Considering going bigger

[BigDaddy13440]

Have the torsions turned and fenders cut to clear 285/75/16's on my '96 now, and I've been debating on if I should put a 3" body lift so I can run either 315/75/16's (34.6") or put some 275/65/20's (about 34.1") on it.

I know the BL alone won't affect my mileage (maybe .1mpg due to wind resistance), but how much should I expect to lose going up in size? Also, if I run the 20's, any idea on the weight difference?



I can pick up the 20's (Sport Muscle 6-spoke rims) with a set of Pirelli Scorpion ATR's AND a set of Yokohama Parada Spec-X's for about $600, and all 8 of the tires are still between 11/32 and 13/32, they've barely been driven 5K on either set. If I sell both sets of tires, I'd have enough to buy the larger tires for the 20's...

 

[EastTXYukon]

It mainly depends on what your gearing is. Most folks around here recomend going up to 4.56 for 35's. If you have the stock 3.42 or 3.73 your mileage will be very poor. With the 3.42 you might see mileage in the single digits.

Im in the same boat. I have 3.42 and Im going up to a 295/75/16 which is a 33.4" tire. I have to figure out what gear to go with, either a 4.10 or a 4.56. If i regear i definitely only want to do it once, and I need a gear that will allow me to go to 35's in a few years

 

[bowtiefreak]

in addition to milage suffering from running the larger tires the tranny strains also. Lots of guys run around like this but have trouble using overdrive due to even more strain on that already weak tranny

 

[96ProCompTahoe]

4.56's for 35's 4.88's for anything over. im running 4.88's on my 35's and its a little over geared. set of 37's would set it closer to factory.

your mileage is going to drop with the bigger tires and it is true on the trans.

 

[BigDaddy13440]

in addition to milage suffering from running the larger tires the tranny strains also. Lots of guys run around like this but have trouble using overdrive due to even more strain on that already weak tranny

Kris - heading today from CNY down your way (Mechanicsville, near Doylestown), and all the way down RT 81 to 380,80,33 and 78 I have the cruise set at about 72mph. In OD, I'm turning just about 2000rpm. Going up the hills, the OD doesn't drop down, I often have to give it a little gas to drop it into 3rd to climb the hills. Once I let off again, the OD settles back in, nice and smooth.

I haven't done any work on the tranny, and I've had it for 85K, bought it with 104K on it. Tranny fluid still looks red, doesn't ever smell burnt. If it ain't broke, don't fix it!!!

 

[_Dylan_]

Put 4.10s in it.

Or just put $50 a week into a bank account so you have money when something breaks.

 

[bowtiefreak]

I ran around on 3.73 and 35s for a while, no problem. Only did that for a month or so. Once I got the 4.56 gears I can climb hills in OD. Even more so in the tahoe since it has a ton more power.

People get by all the time running stock gears and big tires. Show the truck some love and don't beat it and it will last.

I however drive like I hate my trucks.

 

[BigDaddy13440]

Its my work truck, I load all sorts of crap in it on a daily basis. But, evven though I do romp on it to get up and go when hitting an onramp or passing someone, I'm not one of those idiots who will fly in reverse at 20mph then throw it into drive just to try to hear tires chirp.

I don't intend on getting rid of it any time in the near future, unless I get a nice chunk of change from one of my jobs.... then i'll be looking for a Suburban.