2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Gear ratio's and the 19.5 wheels

[PRyker]

I am seriously considering the purchase of a set of 19. 5 inch wheels from ricksontruck.com but I am interested in feedback about the effects that the larger tires will have on the gear ratio. Does it make the truck sluggish from a dead stop? What effects have others had relating to performance?



Thanks

 

[Hohn]

You can calculate the effective gear ratio change by comparing the tire rev/mile with the new Rickson setup with your stock tires.



If you go with a setup similar in overall tire diameter, you should see marginally less mpg with the Ricksons. This is due to the heavy weight of the wheels and tires over stock. They might have slightly less rolling resistance (maybe), but they WILL weigh more. End result: likely decrease in city mpg, remotely possible increase in hwy mpg (more likely it will go down too).



Unless you REALLY NEED the extra weight capacity of the commercial tires, this is money better spent elsewhere. The tires will last a long time, but are expensive to replace.



I tell most guys that think they NEED the Rickson's weight capacity that they should look at a heavier-duty truck or a dually.



YMMV



Justin

 

[DOWG]

I bought the Rickson 19. 5's because I was tired of wearing out the 16 inch tires every 25,000 miles. I got 80,000+ miles out of my first set of 19. 5's. My RPM's dropped 150 @ 70 mph. I get 20 miles to the gallon. My truck is not sluggish.

 

[Hohn]

You also have a 12V, known to get better mpg than a 24v.



Justin

 

[Boondocker]

tire wear

DOWG,



What do think causes your tires to be worn out after 25,000 miles? Is your truck really heavy? There are plenty of negative factors that will contribute to poor tire life, like improper inflation, bad alignment and driving habits that the Rickson solution won't fix. But if you're heavy because it's work truck or carries a big camper fulltime, and tire wear is your problem, then real truck tires maybe the best thing.



Neil

 

[DOWG]

I am properly valved.



I am properly driving (as opposed to riding in) my truck.



I do a lot of driving on oilfield lease roads; the harder tread on the 19. 5's holds up much better.

 

[SRadke]

I'm going with 19. 5's to get a 35" tall tire that is narrow enough to stay inside the wheel wells. It's the only option I can find that gets me the height in an 11-12 inch width. My goals are good ground clearance without a lift and taller gear ratios.



-Scott

 

[shorty2500]

i love my commercial truck tires. my truck doesn't accelerate as well due to the large diameter tires i run, but i planned that. i am re-gearing to 4. 10s, so it won't be an issue.



just pick the right diameter tire if you have 3. 54s and plan on sticking with them. i'd stay under 33 inches. if you have 4. 10s, put whatever size you want on there.



i can't really comment on my mileage. i've not seen any significant change.

 

[PRyker]

Thanks guys for the feedback. Does the weight of the 19. 5 tires cause premature wear on the steering components and power steering pump? WIll it void the warranty? Also, is changing gear ratio as simple as getting different front and rear ends?



Thanks