Quote:
Originally Posted by UJOINT
I wouldn't recommend 3.55's for any conversion unless the stock tire size is used (this NEVER happens!)
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Here's the deal. Either don't ever listen to me or, at the very least, please take anything I say with a big grain of salt. Because, seriously, your results may vary due to the fact that I obviously have a different take on things.
When you go (at least 2002) E350 stock van to (at least 2007 F250/F350) 4x4 solid front axle you need to increase the size of your wheel rims to (at least) 17" to clear the bigger brake rotors on the 4x4 front axle.*
I had been used to relatively good fuel mileage, so I wanted to stay as close to stock tire size as possible.
So at my request the 4x4 converter put on the closest diameter tire he could find in the Toyo Open Country AT's which he preferred. I have since changed to Michelin LTX MS2's.** Here are the dimensions:
Ford OEM Tire (2002): LT245/75R 16E Diameter: 30.5"
Toyo Open Country AT: LT265/70R17 Diameter: 31.6"
Michelin LTX MS2: LT265/70R17/E Diameter: 31.7"
So, since I did go an inch up in diameter, I guess Chris Steuber is right. But my intent was to stay as close to stock as possible.**
In fact, I don't see anything sexy about big tires, just like I don't care about big lifts.*** I care about function. If big tires function better, tell me why because I don't know it, at least for my application which is traveling on pavement on snow and ice in 4x4.
So, do I want to have my differentials changed from 3.73 back to 3.55? Uhh, like I said before, yes.****
* I had 8 tires (studded and non-studded) and 8 rims which I had to sell on craigslist!
** I now see that there is actually a 17" tire which is even closer to my stock tire LT245/70R17/E 119 R Diameter 30.6.
*** I guess I am a hypocrite because I am considering a 2" body lift so I can have more room under the hood to access the valve covers and so I can place the under the hood starting battery on the frame rail in my homemade house and starting battery frame rail tray.
calebmogul: UJoint's 4" lift seems to have more suspension travel than my 4x4 lift, so I agree with your decision to go with a 4" lift.
**** I want my overdrive back!
***** This may help you in your analysis:
Maybe someone with more knowledge than me can add the effect of the various standard tire sizes to this chart.