285's/manual tranny question.

[spongerx]

I'm looking to get 285's in a couple weeks. I'm wondering what other V6, manual owners who are running 285's think of how their trucks run with stock gearing? I have a friend who thinks putting 285's will make the truck feel like I'm starting in 2nd gear. Not sure this is true so I thought I'd ask those who have done the tire upgrade already. What do you think?

 

[PitbullRescuer]

I'd think the height of the tire more so than the width would make it feel slower. What size are you running now? Assume you're lifted now. If you're going from 265/75 to 285/75 I'd think the difference will be minimal.

 

[spongerx]

Running bald 265/70's and lifted. Too much space in the wheel wells....:cry2:

 

[Elton H]

ya when i put 285s on mine it made it better lol i notice no power thanks to the 4:30's

 

[PitbullRescuer]

So are you going to 285/75's or 285/70's?

 

[spongerx]

So are you going to 285/75's or 285/70's?

285/75's.

 

[PitbullRescuer]

Yeah, that'll slow you down a little. But not like these things are race cars to begin with. LOL

 

[masson74]

I have the 4.30 gears and run 285/75/ 16's Nitto Terra Grapplers I just keep the ECT button all the time and its no problem. make sure you have at least a three inch suspension lift and a one inch body lift or you will be rubbing like no tommorow!!!

Dave

 

[brian2sun]

Jmoney's truck is a 5 spd with 285s and stock gears and his does pretty decent. He's got a lot of weight to haul around too so you'll be fine. Personally, for 33s, I don't think re-gearing is as necessary for a 5 spd as it is for an auto.

 

[PitbullRescuer]

Off topic, what does the ECT button do?

 

[spongerx]

Thanks for all the replies. I've got 2.5 inch lift up front and 3 - 3.5 in the rear so I don't think they'll rub too bad. Maybe at full lock.

 

[scottyb]

I'm running the 285/75/16's with a 5 speed and it's not bad. Like someone said earlier, I wasn't a race car to begin with.

The only thing is I wish it crawled slower on the trials. On the road it's no problem.

 

[spongerx]

^ how's the rubbing?

 

[scottyb]

^ how's the rubbing?

I took off my fender flares and did some trimming. No rubbing now

 

[SCRunner12]

I'm going through the same decision, but with an auto transmission. I really wish I could just test fit some 285's for a day, that would make the decision much easier.

 

[masson74]

Off topic, what does the ECT button do?

For the automatic limiteds it is an electronic controled transmission button that will allow you to rev the engine higher before it shifts.

 

[madbomber08]

I am in the process of still researching lifts but when I do plan on pulling the trigger I'd like to get 285 or 255s as well. It's such a dog now with 265/70s, I can't imagine what it'd be like with 285/75s!

As far as gas mileage goes, not that you care, I believe Steeze claimed he got around 18 in his truck with 285s and some extra weight. Pretty damn good!

 

[sportscarfan]

I've got 285's with 4:10 gears / 5-speed. It's not bad to drive (doesn't seem underpowered). I'm usually not in a hurry in the 'runner though. Mountain driving, it'll still pull the steeper grades at 65 which is all I ask.
If you factor the tire size into the MPG math, it gets the same 18.5 MPG as the day we got it almost a year ago (when it was 100% stock with worn out 265/75's).

As far as rubbing, with all that lift I don't think you'll have any real problem. With 285's you are probably going to have to flatten the pinch weld under the fender liner/mudguard like anyone else. Mine rubs the frame at full lock (side lugs on Duratrac's) and will rub the pinch weld area at one certain steering angle/articulation when offroad. As a cheapskate workaround, I just avoid that steering angle on the rough stuff. Daily driving it's never a problem unless you try making tight U-turns. I only have non-saggy '99 springs and a 1" body lift.

 

[spongerx]

^ thanks. That was the reply I was hoping for. I think it's time to pull the trigger. I'm not a fast driver either and I can always drop down to 265/75's later on. I'll more than likely wait till the snow flies but I'll be posting up pictures once installed. :thanks:

 

[spongerx]

I am in the process of still researching lifts but when I do plan on pulling the trigger I'd like to get 285 or 255s as well. It's such a dog now with 265/70s, I can't imagine what it'd be like with 285/75s!

As far as gas mileage goes, not that you care, I believe Steeze claimed he got around 18 in his truck with 285s and some extra weight. Pretty damn good!

If you haven't already, check out the lift guide in the sticky section. Pretty much everything you could want to know about lifts is in there. :