Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) 99 with 4.10's

[Mike_0521]

I have a 1999 3500 ext cab 4x4. bought it about 4 months ago. At 60 mph im almost at 2000rpm. it has the factory 215/85/16's. Im going to a 235. the tires are shot. but can that hurt? how fast can i drive the truck? At 2300 rpm sounds like its going to take off from the frame. haha.



Thanks all.

 

[bcbigfoot]

Your present tire/gear combination at 2000rpm will put you at 64mph (your speedo is reading out). If you change to 235's it will increase your speed by 2. 7 mph at 2000rpms you will be traveling 66. 7 mph. . Hope that helps in your decision making. Here are some good gear/tire calculators. Tire size calculator MOTOR - A Rear Axle Calculator

 

[georgej]

You may have a clearance problem under heavy load because of the wider tires. I believe Dodge went to a bigger offset on the wheels when they increased the tire size to 235-85's.

 

[bmoeller]

You may have a clearance problem under heavy load because of the wider tires. I believe Dodge went to a bigger offset on the wheels when they increased the tire size to 235-85's.

There is still clearance, but you'll need to keep the rears at, or near max psi on the sidewall. Put 235s on my '97.

My '99 had 235's on it when I bought it in Feb. It has the deeper offset rims, though. Will probably try 255's on this one.

 

[jhoughton]

I have a 99 3500 that also came with 215's and I went to the 235's with no issues. It has been loaded heavy many times also with no issues. I have had near 4k in the back at times. Bought this one new in late 98. Great truck other than the cracked 53 block.

 

[Sticks]

You can drive the truck all day at 3200rpm, you won't hurt it, so I would not stress on 2k.

 

[bromano676]

I think mine came with 285's on the aluminum rims. I have 315's now and never had a clearance issue in the rear. pulled some heavy goosenecks, and fifth wheels. I wouldn't try a plow on the front though, even with the level kit. I think the longer arms would help with that.



also, I do 65 mph at 2000 rpm, as per my gps.

 

[Mike_0521]

Thanks everyone!!! very helpful!!!! my gps says 62/63 at 2000. ive done so much research it isnt funny. im going with a 255/85-16. They look to good to pass up and are the same price as most 235's. if they dont fit i will sell them and get 235's. haha.

Oh... . how do you know if you have a 53 block????? i have always wondered!



Thanks again everyone!

-Mike

 

[Mike_0521]

i lied going with 235-85's

 

[jhoughton]

There are tons of posts on the 53 block. However climb under the truck look at the block on the drivers side just under the injection pump. If it is a 53 block it will have a cast number 53 about an inch tall. If there is no number or anything other than a 53 you are good to go. When I replaced mine there was a notable differance in the sidewall thickness of the block. It it is a 53 it may or maynot crack at all. All do not do it but if it does it is usually on the passenger side somewhere between cylinders 2 and 5 just below the freeze plugs. Once it cracked it started out at about 2 1/2 to 3 inches and went to nearly 6 inches.

 

[MarkMiller]

I just put 235 Toyo open countrys on my 01 dually. Great tire. Goes in the mud on the jobsite, handles well on the street and highway and goes in the snow like a champ. OPEN COUNTRY A/T | Toyo Tires

 

[Mike_0521]

these are what im going with. BFGoodrich Tires | Commercial T/A® Traction | Tire Sizes & Specs 235/85-16. Thanks again. Oh and J. Thanks. I'll grab the flash light and give a look

 

[Mike_0521]

oh god i have a 53 block

 

[ed9824v]

I have a 98. 5 but with the 315 x17 tires and wheels 4. 10 will bring me back to the stock gearing as the 3. 50 . I will be changing to the 4. 10 Ed so. Ca.