent that great in the snow...

 

[RKohn]

305's on the stock 8" wheels work fine...

and they look good.



You can even get away with 315's if you don't mind a little rubbing on the lower control arms. The 255's would be the skinniest tire usable on an 8" rim.

 

[drawson]

I have run 255/85R16s now for almost four years. I run Dunlops Rover ATs in the warmer months and some siped BFG M/T Km s in the winter. I have never had a problems with the loose in gear reduction. And these tires make for one Great off road combo!!!



The only down sides I have found is that the road speed even idling is too fast for some conditions off road even in 1st, make use of low range. and there isn't enough tire type in this size. I would luv to have a set of BFG A/T KA but they don't make them. :{

 

[WKener]

I ran 285/75 BFG AT's until this past year, when I switched to the 255/85 Dunlop Radial Rover in my '97 with 3. 54's (although it's a 5spd). I have never really noticed the reduction in gearing running either 285's or 255's, I think it runs just right with these tires (I run mostly highway miles, not heavily loaded too often).

I think the 255's are a much better tire in the snow/ice than the 285's were as well...

 

[BrentL]

Does anyone know any issues on putting the 255/85's on a 3500? I tried this on my Chevy 1-ton several years ago and the

duals were too close. I have seen the 255's on the Dodge 3500 but don't know if a spacer was required or not.



Any ideas?

 

[willyslover]

'01. 5 and up . . no problem different offset with the disc brake rear's

pre 01. 5 ya would need a spacer or custom rims do to air gap issue