305/65/18 on 6" lift

GoFast33 · 02-12-2008, 01:15 AM

I'm currently rolling on 35" M/T's on a 6" lift. It looks great, but the more I drive it on the highway, the more I feel I would be better off with smaller sized A/T's like 305/65/18. Question is, would this look goofy? If anyone out there has this setup, please post a pic. I first thought about going to 325/65/18, but they are actually wider and nearly as tall as my 35/12.5/18's, so now I am interested in the 305's.

rcantu · 02-12-2008, 08:45 AM

im too lazy to do a calculator but i'd try to keep as close to 35 inch as possible.

Rhino404 · 02-12-2008, 09:02 AM

What is the actual concern? The ride is too rough? rubbing issues?

rtc1184 · 02-12-2008, 09:07 AM

the thing about going down to a smaller tire like that is you will have a lot of fender well space. you can always go to a taller tire and not so wide wheel, thus making the tire skinnier but yet taller. so it feels the space up, and you dont have any rub. i co-own a 4wd shop in fort worth texas. we do this kind of thing all the time. have any more questions feel free to ask.

*Troll Crap* · 02-12-2008, 10:19 AM

Those tires would be 33.6 tires and Im interested also in how that looks. Everyone has thier own opinion in what size to run like me I think 35s are to big and heavy. Go to performancelifts.com there is a nissan with a 6 inch lift with 34.4s on it which are smaller than the 35s

NICK@STILLEN · 02-12-2008, 10:33 AM

33.6 Will Look Way Too Small... Looks Like You Are Riding On Donuts. Imo...... There Is Too Much Gap!

tre5 · 02-12-2008, 05:40 PM

I have 305 65 18's on my Titan, its only lifted with the bolt in DR's (2"). I think they would look too small on a 6" lift.

albonismo · 02-12-2008, 06:07 PM

yea im running those on only a leveling kit and they fit fine just for that. a 6 inch lift would look better with some real 35" tires.

**TitanTeamRoper** · 02-12-2008, 06:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tre5

I have 305 65 18's on my Titan, its only lifted with the bolt in DR's (2"). I think they would look too small on a 6" lift.

Sorry a little off topic but, are you 305's on your stock rims, if so did they put up a fight installing the on the rims?

GoFast33 · 02-12-2008, 07:06 PM

Thanks for everyone's feedback. To clarify, I am having second thoughts with the 35" MT's because of:

1. Fuel mileage - I am averaging 12 mpg...about 1 mpg worse than my previous Titan which rolled on 295/70/17 (33.3") Nitto Terra Grapplers.
2. Noise - not too bad, but I can definitely hear it.

I am not experiencing any rubbing issues.

I want to stress that I love the way the MT's look. I haven't had a chance to test it off road yet, but I'm pretty sure it will kick a$$ in the dirt/mud/whatever. The main thing I'm concerned with is the gas mileage, though. I believe the more aggressive MT tread pattern is the primary reason for the drop in mpg's (due to increased drag/rolling resistance) rather than the tire diameter. Heck, maybe the mpg's will improve with time (I only have 1100 miles on the truck). Probably wasting everyone's time here because I will probably keep it the way it is!

tre5 · 02-12-2008, 07:51 PM

[quote=TitanTeamRoper]Sorry a little off topic but, are you 305's on your stock rims, if so did they put up a fight installing the on the rims?[/QUOTE

A little bit of a fight. However, they didn't have the the tires in thier handy little sizer book, so they couldn't say no. Plus I know the guy, and have bought several wheels and tires from him.

albonismo · 02-12-2008, 07:57 PM

well these size tires are actually pretty new so you might have a tough time finding many with it. let alone someone with a 6 in lift who wanted to go small. sorry man these tires in my opinion are for 4" lifts and lower.

NorCal 4x4 · 02-12-2008, 10:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoFast33

Thanks for everyone's feedback. To clarify, I am having second thoughts with the 35" MT's because of:

1. Fuel mileage - I am averaging 12 mpg...about 1 mpg worse than my previous Titan which rolled on 295/70/17 (33.3") Nitto Terra Grapplers.
2. Noise - not too bad, but I can definitely hear it.

I am not experiencing any rubbing issues.

I want to stress that I love the way the MT's look. I haven't had a chance to test it off road yet, but I'm pretty sure it will kick a$$ in the dirt/mud/whatever. The main thing I'm concerned with is the gas mileage, though. I believe the more aggressive MT tread pattern is the primary reason for the drop in mpg's (due to increased drag/rolling resistance) rather than the tire diameter. Heck, maybe the mpg's will improve with time (I only have 1100 miles on the truck). Probably wasting everyone's time here because I will probably keep it the way it is!

IMO, it is the weight affecting the gas mileage.

1. Fuel mileage - The Nitto Terra Grappler size LT295/70R17 weighs 55 lbs each and the BFG MT KM2 in a 35x12.5x18 weigh in at 67 lbs.... a 12 lbs. difference! I have lost about 1 mpg for every 14 to 15 lbs. increase in tire weight.

Unless you drive a whole lot of miles more than my 320 mi/week, it's not really worth the hit you would take selling your KM2s. They're roughly around $300 ea. plus shipping and mounting, and you'd probably have to sell them for $200 ea. local, and pay for mounting your new ones.

Btw, the BFG AT KO LT305/65/18 weigh 65lbs. each, and because of the smaller diameter, your gas mileage might actually get a bit worse ... smaller diameter mean lower gearing overall.

At least frick'n try them off road before you condemn them to life under a Super-Duty.

GoFast33 · 02-12-2008, 11:22 PM

Once again, NorCal, you enlighten me with your wisdom! Thanks for sharing real-world data based on your experience. I have decided to take your advise - I will stop whining and go throw some roost in the dirt!