Any input on 255/85s and stock gears?
- Thread starter slomatt
- Start date
BLKNBLU
Explorer
Check in with SOAZ. He ran his 255/85s on stock gearing for a while. He was already talking about re gearing but I think his schedule got pushed up by R&P damage. I recall he was agonizing over 4.56 vs 4.88 and ended up with 4.88. Some info here at post 69 http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4602&page=3 but I'm sure he would be willing to give you his experiences with it.
Dave Bennett
Adventurist
I've been running the BFG MT 255/85R16's for some time on stock 3.73's with an auto tranny.
It is OK, but the truck had more power with the stock size tires. I will be regearing with 4.88's not only to regain power but to improve low speed trail ability.
It is OK, but the truck had more power with the stock size tires. I will be regearing with 4.88's not only to regain power but to improve low speed trail ability.
Cackalak Han
Explorer
Redline, sorry if I missed it elsewhere, but what is your MPG with the 4.88's on the highway and city? Thanks.
Redline
Likes to Drive and Ride
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=320120&posted=1
I just posted a couple MPG updates for you in the above thread.
I just posted a couple MPG updates for you in the above thread.
Cackalak Han said:
Last edited:
dbdavis181
New member
my .02 with my new 255's and a 5spd with stock 4.10 gears. I can still hold highway speeds easily and only have to down shift on real steep grades. 55 no prob usually and never have to downshift on the interstate. Haven't done much 4 Lo only 4 Hi so can't say much on crawling.
slomatt
Adventurer
I ended up buying a set of 265/75/16 Maxxis Bighorns. This size is a good compromise based on my intended use, it maintains the street manners and should give me better traction and a little more clearance offroad.
So far I've only put about 40 miles on the Bighorns but I'm very happy with them. There is no discernible difference in acceleration due to the increase in weight and diameter. They rumble a bit when coming to a stop and they are louder on the freeway than the stock tires, but nowhere near as loud as the 33" TrXus MTs I have on my ZJ. I was able to sell my stock sized tires for $150 so the total expense for the tire change was reasonable.
- Matt
So far I've only put about 40 miles on the Bighorns but I'm very happy with them. There is no discernible difference in acceleration due to the increase in weight and diameter. They rumble a bit when coming to a stop and they are louder on the freeway than the stock tires, but nowhere near as loud as the 33" TrXus MTs I have on my ZJ. I was able to sell my stock sized tires for $150 so the total expense for the tire change was reasonable.
- Matt
CanuckMariner/Nomad
Love having fun 😊 in the 🌞 by the ⛵ and the ⏳
Just to add to food for thought, remember most of your driving is going to be highway miles getting to and from the trails. Changing gearing will effect your cruise speed and RPMs to get there (especially in a manual) and hence your fuel economy. Most of your fuel expense is getting to/from. Also, it will change your speedo and mileage accuracy.
Lastly, car manufacturers spend countless time and tons of R&D to get it right. The we lift the vehicle (increased stress on drive train), change suspension, change tires/gears, increase the load with our expedition glamper gear and then expect the rig to hold up on road conditions that it was not totally designed for?
Aren't we expecting a lot from such modified vehicles? Do we know better than Toyota (whomever) engineers? I have found most Toyota owners try to keep their rigs as close to stock as they can. Toyota engineers are amongst the best in the world, why screw with their design/work?
Lastly, car manufacturers spend countless time and tons of R&D to get it right. The we lift the vehicle (increased stress on drive train), change suspension, change tires/gears, increase the load with our expedition glamper gear and then expect the rig to hold up on road conditions that it was not totally designed for?
Aren't we expecting a lot from such modified vehicles? Do we know better than Toyota (whomever) engineers? I have found most Toyota owners try to keep their rigs as close to stock as they can. Toyota engineers are amongst the best in the world, why screw with their design/work?
For what its worth.....I had a 1987 toyota pickup with a 5sp and 22R engine (4cyl). I had stock gears and 33 x 12.50 mud terrains. I put almost 110,000 miles on it with those tires. I believe the engine made about 105-115 hp. I got almost 32 mpg on the highway and took that truck off roading EVERYWHERE and it performed awsome.
For all the people who say those tires are too big for stock gears and bogs everything down I just dont believe it. I think they want their SUV or truck to run like a sports car at all times.
I now have a 2008 FJ and I am going to run the 255/85/16 tires soon. I cant imaging it would be any problem with stock gears and 230 hp.
For all the people who say those tires are too big for stock gears and bogs everything down I just dont believe it. I think they want their SUV or truck to run like a sports car at all times.
I now have a 2008 FJ and I am going to run the 255/85/16 tires soon. I cant imaging it would be any problem with stock gears and 230 hp.