Posted: Jul 30 2006 at 7:33pm | IP Logged

Even the smallest tire change will effect your truck.  Mainly in the speedo, and mileage area.  BUT, most speedometers are 3% off anyway.

Going too big with a tire can really slow down your drivetrain, and make your engine work harder than it should. 

Check out www.4x4parts.com  They have all sorts of info for lift kits.  I believe you could do a 33" before you have to do anything really drastic.  Probably need a 6" lift.  31" might be a safer bet though with gas mileage in mind.

Posted: Jul 30 2006 at 8:46pm | IP Logged

i recently put on 20's on my truck;  looks essentially about the same size in height and size when theyre sized up with the stock rims and tires--- mainly switched from more tire less rim to more rim less tire....just by eye balling it theyre roughly the same size but the stocks were 16's.  question :  what are the actual effects of going up in rim size to the vehicles overall performance?

are speedometer readings and gas mileage drastically affected in this case?

Posted: Jul 30 2006 at 11:13pm | IP Logged

When the size is kept the roughly the same, not much is effected other than performance.  It's when you change the OVERALL diameter that speed and mileage changes.

For differences between stock rim, and a larger rim.  Performance mainly.  A 20" rim with low profile tires will handle better, due to less flex and roll in the sidewall. BUT your chances of damaging a rim, especially a 20", JUMP WAY HIGH.  Due to the fact that the stock sidewall gives a cushion between the rim and the road.  But a low pro does not offer any proctection against potholes and such.  Also weight can come into play, and put a strain on the drivetrain.  A 20" rim with low pro tires COULD be heavier than a stock setup.  It all depends upon how much the rim weighs. 

Posted: Jul 31 2006 at 5:33pm | IP Logged

i guess thats the trade off for style i suppose;  i have noticed some changes on the overall ride of the truck...fells like it corners alittle better --- but like you said i went over some rough patches and i certainly felt it.  I plan on driving from ohio to florida in the coming months and was debating to change back to stocks before taking this trip...i had a little sports car (eclipse) with aftermarket rims and made some long distance trips --- havent had troubles ** maybe it was pure luck that i didnt bend or blow a tire.....Advise: should i go back to stocks??? would gas mileage be a issue?