Sponsored

New tires and truck feels sluggish

Goodrx

Well-Known Member
First Name
Mason
Joined
Mar 12, 2020
Threads
8
Messages
79
Reaction score
56
Location
Idaho
Vehicle(s)
2019 Ford Ranger
My oem tires were the bridgestone 255/65/17 (31.1") and had the sport wheels on. I recently just put on the icon alloy six speed +25mm and toyo ats'3 size 255/70/17 (32.1"). After the install the truck just has a hard time searching for gears and is killing my gas mileage. I havent gone through a full tank yet but have almost used a 1/4 tank in 3 days vs stock i would use a 1/4 tank in about 5-6 days. I havent been driving any different. Basically i'm looking for suggestions how to accommodate the new size. I dont get how the guys running a 265/70/17 (31.6") arent having these problems and maybe only getting less than 1 mpg vs stock.

1) I called two ford dealerships and they said they don't recalibrate.--which is odd to me cause what do they do when they sell NEW trucks with bigger tires and new wheels

2) get he hypertech tuner for speedometer change stage3motorsports worried this is just going get the correct speed and not so much the gearing

3) the ford performance pack to adjust the tire size and get some extra power with the warranty--most expensive route

4) lovernois tuner--seems best option for gearing and extra power--seems to be best bang for the buck. Just worried about warranty. I dont drive crazy but had a 2017 ford f150 2.7l engine blow at 15k miles and luckily it was under warranty but scares me with the ranger.

any suggestions or experience with this?
Sponsored

 
Last edited:

RANGER_MARC

Well-Known Member
First Name
MARC
Joined
Apr 29, 2019
Threads
4
Messages
1,755
Reaction score
4,405
Location
Delaware USA
Vehicle(s)
FORD RANGER LARIAT 2019
Occupation
TEACH
Vehicle Showcase
1
My oem tires were the bridgestone 255/65/17 (31.1") and had the sport wheels on. I recently just put on the icon alloy six speed +25mm and toyo ats'3 size 255/70/17 (32.1"). After the install the truck just has a hard time searching for gears and is killing my gas mileage. I havent gone through a full tank yet but have almost used a 1/4 tank in 3 days vs stock i would use a 1/4 tank in about 5-6 days. I havent been driving any different. Basically i'm looking for suggestions how to accommodate the new size. I dont get how the guys running a 265/70/17 (32.6") arent having these problems and maybe only getting less than 1 mpg vs stock.

1) I called two ford dealerships and they said they don't recalibrate.--which is odd to me cause what do they do when they sell NEW trucks with bigger tires and new wheels

2) get he hypertech tuner for speedometer change stage3motorsports worried this is just going get the correct speed and not so much the gearing

3) the ford performance pack to adjust the tire size and get some extra power with the warranty--most expensive route

4) lovernois tuner--seems best option for gearing and extra power--seems to be best bang for the buck. Just worried about warranty. I dont drive crazy but had a 2017 ford f150 2.7l engine blow at 15k miles and luckily it was under warranty but scares me with the ranger.

any suggestions or experience with this?
Hey, Mason, I put heavier tires on the same day that I flashed the FP tune, and so the sensation was more power and smoother shifting right away, rather than less. Mileage stayed about the same, c. 18.7 MPG on 93 Octane, but this is hardly scientific, as I have a lot of other issues bringing down my MPG (FX4, two-inch leveling lift, not driving to work on freeways during the pandemic due to working from home, my lead foot, etc.) I will see how it all works out once things return to normal. I don't know how helpful my experience is for you, but I highly recommend the FP tune and hope it all works out to your satisfaction.
 

slowmachine

Well-Known Member
First Name
Mike
Joined
Jul 18, 2020
Threads
39
Messages
929
Reaction score
1,978
Location
New Hampshire
Vehicle(s)
2015 Jeep Wrangler, waiting for a Ranger PHEV
My oem tires were the bridgestone 255/65/17 (31.1") and had the sport wheels on. I recently just put on the icon alloy six speed +25mm and toyo ats'3 size 255/70/17 (32.1"). After the install the truck just has a hard time searching for gears and is killing my gas mileage. I havent gone through a full tank yet but have almost used a 1/4 tank in 3 days vs stock i would use a 1/4 tank in about 5-6 days. I havent been driving any different. Basically i'm looking for suggestions how to accommodate the new size. I dont get how the guys running a 265/70/17 (32.6") arent having these problems and maybe only getting less than 1 mpg vs stock.

1) I called two ford dealerships and they said they don't recalibrate.--which is odd to me cause what do they do when they sell NEW trucks with bigger tires and new wheels

2) get he hypertech tuner for speedometer change stage3motorsports worried this is just going get the correct speed and not so much the gearing

3) the ford performance pack to adjust the tire size and get some extra power with the warranty--most expensive route

4) lovernois tuner--seems best option for gearing and extra power--seems to be best bang for the buck. Just worried about warranty. I dont drive crazy but had a 2017 ford f150 2.7l engine blow at 15k miles and luckily it was under warranty but scares me with the ranger.

any suggestions or experience with this?
So the new tires are about 4% larger (revs per mile) and about 10% heavier. I don’t know about the ICON wheels. At the same time, we are switching to winter-formulated fuel, which will decrease MPG all by itself. If you can switch between the two sets of wheels, and drive the same course, on the same gas, you will get a better comparison. I wouldn’t care about the actual numbers, just the difference between the two sets of wheels, so the built-in MPG gauge is fine for measuring.
 

Mwright

New Member
First Name
Michael
Joined
Oct 19, 2020
Threads
0
Messages
1
Reaction score
15
Location
Pensacola Fl
Vehicle(s)
2020 Ford Ranger XLT
Occupation
Oil Rig Mechanic
Vehicle Showcase
1
I purchased the rough country speedometer calibrator 90020 on amazon it updates shift points as well. I am offshore and havent tried it yet but looks to b good option $139.95

  • Resets your speedometer to accurate readings for larger tires. Reads diagnostic codes like "check engine light"
  • Easy Plug and Play connection with Option to return to stock settings
  • Updates OE ECM Shift Points to accommodate larger tires
  • Recalibrates Electronic Stability Control to work with larger tires
  • Backed by Rough Country for 1 Year
 

Shaun Harlan

Well-Known Member
Joined
Nov 30, 2018
Threads
2
Messages
65
Reaction score
91
Location
Dfw
Vehicle(s)
Zr2 Colorado
My oem tires were the bridgestone 255/65/17 (31.1") and had the sport wheels on. I recently just put on the icon alloy six speed +25mm and toyo ats'3 size 255/70/17 (32.1"). After the install the truck just has a hard time searching for gears and is killing my gas mileage. I havent gone through a full tank yet but have almost used a 1/4 tank in 3 days vs stock i would use a 1/4 tank in about 5-6 days. I havent been driving any different. Basically i'm looking for suggestions how to accommodate the new size. I dont get how the guys running a 265/70/17 (32.6") arent having these problems and maybe only getting less than 1 mpg vs stock.

1) I called two ford dealerships and they said they don't recalibrate.--which is odd to me cause what do they do when they sell NEW trucks with bigger tires and new wheels

2) get he hypertech tuner for speedometer change stage3motorsports worried this is just going get the correct speed and not so much the gearing

3) the ford performance pack to adjust the tire size and get some extra power with the warranty--most expensive route

4) lovernois tuner--seems best option for gearing and extra power--seems to be best bang for the buck. Just worried about warranty. I dont drive crazy but had a 2017 ford f150 2.7l engine blow at 15k miles and luckily it was under warranty but scares me with the ranger.

any suggestions or experience with this?
265/70/17 is 31.6" not 32.6"

You wheels and tires will have a pretty decent affect on mpg. Especially if the weight increases by a fair amount. Plus that winter gas is rolling in and on top of that cooler air is rolling in....being more dense as an affect as well.
 


OP
OP

Goodrx

Well-Known Member
First Name
Mason
Joined
Mar 12, 2020
Threads
8
Messages
79
Reaction score
56
Location
Idaho
Vehicle(s)
2019 Ford Ranger
are your tires properly inflated?
i know this is a basic step but just like Microsoft help desk, the first question is always "is the computer turned on?"
That’s another thing. I reused the oem tpms and each tire is reading different from 34-36 I may deflate to like a 32 psi.
 

Toytec

Well-Known Member
First Name
John
Joined
Dec 16, 2018
Threads
4
Messages
886
Reaction score
2,273
Location
Central NC
Vehicle(s)
2019 XLT 302a S/cab 4X4 w/diff lock MG
Occupation
Automotive technician, Retired.
Vehicle Showcase
1
I will monitor your post as I'm doing the same thing this week. I'm putting on 265/70's Wildpeaks and ditching the 255/65's BS and let you know my experience.
However, I have the iDrive throttle controller hooked up and to me I can fine tune my throttle response and shift points.
I would judge what you're saying by the next full tank of gas. Give it time.
 

painter1

Well-Known Member
First Name
Ali
Joined
Oct 21, 2020
Threads
2
Messages
72
Reaction score
139
Location
SW BC, Canada
Vehicle(s)
Ford ZX2, F350
1) I called two ford dealerships and they said they don't recalibrate.--which is odd to me cause what do they do when they sell NEW trucks with bigger tires and new wheels
That surprises me that they couldn't reprogram for the optional size 265/65R17 which s/b ~660 rev per mile vs the ~650 for your new tires (previous 255/65R17 is ~671). And maybe check for TSBs while they're at it.

Your only about 3-4% change now old vs new size so I wouldn't have thought you'd feel that much power loss. One thing that comes to mind if the infamous "transmission relearning" if the battery was disconnected. IDK how long it takes but it might be a factor.

Found one post about instructions for a different trans. FWIW. There might be something similar for the Ranger trans, IDK. ButI think the engine being up to normal operating temps is prob important.
https://www.powerstrokenation.com/t...smission-re-learn-process.421617/post-4860369

Good luck.
 

NvrFinished

Well-Known Member
First Name
Shea
Joined
Apr 27, 2020
Threads
18
Messages
662
Reaction score
1,363
Location
SoCal
Vehicle(s)
2020 XLT 4x4 Rapid Red
Regardless of the various ways to recalibrate tire size for the correct speed, a small change to a larger size should not make this truck feel sluggish. In addition, shift points are based on RPM's and not what the speedometer says, so a slight difference in speedometer error won't make a difference either. There is just too much torque down low as well as horsepower to have such a significant effect. I believe there must be something else going on here.
 

Frenchy

Well-Known Member
First Name
Chris
Joined
Mar 15, 2020
Threads
164
Messages
7,544
Reaction score
10,753
Location
Elizabeth, Colorado
Vehicle(s)
2012 Nissan Frontier, 1994 F150 XL, 2022 Ford Transit
Occupation
Field Service Technician
So you have the same stock size as me and i went to a 265/70-17. I also got the Livernois tune so I could correct the tire size and get a little more extra power. With that I got the little bit of fuel mileage lost and then some. It would be a great way to go.
 
OP
OP

Goodrx

Well-Known Member
First Name
Mason
Joined
Mar 12, 2020
Threads
8
Messages
79
Reaction score
56
Location
Idaho
Vehicle(s)
2019 Ford Ranger
265/70/17 is 31.6" not 32.6"

You wheels and tires will have a pretty decent affect on mpg. Especially if the weight increases by a fair amount. Plus that winter gas is rolling in and on top of that cooler air is rolling in....being more dense as an affect as well.
I corrected the typo. Being that I am higher elevation and it is getting colder I figured It would be contributing,
 
OP
OP

Goodrx

Well-Known Member
First Name
Mason
Joined
Mar 12, 2020
Threads
8
Messages
79
Reaction score
56
Location
Idaho
Vehicle(s)
2019 Ford Ranger
So you have the same stock size as me and i went to a 265/70-17. I also got the Livernois tune so I could correct the tire size and get a little more extra power. With that I got the little bit of fuel mileage lost and then some. It would be a great way to go.
Based off the livernois thread- alot of guys seemed to have improved gas mileage, is that not the case with you?
 

Frenchy

Well-Known Member
First Name
Chris
Joined
Mar 15, 2020
Threads
164
Messages
7,544
Reaction score
10,753
Location
Elizabeth, Colorado
Vehicle(s)
2012 Nissan Frontier, 1994 F150 XL, 2022 Ford Transit
Occupation
Field Service Technician
Based off the livernois thread- alot of guys seemed to have improved gas mileage, is that not the case with you?
I did get improved fuel mileage. Hear my general results while living in Leadville and working in Silverthorne. My daily commute was 35 miles one way with having to go up a 2 to 3 Mile Stretch of a 7% grade. In the morning I will be going down that seems right. Normally I would see around 22 miles per gallon. Then I uninstalled my lift by old man email with the bigger tires. Overall I lost point five miles per gallon. About a week later I got my Livernois tune and I installed it along with correcting the speedometer. After installing the tune I got that point five back and gained a little bit. How is usually between 23.5 to 24 miles per gallon. Those are real world numbers and there are times I can do better than that. In reality it just depends on where I'm at. The biggest thing I noticed with the Livernois tune is it really cleans up the fuel mapping. At this time I run the tow tune since it's great for off-road daily driving and towing. I don't need to max out my performance with a tune. If anything nice drivability is all I'm looking for.
 
OP
OP

Goodrx

Well-Known Member
First Name
Mason
Joined
Mar 12, 2020
Threads
8
Messages
79
Reaction score
56
Location
Idaho
Vehicle(s)
2019 Ford Ranger
Regardless of the various ways to recalibrate tire size for the correct speed, a small change to a larger size should not make this truck feel sluggish. In addition, shift points are based on RPM's and not what the speedometer says, so a slight difference in speedometer error won't make a difference either. There is just too much torque down low as well as horsepower to have such a significant effect. I believe there must be something else going on here.
could be the resistance im feeling. I mean this whole re-learning process, I was not aware of. Since I drive the same road day in and day out i know what gear i'm in with the stocks and with the new setup seems i'm a gear or two lower.
 

Abjectwoe

Well-Known Member
First Name
Marc
Joined
May 30, 2020
Threads
12
Messages
207
Reaction score
360
Location
USA
Vehicle(s)
2020 Ranger XL
My oem tires were the bridgestone 255/65/17 (31.1") and had the sport wheels on. I recently just put on the icon alloy six speed +25mm and toyo ats'3 size 255/70/17 (32.1"). After the install the truck just has a hard time searching for gears and is killing my gas mileage. I havent gone through a full tank yet but have almost used a 1/4 tank in 3 days vs stock i would use a 1/4 tank in about 5-6 days. I havent been driving any different. Basically i'm looking for suggestions how to accommodate the new size. I dont get how the guys running a 265/70/17 (31.6") arent having these problems and maybe only getting less than 1 mpg vs stock.

1) I called two ford dealerships and they said they don't recalibrate.--which is odd to me cause what do they do when they sell NEW trucks with bigger tires and new wheels

2) get he hypertech tuner for speedometer change stage3motorsports worried this is just going get the correct speed and not so much the gearing

3) the ford performance pack to adjust the tire size and get some extra power with the warranty--most expensive route

4) lovernois tuner--seems best option for gearing and extra power--seems to be best bang for the buck. Just worried about warranty. I dont drive crazy but had a 2017 ford f150 2.7l engine blow at 15k miles and luckily it was under warranty but scares me with the ranger.

any suggestions or experience with this?
I'm running 255/80/r17 AT3Ws and besides the speedometer being off I haven't felt a drastic difference. I averaged 19mpg on a big trip with tons of offroad miles on aired down tires.
Sponsored

 
 








Top