Well, let us start with the load rating, as it's the most important to some. A "D" rated 315/70/17 or 325/70/17(Toyo doesn't list a 315)will have a load rating in the area of 3305lbs, while an "E" rated 265/70/17 will be in area of 3195lbs. Air volume does a world of good for heat dissapation and weight transfer. I have 315/70/17s on an '06 2500, and have had some even wear issues on the front, but a realignment and rotations have helped. I also have them on a 3500, with rear spacers, of course. The ride is superior, as the sidewall flexes and takes a lot of the shock out of the road. I have three sets of 325/70/17 Toyo ATs on three 2500s, and they pull the tire just fine with 3. 73 gears and manual. One is a 6. 7. I don't have a lift, and they will rub at a good twist while turning off road. That doesn't happen very often, so I don't worry about it. The 325s are a little harder on ball joints, while the 315s don't seem to be as bad. Both drive well on my trucks. The Toyo MT is pretty pricey, and for well over $200, they perform very well. I like them, but can't afford or justify putting them on fleet trucks. The A/Ts wear well and perform very well in the sand. The BFGs currently have 35,000 miles on them, and I expect to get another 10-12,000 out of them. The Toyo M/Ts seem to wear very well, too. I have one set that managed 65,000, although they were very thin, and I wouldn't have run them in the mud the last 5,000 or so... . I just wanted to see how long they would go, and we weren't having much wet weather at the time. Mastercraft makes a Courser A/T that wears well, is fairly aggressive, and seems to hold up in the 315/70/17. It is priced a little better, as it's an independent brand. The M/Ts have a wrap around tread with sidewall protection, and are VERY resistant to puncture. The tread design is not nearly as loud as other, similar, tire treads. I don't think it would be too noticeable over wind and diesel noise. The change in engine noise is most likely due to the sidewall of the tire absorbing drivetrain thrust at the ground level. Toyo reccomends the 325/70/17 be mounted on a 9. 5in wide wheel, while 8. 5 is acceptable. I mount them on stock wheels, and have no problems, but can't say as it's right for everyone. Cooper and Mastercraft reccomend 9. 5in wide wheel with their 315s, but 8. 5s are acceptable, as well. Hope this helps clear up some questions. Tire tread is more often dictated by budget than need, and the A/T tread is usually more than adequate for most people. I use them the most, and I run a lot of off road miles. The M/Ts are only for use by me on my personal trucks..... ];[]p
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