? about rims, BS, tire size

I have an 02 prerunner 2.7 on 16" prerunner wheels and 265/75/16 tires.

I'm looking to restore some power back into it because it's slow (ha)

I want to get 15x7 procomp steel wheels but what backspacing should I get so the wheels will clear the caliper?

i have 5100's in front at max lift (2.5")

i want to maintain a some what aggressive look.

will 255/75/15 be ok?

thx

 

to get back to stock MPG, i would consider going with a shorter tire, not narrower...

 

If you want to save mpgs dont get steel wheels. Stick with a 265/75/16 size or smaller.

 

wouldn't a narrower tire reduce grip therefore require less power to "push" forward?

thats the theory for us mtb'ers hah

 

yah, i know that concept works for bikes... i ride a chopper bike so im always hurting... hahaha...

on a truck, the overall circumference of the wheel/tire impacts it as well... there is a technical explanation for it, but i can't remember it...

 

ya know, i stand corrected... just googled it, and found this...

http://www.ehow.com/about_5378784_tire-size-improve-gas-mileage.html

but like that article says, the narrow footprint could affect handling, and with the higher center of gravity of a truck, a wider but shorter tire may be a good balance?

 

found this too...

"The experts, however, offered a word of caution lest truck drivers assume they should switch to smaller tires:

It is probably not worth switching to smaller tires, since any gains in fuel economy would be offset by the added cost of re-gearing to keep your engine operating in its most efficient rpm range. Remember, power and economy are affected by transmission, drive axle ratios and tire size (revolution per mile). Change one, and you throw the equation off. With today’s new tires, there is virtually no difference in mpg due to tire size."

 

Don't get steel wheels, they're heavier. And I doubt you will gain much mpg by going smaller than 265. My truck had 235/75/15 on it when I bought it, and I got the same mileage even after I upsized to 265.

If you want mileage, buy a Civic.