Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Thinking about going back to 245's

[brianMo]

I am thinking about going back to the stock tires. I purchased my truck with 315's. With 3:55 gears I am lugging it so bad in slow driving. I tach 1900 at 70, so when I am going 55-60 the RPM's are not in the sweet spot. I think this has contributed to premature transmission failure twice.



Do you think my driving will improve with this. I know that I will probably lose MPG. This also creates a little problem towing. I have to disable OD almost always unless I am do about 75mph.



Any thought to this. I wish I had the 4:10 with the auto transmission. Also... I have never calibrated the speedo. This should put back where I need it to be. Will I realize a significant power increase off the line doing this? What do stock 245's tach at?



Brian

 

[PRyker]

For all of the reasons you outlined I will not go bigger than maybe 265's. I have put a lot of thought into larger tires and they do look cool but the wear and tear is not worth it. It also puts wear on the steering components and suspension as well as the trans and other drive parts.



You will get better performance, probably very little in increased gas milage and better acceleration.



go for it!



Phil

 

[Oil Burner]

ditto, I have run bigger tires but prefer the 265s I run now for the reasons mentioned above. bigger tires look better but for me personally, the 265s are a much better choice for the sake of my front end.



Jason

 

[CORed]

I think you will get all the benefits you listed at the 265 E rated size. You don't have to drop down to the 245 size. 265 is OEM as well if that is what you are concerned about.



Steve

 

[brianMo]

Inside my door it says 245's. I guess a 265 would not make that much difference.

 

[PRyker]

Go here...



http://www.tirerack.com/tires/surveyresults/surveydisplay.jsp?type=ORAT



Bridgestone Revo's are the only way to go. The come in 265's and are E rated. Best tire out of 1000 reviews and 12 million miles. I absolutely love them and will not buy anything else.



Phil

 

[CORed]

265 is what is on my door panel and what was on my truck when I bought it (Michelin HT). They changed this specification over the years so you will be OK with either. You have tons of choices in the 265 range and most all are 'E' rated. It would be my choice over the 245 without a doubt.

 

[johncameron]

My door panel says 245 but it came from the factory with 265's? Guess I'm lucky.

 

[Soot4Life]

My 99' with 3. 54's, 245 Michelins give me 2000 RPM in O/D @ 70 MPH.

 

[brianMo]

Thanks for the information. I think the 265's will be my choice. This should put my speedo reading were it should be again also.



These trucks look good with stock tires also. I also think it will make steering easier and trac down the road better.



I think when you do radical changes from stock with the driveline, and suspension you end up paying in the end. But it sure looks cool with big tires and a lift. I am fine with the way the truck came.

 

[TPCDrafting]

I saved about $40-50 per tire going with 235-85-16 over 265's. They are a little narrower, but for around here and towing they work great. They are E rated as well and very common. The 245's work well too, but I think these actually ride more smoothly.

 

[GFoley]

BHazelrigg,



I also have a 99 truck that came with 245s at the OEM tire. The 265 was not available until 2000 or later and came on a wider wheel than the stock chrome steel one. It is 6. 5" wide. NO tire manufacturer recommends anything but 246/75/16 or 235/85 or 255/85 16s for this wheel width. The 265 is not recommended for the 6. 5" wheels. I am running 255/85/16D BFG MTs on my truck again. They fill the wheelwell, don't stick out past the body, and do not rub.



Having said all of that I know there are many guys running 285s on these wheels without any real issues. So, you'll likely be ok with the 265s as well as being able to run a tire capable of carrying heavier loads.



If you would like some pictures send me a reply and I'll mail 'em off to you.



Glenn

 

[Leroy D]

Go here...



http://www.tirerack.com/tires/surveyresults/surveydisplay.jsp?type=ORAT



Bridgestone Revo's are the only way to go. The come in 265's and are E rated. Best tire out of 1000 reviews and 12 million miles. I absolutely love them and will not buy anything else.



Phil

My brother-in-law runs Sears auto center. he sold me a set of the Bridgestone Dueler Revo's which I think are better than any truck tire I have ever used. I will replace them with the same. They are the top rated truck tire out there. Check them out!--Leroy

 

[SMorneau]

If you can get by with the 3000# load rating the 255-85 R16 is a great size for the truck. The 245s are pretty narrow if you are going to leave the pavement at all.