What Tire size to Run with 4.10s

[xKid4x4s]

Hey everybody, I have a 2000 old body style K3500 4x4, with 4.10 Gear ratios, 454 Vortec engine, 4L80e Trans, and it drinks fuel like crazy!!

Now besides knowing that this truck will never be fuel efficient as long as gas is over 10 Cents a Gallon, Id like to know what size rims/Tires should I run with the 4.10 gear ratio the differentials have?

Currently I am running the stock wheel size configuration (sorry Cant remember the size now), and Thought that due to gears etc.. Putting larger wheels on this truck will improve my mileage on the highway? would like to run some 17" Rims with 37" Rubber, but will do what ever is most feasible.

thanks for any input!

[95 S_Trucker]

You aren't going to get better fuel mileage than 10. My pick up gets 10 when loaded, when empty, or when towing(and it has a 4L80e and 3.73). The same is true with my rollback when it's empty(9,000 pounds) or loaded(15,000 pounds), it gets 10mpg(with an NV4500 and 4.88).

You bought the truck to tow or haul, not for mileage. If mileage is important, you should sell it to me and get an s10.

You will need a huge lift to put 37" tires on.

[xKid4x4s]

I couldn't help but laugh at the part where you recommend I sell it to you. Thanks for your input, I guess all the cost to even try and get bigger tires on there may even outweigh the fuel costs, at least for the next couple years lol.

It is for sale though, Located in Alberta Canada

[95 S_Trucker]

I love the 96-00 vortec 454 powered trucks. I've been looking for a 2500 suburban for a while. They're out there, but I'm not buying unless I get a really good deal on one.

My 99 had 30" tires on it when I bought it, and putting 33" tires didn't make a difference.

[83GMCK2500]

Originally Posted by xKid4x4s

Hey everybody, I have a 2000 old body style K3500 4x4, with 4.10 Gear ratios, 454 Vortec engine, 4L80e Trans, and it drinks fuel like crazy!!

Now besides knowing that this truck will never be fuel efficient as long as gas is over 10 Cents a Gallon, Id like to know what size rims/Tires should I run with the 4.10 gear ratio the differentials have?

Currently I am running the stock wheel size configuration (sorry Cant remember the size now), and Thought that due to gears etc.. Putting larger wheels on this truck will improve my mileage on the highway? would like to run some 17" Rims with 37" Rubber, but will do what ever is most feasible.

thanks for any input!

The lift and mods required to run 37s (let alone 6 of them) will put you into the single digits in a hurry.

I had to crank and add a block in the rear for 255/85R-16s, also rear spacers. 2008-2010 17" DRW wheels will still fit and offer you a 17" wheel platform. Otherwise there are 19.5" P-series wheels but those will put you into some pretty high load ranges with limited tire/tread choices. If you do go 17" there are a few manuf. that make a 245/75R17

Best thing you can do for the Vortec 454 I've found is a good tuneup, a set of bosch style injectors from someone like FiveOhMotorsports, and a tune from someone like Blackbear Performance.

[95 S_Trucker]

I have five-o injectors and a black bear tune, it did great with power but didn't make a difference in fuel economy(at least for me it didn't). It really did wake it up though.

[Tom]

lol @bigger off road tires for better gas mileage.

Why would you mod a truck your selling?

[xKid4x4s]

Thanks for everyones input.

Its really not outlandish to say bigger tires would Increase fuel economy, Its simple physics, for example an engine turning a smaller gear (wheel) causes it to spin more quickly than if it were a larger wheel. On the highway with 4.10 gears I figure it would help increasing the size of the wheels greatly, for example instead of the stock wheels, 35-37 inch tall wheels.

Just my thoughts but after changing the tranny and some sensors as of recent, I have noticed some change in mileage for the better.

Additionally I will add I am modding the truck because I Like it and drive it daily, Im also interested in raising its value. Im not actively looking to sell, but almost everything has a price.

[Tiger Joe]

you thought of increasing wheel size to lower your highway rpm is correct, but you forgot one other important aspect of physics- rotational weight. going bigger on tires also adds a lot of additional weight your motor needs to get moving all the time.

[Tom]

Originally Posted by Tiger Joe

you thought of increasing wheel size to lower your highway rpm is correct, but you forgot one other important aspect of physics- rotational weight. going bigger on tires also adds a lot of additional weight your motor needs to get moving all the time.

Correct. Decreases gas mileage and braking ability. On top of that I've never seen 37's that weren't very off road tread patterned, which deforms while driving more then normal which equals more more rolling resistance. Same thing with bigger sidewalls, its why semi's came up with super single tires to replace dual tires, less sidewall to flex so better gas mileage.

[95 S_Trucker]

Originally Posted by xKid4x4s

Thanks for everyones input.

Its really not outlandish to say bigger tires would Increase fuel economy, Its simple physics, for example an engine turning a smaller gear (wheel) causes it to spin more quickly than if it were a larger wheel. On the highway with 4.10 gears I figure it would help increasing the size of the wheels greatly, for example instead of the stock wheels, 35-37 inch tall wheels.

Just my thoughts but after changing the tranny and some sensors as of recent, I have noticed some change in mileage for the better.

Additionally I will add I am modding the truck because I Like it and drive it daily, Im also interested in raising its value. Im not actively looking to sell, but almost everything has a price.

Modifying a vehicle doesn't raise its value, it lowers it. And it will reduce the amount of people that would be interested in it.

[Tom]

Originally Posted by 95 S_Trucker

Modifying a vehicle doesn't raise its value, it lowers it. And it will reduce the amount of people that would be interested in it.

That's a blanket statement that just doesn't hold true.

[special-K]

I would run 255/85s. You can tell the difference in less rolling resistance and that will offset the greater diameter that lowers RPMs. With those two factors you can expect a slight boost in MPG. Or at least that has been my experience