295/75/16 or 305/70/16?

[Sp0rtTr4c]

I am planning on getting new tires with in the next 2 months but I can not decide on 295/75/16 or 305/70/16. I want 35s but I can not fit them and really use my truck like I want to so I am thinking a 295/75 which is a 33.5-x12. Or should I just stick with a 305/70 (33x12.50)? Would be 295 bfg ko's or 305 falken rocky mountain ats or some other brand.

 

[OffTrac]

Width is the bigger issue really. I would think you'd actually do better to get the skinnier of the two even if it means a bit more height.

 

[JohnnyO]

I've never seen a 295/75-16. Lots of 285/75-16's though. That's roughly a 33x10.50 and will fit with a TT/shackle lift and .75" wheel spacers if you have the stock wheels.
A 305/70-16 is roughly a 33x12.50 and won't fit without a body lift and should really be on an 8" wide rim. Problem is that most aftermarket 16" wheels have a GM-type positive offset (even if they have a Ford bolt pattern) and will put the tire too close to the body on a Ford. The Pro Comp 1069 and 1089 16x8's have 4" backspace and that's least I've seen. Hope this helps.

 

[Sp0rtTr4c]

I've never seen a 295/75-16. Lots of 285/75-16's though. That's roughly a 33x10.50 and will fit with a TT/shackle lift and .75" wheel spacers if you have the stock wheels.
A 305/70-16 is roughly a 33x12.50 and won't fit without a body lift and should really be on an 8" wide rim. Problem is that most aftermarket 16" wheels have a GM-type positive offset (even if they have a Ford bolt pattern) and will put the tire too close to the body on a Ford. The Pro Comp 1069 and 1089 16x8's have 4" backspace and that's least I've seen. Hope this helps.

Bfg makes the at ko in 295 and some other tire brand has a tire in that size to. I already have 8in wide, 4 in backspace wheels and the truck is lifted with spindles and deaver leaf springs. I am really not worried about fitting, just wondering if people would rather have a little extra height or width. I could go with 35s if I put fenders on and did custom bumpers but I am not ready for that yet.

 

[Trackerforsport]

Just my .02 but I say go with a wider tire seeing as you live in Cali you must. Drive alot of dessert so I think the wider will help glide over the soft dirt and sand with a 2wd you would want that

Ps.. Love the truck man

 

[OffTrac]

It's really a decision between .25" in ground clearance versus .5" in contact patch. Is the bigger contact patch helpful in the sand? I would assume so but I've read differing opinions. I'm so far from sand I've never cared. The .25" ground clearance gain isn't going to make a lick of difference.

To be honest, I wish I had 35" tires that were 12" or even 11.5" wide sometimes.

 

[Sp0rtTr4c]

That is what I am thinking, 305/70. I have no clue what to get though. My boss just got 265/75/16 Toyo Open Country At tires and they are really nice. I thought they were 33s until I got a closer look. I am happy with the performance of the Duratracs but they are really squishy and the tread tears up really easily. Mine have chunks missing and I don't beat on them.

 

[OffTrac]

I really liked the 265 /75s I had. They really are a perfect fit for our trucks. 95% of the stuff I've run with 35s would have been possible on 265s. No rubbing worries at all is really nice too.

 

[Sp0rtTr4c]

Hmmm.. Then I wont have to re-gear either.