Tire Performance, Braking and Handling QUestions

cymmgarcia · November 14, 2006

I need your opinion guys!

My truck does 99% highway duty and boat launching on weekends. I am interested in braking and cornering ability. In South Florida we deal with lots of rain, but no snow ofcourse. We make up for the snow with lots of idiots on the road though!

My truck is a 2004 Crew Cab 2 Wheel Drive with 3.73 locking gears.

Tires currently are Americrap 255/70/16. I am thinking about upgrading to 265/65/17 or 275/60/17 (I already have 17 inch rims in the garage). I want to keep the stock height while reducing sidewall flex and increasing the contact patch. These are the tires I am considering:

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/Sizes.jsp?ma...tera+TripleTred

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?ti...eler+A%2FT+Revo

I know choice #2 is an All Terrain tire, but it has very high on road praises and you never know when things get muddy at the ramp.

I just installed the Hellwig Rear Sway Bar. This has vastly improved handling!

I am thinking about swapping out the front disk and calipers to the larger 2005 setup. Is this a doable upgrade? Has anyone done it? Any effect on ABS?

Come on guys, let's talk street performance for a while!

Thanks in advance for your replies.

Bish · November 14, 2006

I need your opinion guys!

My truck does 99% highway duty and boat launching on weekends. I am interested in braking and cornering ability. In South Florida we deal with lots of rain, but no snow ofcourse. We make up for the snow with lots of idiots on the road though!

My truck is a 2004 Crew Cab 2 Wheel Drive with 3.73 locking gears.

Tires currently are Americrap 255/70/16. I am thinking about upgrading to 265/65/17 or 275/60/17 (I already have 17 inch rims in the garage). I want to keep the stock height while reducing sidewall flex and increasing the contact patch. These are the tires I am considering:

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/Sizes.jsp?ma...tera+TripleTred

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?ti...eler+A%2FT+Revo

I know choice #2 is an All Terrain tire, but it has very high on road praises and you never know when things get muddy at the ramp.

I just installed the Hellwig Rear Sway Bar. This has vastly improved handling!

I am thinking about swapping out the front disk and calipers to the larger 2005 setup. Is this a doable upgrade? Has anyone done it? Any effect on ABS?

Come on guys, let's talk street performance for a while!

Thanks in advance for your replies.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

If you drive a lot of highway, I suggest Michelin LTX M/S in an LT265/75R16 LRC. Much stiffer sidewall makes cornering MUCH better. I went from the P265/70R16 stock Firestone Wilderness LE and it was like night and day. I drive pretty hard and I have been really happy with them. And I get 80K out of each set (on my 3rd set on my Tahoe). Many like the Revos but I have heard of not great tire wear. I haven't been a fan of Goodyear for quite a while so I'll refrain from giving an opinion on those.

Z71SIERRA · November 14, 2006

I'd get some Revos. If your gonna have a truck put some truck tires on it. As for brakes you might check on some aftermarket setups before you retro fit the 05 brakes. There are lots of different kits availible. I got a SSBC kit from T-Byrne and they WORK! They are designed for your truck so you don't have to gamble on if your ABS is going to work or not.

cymmgarcia · November 15, 2006

I think I'll be going with the Goodyear Triple Treads. Consumer Reports gave them high marks and they have a good warranty.

I am mounting them on a 17 X 7.5 Rim. I need to decide between 275/60/17 and 265/65/17. I don't want a harsh ride, but will accept a firmer ride for improved cornering and braking. Here is the speedo difference:

http://www.1010tires.com/TireSizeCalculato...p?action=submit

As far as brakes, I tend to trust OEM a lot more than aftermarket.

Thanks.