Any way to relieve the stress the AC puts on the engine?

I realized the truck struggles to hit 80mph with the AC on, but with it off it’s no problem

 

Do you have the I4 or v6? My gal and I spent the day in Santa Clara, Ca. at their citywide garage sale last Saturday. On the way home I was doing 80 avg. sometimes 90 with the AC on the whole trip, and my truck even held inclines at those speeds with only slight throttle increase...with a lot more throttle left over. My truck has stock tires and no lift though. And at least with mine, it seems to come into its power sweet spot after 78mph on up.
You need to either get rid of those "monster tires" or enter that whole re-gear world.

 

Even regearing won't give them everything they lost back. Between weight, and increased drag, you'll still have a significant net loss of top end and certainly mileage.

 

v6 the lift and tires destroyed any practicality but damn it looks good. I only bring the truck out when it rains or I need to tow, otherwise I’m on my bike

 

I definitely want to regear it but I am under the assumption that you either choose gearing for city or highway, no in between