Figuring things out

Hey all,

As the topic states I am trying to figure things out with my 2016 TRD Sport Manual. Recently did a level kit to it and added 285/70R17 tires to it. I went into it knowing I would loose some MPGs with the tires being bigger than the stock 265/72's but I am wondering if there's something I am missing so let me explain. With 265s I was getting 15 at LOWEST and 18 at the HIGHEST in city but now have dropped to about 12 mpgs. I drive relatively conservatively and only have one hill to climb on the way home from work. Could this be a matter of winter gas blends and the spedo calibration be off and therefore throwing my MPGs out of whack as well? I do plan on gearing up to 4.88's in the next month as well since I am not happy with the current stock gears and have read it counteracts the issue with larger tires. Long story short, would a calibration (none of the dealerships can "do it" as they claim and will probably get a DIY kit for that and a regear be the right direction to go or am I misguided? I am a neophyte compared to many of you and would love some insight.

 

Keep in mind, with the total cost to regear vs mpg gains, it’ll take YEARS to break even.

 

Thanks for the reply man. I had a feeling that was the case in some aspect or another. Granted if I wanted stellar gas mileage I wouldn't have a truck haha. Just trying to find ways to save a buck here and there while on the road.

 

Very aware of that for sure. I do a lot of road and HWY driving in Washington and Oregon so plenty of mountains and hills and was doing the regear more for that aspect than anything pulling my utility trailer, loaded bed with camping gear and reenacting stuff.

 

Since the stock gearing for the MT is 4:30, is going to 4:88 gears going to make that much of a difference?

 

If you’re moving any amount of weight, a regear with a step up in tire size makes perfect sense. There are some great threads on the forum with tons of opinions and information regarding this exact issue. If I’m not mistaken (I’m a second gen driver) 3rd gens on 285’s seem to like 4.88’s or 5.29’s depending on your driving style and how you use your truck. Dig around, lots of great info here!

And welcome to TW

 

Been scanning and lurking for a few months on here but finally starting to move on things and the forum has been a big help in where to go and what to look for.

I do miss my second gen but it was starting to show it wear in many ways and got a smoking deal on my 16 so it was hard to pass up. Drove a buddies with 4.88 regeared with my trailer and it really tickled my pickle going up any grade or hill.

 

I went from 3.73’s to 4.10’s on my Jeep, noticed it immediately. Made it feel much more like factory with the 33’s. It’s really about keeping RPM’s in the power band when you step up tire sizes; you’re accounting for a physical change, mechanically.

 

I hear ya! I was the same way - long time lurker then finally created an account.

If it turns your worm it’s worth the burn! Throw money at it and enjoy it!