33" or 35" with 3.73?

[BigQ]

This is my first diesel and would know the answer for a gas motor, but would I need to change the R&P if I put on 35" tires. Right now I have the 3. 73 gear now and am just leaning to the 33" for a lower lift and I can still use the spare, but the 35" look nice on the truck. The most I would pull would be a 8-10k.



Thanks, Wayne

 

[thejeepdude]

Originally posted by BigQ

This is my first diesel and would know the answer for a gas motor, but would I need to change the R&P if I put on 35" tires. Right now I have the 3. 73 gear now and am just leaning to the 33" for a lower lift and I can still use the spare, but the 35" look nice on the truck. The most I would pull would be a 8-10k.



Thanks, Wayne

I know of many people running 35's with 3. 73's. With a gas motor this would be really bad, but with the torque coming on so low with the cummins, it's usually not a problem. If the 35's bog you down too much, just throw on a TST box and you'll more than make up for it. Of course with the higher gearing and bigger tires it's a little rougher on the transmission, but I plan to have that beefed up when it goes anyways. Personally, I'm looking at the 305/70-17 Goodyear MT/R... it's 34"... a tad smaller than the 315's and 35's, but big enough to look beefy.

 

[Udaloy]

My '02 ran just fine with 3. 55's and 35'' rubber. There isn't that big of a difference in power, but I'd say your mileage would benefit from the 33's vs. the 35's. I don't think you can go wrong with either tire. I'm about to take delivery of an '04. 5, and I will be going to 33'' when the originals are gone. Mostly so I can get tools in and out of the bed easier.

 

[CLAYTON]

I pull a 10k 5th wheel with 315s no problem. . You can still go way faster then you would ever need to.

 

[SS]

Wayne,



Welcome to the world of diesels - most don't go back once they've experienced it. Put some info in your signature so we know what transmission and other equipment you are running.



My experience with 4. 10's, 36" tires and a six-speed is that I'm always looking for 7th gear. You can always shift down, but can't shift up. Do a search on 35" tires and lift required and even on spare tire fitment. Looks to me like a 35" might fit between the frame on a 2003 or later. Don't settle for less than what you want. Enjoy it!

 

[GFritsch]

I run 35's on mt 94. These tires are a little too big for this truck. They rub if I'm turning and compress the suspension. Not sure if there is more clearence on 3rd generations. With all the computer sensor functions on the new trucks I wonder if big tires will foul anything up.

 

[Jerry R]

35's! Just do it. You won't regret it. It will give you an excuse if you decide to ad more power too. I pull 8k all the time short distance and it's fine. Jerry

 

[Matt400]

I pull 6K in the mountains and like to pull in OD on the flat so its 33's for me. 35's would look cool but would hurt performance too much for me. If your running a manual trans then it may not be as bad cuz OD on the auto is taller.



Now if I were to give up towing in OD then 35's would be the way to go.

 

[fencebuilders]

315's

 

[JasonH]

Originally posted by fencebuilders

315's

Definitely, go with the 315's. I also considered both 305's from Goodyear and the BFG's. In my case the BFG's will put the drive ratio to near stock.



Also the speed-o can be readjusted by the dealer. Simple update to the ECM where the tire size can be entered in directly.

 

[DIESELMAN]

I run 315's (34") in winter and 35-12. 50/17 BFG MT all summer. Yes, you lose a little bit of power and a little bit of mileage, but I get 19. 2MPG empty (130 Gallons fuel on board) and 11-14 Loaded pulling nearly 11,000 pounds.



As for the 6 spd manual, it pulls better in 5th loaded, but that's the same as Drive on the auto and you wouldn't tow in OD heavily loaded anyway.



True Speed with the dual switch handles the speedo correction perfectly.



Besides, it just looks right

 

[BigQ]

Thanks for all the info, BTW does anyone know the stock or proper offset or backspace to run. I am thinking going with the 18X9. 5 wheels.

 

[Jerry R]

NEW T. Rex/Weld Cheyenne 8, 18x8. 5" one piece, forged aluminum wheel.

Designed and built specifically for the high positive offset 2003-2004 Dodge Rams. THIS IS CURRENTLY THE ONLY AFTERMARKET WHEEL THAT WILL FIT CORRECTLY ON THESE TRUCKS. Available only through T. Rex Engineering - May, 2004. THE PERFECT WHEEL FOR THE AGGRESSIVE NEW 35x12. 50R18 TOYO OPEN COUNTRY M/T -THE REVOLUTIONARY, ALL-AROUND, E-RATED LIGHT TRUCK TRACTION RADIAL.



This is on the T-Rex link. jerry

 

[thejeepdude]

Yes, these T-Rex/Weld rims



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ARE SWEEEET!!!



But I probably still will never be able to afford them. :{