So I searched the forum for hours and couldn't find the right answer to soothe my paranoia.
I'm running a 2010 reg cab 4x4 2.7L stock with stock gearing, and I just switched out the stock 245/75/16 Dunlops with 245/75/16 BFG ATs, and while I knew I would take a little performance hit with they heavy LT tires, it's been enough to be a shock to me, because I thought the smaller tire size would mitigate any performance issues. The BFGs are still E-Load at this size, and ride great, but I feel (and hear) the truck straining a little more to drive around. I guess here's what I'm paranoid about:
1. Will straining my truck with more unsprung mass at the wheels grenade my stock trans/gears, or driveline in general? I can definitely hear something straining in the driveline when accelerating...
2. Is regearing an option at this point with these size tires to gain back power?
3. Do I need to beef up my steering/IFS in any way with heavier front tires so don't snap something on a trail?
This is my DD, and I don't really do any rock crawling, instead I'm more of an overlander/camper and i use my truck to get to remote places to fish/camp/dirtbike once or twice a month. I often find myself driving over pretty nasty terrain which is why I wanted the BFGs in the first place, for that tough-tire peace of mind. Im just afraid I opened a can of worms...
I drive 80% highway, 20% off road. Thanks for helping this noob.
I'm running a 2010 reg cab 4x4 2.7L stock with stock gearing, and I just switched out the stock 245/75/16 Dunlops with 245/75/16 BFG ATs, and while I knew I would take a little performance hit with they heavy LT tires, it's been enough to be a shock to me, because I thought the smaller tire size would mitigate any performance issues. The BFGs are still E-Load at this size, and ride great, but I feel (and hear) the truck straining a little more to drive around. I guess here's what I'm paranoid about:
1. Will straining my truck with more unsprung mass at the wheels grenade my stock trans/gears, or driveline in general? I can definitely hear something straining in the driveline when accelerating...
2. Is regearing an option at this point with these size tires to gain back power?
3. Do I need to beef up my steering/IFS in any way with heavier front tires so don't snap something on a trail?
This is my DD, and I don't really do any rock crawling, instead I'm more of an overlander/camper and i use my truck to get to remote places to fish/camp/dirtbike once or twice a month. I often find myself driving over pretty nasty terrain which is why I wanted the BFGs in the first place, for that tough-tire peace of mind. Im just afraid I opened a can of worms...
I drive 80% highway, 20% off road. Thanks for helping this noob.