Tire question? Need some help before I drop a grand. Very soon

It's tire time. I have a 03 3500 2WD Nothing fancy other than air bags and a sway bar. Front end was completely rebuilt 2 years ago. MM3 Beta Tuner

I am replacing the 4 tires on my truck. I get them pretty cheap from a fellow engineer who went to tires. My goal is to lower the RPM about 100+ at highway speed. This thing feels like it needs another gear. @F350Cummins agrees with that. It's also time to get all 4 the same.

I already have 3.42 rear gears. The engine sweet spot is between 1500 and 1600
I found a formula to figure it out, but of coarse, cost is a factor. https://www.ringpinion.com/calculators/Calc_RPM.aspx
265/70/17 31.6 tall 1762 RPM at 70 MPH 10.7 wide (1655 RPM at 65)
285/70/17 32,7 Tall 1722 RPM at 70 MPH 11.5 wide (1599 RPM at 65)
285/75/17 33.9 Tall 1661 RPM at 70 MPH 11.3 wide 2.3" taller than stock (1542 RPM at 65)
315/70/17 34.3 Tall 1637 RPM at 70 MPH 10" wide 2.8" taller (1520 RPM at 65)

The 315's offer the lowest RPM, but almost 3" taller. Since this is 2 wheel drive, I'm not as high as you other guys. I am concerned about rubbing. The 315's offer the best payback and the narrowest tread. Not sure the the stock rims can handle the 315's either. I'm going to turn the wheels and measure the clearance.

I'm looking for opinions/ideas/suggestions before I pull the trigger. $1000 doesn't come easy here.
@Double R Diesel Does the MM3 have tire size adjustment? I never looked

Probably the last set of tires I will ever buy.

I know that the front suspension has changed over the years but I am betting the same things that cause tire rub on my '12 are probably in the way on your '03. I did tons of research when I bought my last set of tires and being within 10k of needing them again I have started back up again. Here is what I found to be true so far....

Assuming 265s are on there now, 285/70 is probably your​ most cost effective option. They will fit the stock rim and fill the wheel wells nicely all without out any rubbing. Also, these are a common tire size and can be found in most MFG line up of tires.

If you have the room in the budget (and wheel wells) 285/75 will give you the extra height without increasing width over 285/70. But, this so a less common size and are a bit harder to find in a true E-rated tire.

315/70s give the most height but are very wide. . They are often compared to 35/12.5. Expect them to rub, especially on a 2wd truck.

I run 305/70s which is same height as 285/75 but 12" wide and they​ rub on occasion when turning hard left. I will probably get these again unless I decide to get new rims when tires are due.

I hope some of this helps.

Greg
2012 | RAM 2500 | CCSB | Custom tuned by Double R Diesel
2016 | Heartland Pioneer | DS310

I agree with Power247. I would go with 285/75/17; it's still in your sweet spot and it's not too wide at about 11". 315's are about 12-12.5" wide, i think that is too wide for factory wheels. The wider the tire the more fuel consumption as well. Toyo is an awesome brand

Oh, and yes the mm3 lets you calibrate tire size :)

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Originally Posted by Power247

I know that the front suspension has changed over the years but I am betting the same things that cause tire rub on my '12 are probably in the way on your '03. I did tons of research when I bought my last set of tires and being within 10k of needing them again I have started back up again. Here is what I found to be true so far....

Assuming 265s are on there now, 285/70 is probably your​ most cost effective option. They will fit the stock rim and fill the wheel wells nicely all without out any rubbing. Also, these are a common tire size and can be found in most MFG line up of tires.

If you have the room in the budget (and wheel wells) 285/75 will give you the extra height without increasing width over 285/70. But, this so a less common size and are a bit harder to find in a true E-rated tire.

315/70s give the most height but are very wide. . They are often compared to 35/12.5. Expect them to rub, especially on a 2wd truck.

I run 305/70s which is same height as 285/75 but 12" wide and they​ rub on occasion when turning hard left. I will probably get these again unless I decide to get new rims when tires are due.

I hope some of this helps.

Greg
2012 | RAM 2500 | CCSB | Custom tuned by Double R Diesel
2016 | Heartland Pioneer | DS310

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Thanks Greg

As an after thought I threw in the 315 just to mess with ya. LOL But it brought up an interesting point. But I agree, they are going to be too big.

The 75 series are available in the warehouse here. But they are more expensive. like $50.00 more per tire. The 315 is about the same as the 75's. So you can see where my old fart thinking is. I'm trying to be practical and functional. There's so many options. . . . I forget what the stock rim size it. (I've forgotten soo much) The 315's use a 7 to 9" wide rim.

Keep the info coming

@lcarrasco Thanks

I know where to get a 285 75 r17, its what I had on my silver truck @Polaraco. it may be a little aggressive, but you may recall when you drove that truck they werent very loud.

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Originally Posted by F350Cummins

I know where to get a 285 75 r17, its what I had on my silver truck @Polaraco. it may be a little aggressive, but you may recall when you drove that truck they werent very loud.

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I got my buddy Dennis up there at economy tire. There are nonaggressive designs too.

BTW, We're not here all day

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Originally Posted by Polaraco

Thanks Greg

As an after thought I threw in the 315 just to mess with ya. LOL But it brought up an interesting point. But I agree, they are going to be too big.

The 75 series are available in the warehouse here. But they are more expensive. like $50.00 more per tire. The 315 is about the same as the 75's. So you can see where my old fart thinking is. I'm trying to be practical and functional. There's so many options. . . . I forget what the stock rim size it. (I've forgotten soo much) The 315's use a 7 to 9" wide rim.

Keep the info coming

@lcarrasco Thanks

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I agree its crazy that 315s price is almost the same as the 285/75s. Like @lcarrasco said, fuel milage will be a factor with the 300 series tires as well.

Greg
2012 | RAM 2500 | CCSB | Custom tuned by Double R Diesel
2016 | Heartland Pioneer | DS310

I don't think that there are two many on this forum is getting away for less then $ 1000.00 for four tires of any kind of name brand or quality tire for that price I mean usually looking from $ 1200 - $ 1500 for a set of four in my experience :rockon::grd::grd::clogo::rambo:

Just be careful my friend. You can make it fast and powerful, but there are two things I'm extremely picky on.

Tires and brakes.

Tires are normally the only thing between the road and you. And I always trend towards quality.
Brakes are the only control stopping you have besides a wall or another vehicle .. and I ALWAYS do my own break job.

Just keep this in your mind when buying !

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Originally Posted by AnOldBiker

Just be careful my friend. You can make it fast and powerful, but there are two things I'm extremely picky on.

Tires and brakes.

Tires are normally the only thing between the road and you. And I always trend towards quality.
Brakes are the only control stopping you have besides a wall or another vehicle .. and I ALWAYS do my own break job.

Just keep this in your mind when buying !

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Yup! Well aware and agree. But Jim, you really need to stop using duct tape on the steering and suspension.

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Originally Posted by HKBIGDADDYDIESELDAN

I don't think that there are two many on this forum is getting away for less then $ 1000.00 for four tires of any kind of name brand or quality tire for that price I mean usually looking from $ 1200 - $ 1500 for a set of four in my experience :rockon::grd::grd::clogo::rambo:

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Gotta be retarded retired and have allot of people owe you favors to get away with some of this. But yes, The 75's are less than 900 Cash Mounted and Balanced. I think he was talking Toyo in an all season tread.

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Originally Posted by Polaraco

Gotta be retarded retired and have allot of people owe you favors to get away with some of this. But yes, The 75's are less than 900 Cash Mounted and Balanced. I think he was talking Toyo in an all season tread.

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Awesome tire LOL

Go with a 305/70/17
Will give you a little extra height you're looking for just under 34" but not all that much width. Right about 12"

Nitto, Toyo and. Few others will run you between $700-$1100

Auto correct had to fix

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Originally Posted by 9mgcb81

Go with a 305/70/17
Will give you a little extra height you're looking for just under 34" but not all that much width. Right about 12"

Nitro, Toyo and. Few others will run you between $700-$1100

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I would love too. But this is a 2 wheel drive The 285's are going to be a tough fit. Nice thought though Thanks
@F350Cummins and I were looking at it closer tonight. Gonna be difficult. I could go with 2 different sizes, but then I can't rotate them.

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Originally Posted by Polaraco

I would love too. But this is a 2 wheel drive The 285's are going to be a tough fit. Nice thought though Thanks
@F350Cummins and I were looking at it closer tonight. Gonna be difficult. I could go with 2 different sizes, but then I can't rotate them.

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Squeeze an extra inch under it

I'm running a damn good tire now in a 315
Falken Wild Peak AT3W

You can get them in a 285/75/17
They run about $200 each

With your truck you shouldn't have any problems running that size

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Originally Posted by 9mgcb81

Squeeze an extra inch under it

I'm running a damn good tire now in a 315
Falken Wild Peak AT3W

You can get them in a 285/75/17
They run about $200 each

With your truck you shouldn't have any problems running that size

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Thanks man

I have the room in the rear, same as a 4 X 4. But the front, 2" is a push. I have to be able to make turns. LOL

My other option is 2 sizes

The 285/70 is approx 32.7. The 285/75 would be 33.8
Both the same width. On the same rim you shouldn't have any problems with frame or anything else under there up front

There's some other good tires in that size depending on what you're looking for to. Some a little less money some a little more

Cooper, Mickey Thompson to name a couple

I'm still perplexed with this. This is harder than buying a car. The 2WD part is what makes this more difficult.

After looking over the front end and measuring, it's concluded I can't do very much. 285/70's will barely fit in there. So I was thinking. (Dangerous)

What if I run my fronts and just do the 75's on the rear? My fronts are General Grabbers, and seem to be tough tires. They're not 50% worn yet.

What do you think? It's 2" taller, but I'd only be an inch higher in the rear.

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Originally Posted by Polaraco

I'm still perplexed with this. This is harder than buying a car. The 2WD part is what makes this more difficult.

After looking over the front end and measuring, it's concluded I can't do very much. 285/70's will barely fit in there. So I was thinking. (Dangerous)

What if I run my fronts and just do the 75's on the rear? My fronts are General Grabbers, and seem to be tough tires. They're not 50% worn yet.

What do you think? It's 2" taller, but I'd only be an inch higher in the rear.

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On a 2wd no issues. I've run a 30" front and 38" rear before. Wasn't used in the road much but did some. Did it for the reason you're talking about to get the gear to hook up for me
Example look at other modified pulling trucks. Running very low up front and small tires. With the semi rear out back and 36 to 38" tall tractor tires that are 2 foot wide

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Originally Posted by 9mgcb81

On a 2wd no issues. I've run a 30" front and 38" rear before. Wasn't used in the road much but did some. Did it for the reason you're talking about to get the gear to hook up for me
Example look at other modified pulling trucks. Running very low up front and small tires. With the semi rear out back and 36 to 38" tall tractor tires that are 2 foot wide

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Good info. Thanks
I tow and I don't see that as an issue. I have a good set of tires on the front, 265/70's So I think this may be the best solution. Go with a set of 285/75 in the rear and wear out the fronts. When @F350Cummins and I looked closely, there is only 2 fingers of clearance between the rear fender well and the edge of the tire in a hard turn. A 285/70 will just make it, as long as the body doesn't lean or the spring doesn't compress.

Now I am glad I raised the front and put in new springs a few years ago

Even on a 4wd you can run different sizes. If it's front and rear. I wouldn't do more than 1/2" maybe an 1" though with a 4x4 on the street

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Originally Posted by 9mgcb81

Even on a 4wd you can run different sizes. If it's front and rear. I wouldn't do more than 1/2" maybe an 1" though with a 4x4 on the street

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But only 4 X 4 is slippery conditions.

You have to clarify that for other readers. We have readers from Cummins Forum reading our stuff to get the right answers. They'd believe you could put 1200/22's on the rear and run 265's on the front. LOL

My old K5 Blazer blew a rear tire driving Illinois to Louisiana headed back to post. Middle of nowhere

15 inches of lift
38.5" swampers

Only choice was mounting a 31" tire a farmer gave me. Used his tractor to lift the rear and blew the tire on. Drove the remaining 90 miles looking at the sky going 45 mph

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Originally Posted by 9mgcb81

My old K5 Blazer blew a rear tire driving Illinois to Louisiana headed back to post. Middle of nowhere

15 inches of lift
38.5" swampers

Only choice was mounting a 31" tire a farmer gave me. Used his tractor to lift the rear and blew the tire on. Drove the remaining 90 miles looking at the sky going 45 mph

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Must be a marine. Learn to adapt. LOL
That's why I never went crazy with tires and rims.

I'm still looking for opinions here

I forgot who talked about it earlier, but availability is an issue. I was leaning on going with larger rears by going with the 75 series, and leaving the stock size on the front.

I went up to see my buddy today. We sat for an hour going over the options and applying them to what I want to do. First of all, I have no need for a all terrain tire. All season or highway tread is all I need. Everything available in the 75 series has an aggressive tread. That and they are not everywhere like the 70 series is.

So! Here's the plan. Tell me if you disagree. We're thinking 285/70's in the rear. Then I can check for fitment in the front. If it fits in the front, then I can go all the way around.

Nitto Duro Grappler 285/75/17

If you want to try fitment of the 285/70 though that's worth trying out. Put them both on and turn to full lock see if they hit anything

If you're happy with them run the 70's

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Originally Posted by 9mgcb81

Nitto Duro Grappler 285/75/17

If you want to try fitment of the 285/70 though that's worth trying out. Put them both on and turn to full lock see if they hit anything

If you're happy with them run the 70's

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It's not what I really wanted, but it will have to do I guess.

The Nitto I am looking at has a mild tread on it. It looks almost highway

Are you looking for more of a performance style tire

Another one off the top of my head not sure without looking though I'd they have a 75. Firestone Transforce HT is a good tire not aggressive at all but excellent if you're wanting highway. I've run the AT

Mastercraft has some again not sure about 75. I've never run them

I have a newer set of transforces and I am so unimpressed by them its not funny. They arent like the old transforce tires on my dually

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Originally Posted by F350Cummins

I have a newer set of transforces and I am so unimpressed by them its not funny. They arent like the old transforce tires on my dually

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Last time I ran them was about 4 years ago on my F250 before lifting it. They were good then at least

I bought the Cooper 255/80r17 st-maxx for my last set. They are 32" tall sitting on the ground and 9" wide. I set my speedo with the race ultra. They have been ok, but at 35k they are down to 8/32 already and am looking for a new set of something different now to go taller. Were OK while they lasted. Used to run 33x9.5-16.5 back in the day for MPG and put the meats on for weekend pulling track.

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Originally Posted by F350Cummins

I have a newer set of transforces and I am so unimpressed by them its not funny. They arent like the old transforce tires on my dually

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There is a difference between the OEM and after market tire Al. The internal construction may be the same, designating the model tire, but the compound is harder. That's where you're problem is. I'm sure there are some guys that remember the OEM Michelins. They were just plain dangerous. I took the Michelins off my 08 before I got took delivery on the truck. The OEM Goodrich aren't much better

You stopping by here?

I was hoping I would get some more input on this. Spent hours trying to find what I wanted, then hours checking out the reputation of the tire.

So this is what I am going to do. I am ordering 4 of these https://www.yokohamatire.com/tires/geolandar-a-t-g015 285/70/17 LT Range E we're going to try one on the front. If it fits well enough, then I am going for all 4. If not, then I am just going to do the rears. The neat thing is they are right between the height of the 75 and the 70 series. After measuring the room available, they will be tight, and I may have some rubbing on tight turns with body lean. But I don't drive like a wild man. The wheels have to be really hard over to rub. But that's parking lot stuff.

I can't tell you what I am paying for these. A guy I went to engineering school with owns the place. We've been trading favors back and forth for years.

No Alex. You don't know me if you go there. LOL

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Originally Posted by Polaraco

I was hoping I would get some more input on this. Spent hours trying to find what I wanted, then hours checking out the reputation of the tire.

So this is what I am going to do. I am ordering 4 of these https://www.yokohamatire.com/tires/geolandar-a-t-g015 285/70/17 LT Range E we're going to try one on the front. If it fits well enough, then I am going for all 4. If not, then I am just going to do the rears. The neat thing is they are right between the height of the 75 and the 70 series. After measuring the room available, they will be tight, and I may have some rubbing on tight turns with body lean. But I don't drive like a wild man. The wheels have to be really hard over to rub. But that's parking lot stuff.

I can't tell you what I am paying for these. A guy I went to engineering school with owns the place. We've been trading favors back and forth for years.

No Alex. You don't know me if you go there. LOL

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They look like a good tire. I will need tires this fall so looking for you ongoing review updates after you get them installed.

Sent from my SM-T530NU using Tapatalk

Never used their A/T but they make a good tire. Used a couple other types over the years

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Originally Posted by Power247

They look like a good tire. I will need tires this fall so looking for you ongoing review updates after you get them installed.

Sent from my SM-T530NU using Tapatalk

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Sure Greg. I never heard of them before. I always leaned towards the Transforce, and General Grabbers. I have a few trips to take soon, these are installed in time for the first one. So many to chose from. There's even a brand from China. Too cheap for me to put my butt on.

Well here they are. If you look at the close up you'll see what I was talking about with the space. I know it was hard for many to envision.

Attachment 4557Attachment 4558

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Originally Posted by Polaraco

Well here they are. If you look at the close up you'll see what I was talking about with the space. I know it was hard for many to envision.

Attachment 4557Attachment 4558

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They look good!! Much better looking than the stock donuts. :)

Sent from my LG-V510 using Tapatalk

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Originally Posted by Power247

They look good!! Much better looking than the stock donuts. :)

Sent from my LG-V510 using Tapatalk

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Yeah..They do fill in the openings quite a bit don't they?

Heh Other than to take the picture, I hadn't stood back and looked at it.

65 @ 1600. I have to try to get somewhere I can get up to 75 now. It's allot better. Now it doesn't sound like it needs another gear.