Help Me Decide - Level/Tires

[BobLee338]

So now, tires.... From looking around at all the popular A/T tires, a 275/70-17 would have to be a C or E rated tire which adds weight. A 285/70-17 can be had in SL (Standard Load) for most of the tires I'm looking at and weigh less but have the slightly larger diameter and width. As @Frenchy mentioned above the Firestone Destination XT seems to be an E-rated tire but comes in just under 50lbs.

For mileage purposes, is a lighter weight 285/70-17 better than a heavier 275/70-17? Also, ran across the Milestar Patagonia A/T Pro tires but can't find any weight info on them. Anybody ever run those?

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[Frenchy]

There will be different factors to consider. I will state that with those 285s that I ran from Firestone with the lift and the tune that I had I was usually averaging anywhere from 20 to 24 miles per gallon on average. A somewhat skinnier tire can generally speaking help with the fuel mileage but depending on the weight difference could change that a lot.

 

[Beach]

So, I stumbled into a deal on the Eibach Pro-Truck Stage 1 lift kit. Tire Rack is running a special right now and has that kit for $506!! So, my thinking is get that kit but use my stock springs on the 2.25" setting since 3" gets into the "might need UCAs" territory. Then, I might try to sell the Eibach coils on here or eBay to get a few bucks back. I appreciate you guys helping a Ranger newb out!

Did you check with those guys on whether that is really a new kit? I saw it too. Interesting sale timing as Eibach is selling refurbished Pro Stage 1 lift kits for less than $500 now. I assume the Tire Rack # is not installed

 

[Aphron]

I installed Bilstein 5100’s all around with middle setting for height, think 1.2” lift on Front. Rides super nice, on 265/65/18 at3w wildpeaks.

 

[RANGER_MARC]

New to the community but have been lurking for a few months learning. I recently purchased a 2020 Ranger FX4 that I freaking love! I'm wanting to do some things to make it my own. The first is to fix the horrible nose dive with a leveling kit. I've narrowed it down to either the BDS 2" Kit w/NX2 Shocks on the rear or Bilstein 5100's all the way around set at 1.8" up front. I put 5100's on a Tacoma I had a few years ago and liked them but always thought they were a little stiffer than they needed to be (those were set all the way up at 2.5"). Now, the 2nd part of the equation. I also want to run my stock 17" sport wheels with 1" spacers and either 275/70-17 or 285/70-17 Falken Wildpeak AT3W's. (Planning to pickup the ReadyLift intrusion beams) I would rather run the 285's because they look a lot better but I want to make sure I get the front up enough to handle it without any major trimming. I've considered the 275/70's to help with some MPG's and rubbing but I'm thinking they might still look too small.

To those of you that have been down this path and have experience, what's my best move here? I've searched and read almost every thread that's related but can't decide which way to go. Anybody running the BDS 2" and either of the tire sizes mentioned, can you post some pics of your ride? Much appreciated!!

Welcome to the Forum, buddy! Without getting into the technical aspect, I will just say that I went with the Fox/Ford Levelling Lift Kit and stock-sized Falkens, and I am very happy with the result in terms of the level, the tires, and the ride! Happy Trails!

 

[BobLee338]

Did you check with those guys on whether that is really a new kit? I saw it too. Interesting sale timing as Eibach is selling refurbished Pro Stage 1 lift kits for less than $500 now. I assume the Tire Rack # is not installed

I didn't specifically check with them to see if it was refurbished, but no where on the page does it say anything about being a refurb. I received it last night and it came in the big red Eibach box and everything appears to be brand new.

 

[BobLee338]

I installed Bilstein 5100’s all around with middle setting for height, think 1.2” lift on Front. Rides super nice, on 265/65/18 at3w wildpeaks.

Truck looks great! I wish these trucks came like this at a minimum from the factory.

 

[Bob902]

Truck looks great! I wish these trucks came like this at a minimum from the factory.

I agree. I think the one inch lift is just about perfect

 

[BobLee338]

So I pulled the trigger on a lot of stuff! Got the Eibach Pro Truck Stage 1 kit and set the fronts at 2.25” (2nd ring from top) and used the factory coils. Installed ready lift intrusion beams and threw on P295/70-17 Toyo Open Country AT III’s with the 1.0” faction fab spacers. And finally, this truck is exactly how I wanted it!!

Installing the Eibachs was a little more involved than expected. I marked the alignment bolts and dropped the LCA’s and had the struts out, springs swapped to new ones, and back in the truck in about 30 minutes per side, but getting those LCA’s back up to get the bolts in was a bear. Took a few bottle jacks and a few choice words.

The intrusion beams also gave me a little trouble until I finally just loosened the bolts on the front bumper enough to slide them out. Cut the rears with an angle grinder as the sawzall didn’t seem to do that great with the blades I had.

Still can’t get over how much better the ol’ girl looks after all this!!

Before

After

 

[BobLee338]

A few other things I forgot:

The Eibachs are a huge improvement over the stock FX4 shocks. I thought I liked the factory ride until I felt it with the Eibachs.

Went with the SL Toyo’s due to weight. The 285/70’s weigh roughly 47lbs each. So far I’m only seeing about a 2-3 mpg drop and it does feel slightly more sluggish on take off but nothing a little more skinny pedal doesn’t solve. Also, with the spacers and intrusions beams I have absolutely zero rubbing anywhere.

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