Back to tire research (was LT265/75r16 with manual transmission experiences)

So, I’m finally back in a 6MT Taco and would like to hear any experience running Load E 265/75r16 tires on them. I kept my nearly-new General Grabber ATX from my trade, but wondered what impact they might have on the Taco’s clutch, being larger & much heavier than stock. I loved the ATXs on my Frontier, and would like to not have to buy new tires, but I’d rather make sure they aren’t too heavy for the clutch on the Taco.

I would appreciate any input on running this size/weight on a manual with stock suspension & gearing.

[edit: I failed to mention that I do Offroad, so SL isn’t an option for me]

 

6MT here, my truck came with 265/70R17 KO2s in load range E from the PO. They didn’t drive terribly but I could definitely feel the weight and they hurt the mpg pretty bad.

just this morning I downsized back to 265/65R17 and dropped off 16 lbs per tire. It’s driving a lot nicer. I wouldn’t worry about the clutch or anything though, it’s mainly an MPG and slight acceleration not and not a lot else.

I will say I don’t see much reason for load E’s on a midsize truck.

suspension will be fine. If you have mud flaps you’ll rub on turns, so most people ditch them. Most trucks don’t even have them but for whatever reason mine did. I may put them back now that I downsized tires.

 

I went with 265/70r16 SL. I didn’t want the weight of an E rated tire since I don’t drive off road much. My clutch is fine my fuel mileage took little or no hit. They do rub a bit so I may raise the front a bit but otherwise all is good.

 

Thanks. I got these for the sidewall & rim protection, being unable to find a Load C or D that I like in this size.

 

I had 2 or 3 sets of LT365/75R16s 10 ply rated tires on my '09 stick shift (same tires that I had put on my '20 automatic). I experienced no problems, even with mud flaps. Gas mileage was quite acceptable. I would have preferred LR C tires, but they were not available locally. I think driving habits have more to do with MPGs than tire weight.

 

Have load range E 265/75r16 on the stock wheels with 1.25" spacers and 2" lift.
I only drove the stock tires home from the dealership so i cant compare much.
I notice it most off road in reverse, way too tall in these trucks. Maybe a slight mpg hit.
Clutch wear is very dependent on the driver so no one could tell you the impact on overall life, but i wouldn't worry about it
EDIT: also, the 265/75 brought the speedometer to almost exactly on, about 1MPH delta @ highway speeds

 

You are worrying about nothing. I have 255/85r16 (skinny 33s) and zero worries about the clutch. The truck is however slower, louder, and rougher riding.

 

Good to know. Thanks

 

Yeah, that reverse can be “fun”… especially uphill or connecting a trailer!

Thanks for your insights; very helpful!

 

You’re probably right… I ran oversized Load E Duratracs and KO2s on a 4 cylinder Jeep for years, and had no issues. Still had the original clutch when I traded it at 168k miles. I just didn’t want to assume it’d be the same with the Taco.

Thanks for the reply.

 

Got the LT265/75-16 Grabber ATXs installed. Immediately noticed acceleration (especially from a stop), steering and braking impact. I noticed they were inflated to the OEM spec 30 psi, so I bumped them to 41 (where I ran them on my Frontier) the next day, which improved steering a bit, but had little, if any, affect on acceleration & braking. Oh well… it was worth trying to save money & not have to deal with selling the Generals, although it cost a few bucks to do it.

I ran this size in Load SL on my previous Taco; not as dramatic an impact, but they felt a lot more loose on curves & bumps, so I will either try a a set of Firestone Destination XTs (8 lbs/tire lighter than the ATX) or just try a better than stock AT in 265/70-16. Sadly, it seems the ATX is no longer available in the stock size.

 

C Load 265/75/16 Duratracs ROCK! (30-32 psi)

 

In Texas or Utah where they have big briars I can see E. In Tennessee what do you have that requires E? Shale maybe?

 

Large thorns mostly here, but I like to travel & wheel out west.