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Old 03-20-2015, 05:07 PM
itsamazdareally itsamazdareally is offline
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Default Smaller tires to improve economy on stock 14 wheels

Hello,
I will be driving my '97 2wd ranger longbed from MA to Denali, AK via Seattle in May. I've currently got a set of Cooper Discoverer M+S 225x70 on the 14" alloy wheels. I'm looking for a smaller and less agressive tire to maximize fuel economy on this trip. I won't be taking the truck off pavement at all except for roadside camping. I'm really looking for the smallest and smoothest tire that can be mounted on this wheel.

Any suggestions?

Thanks!
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Old 03-20-2015, 05:11 PM
djfllmn djfllmn is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by itsamazdareally View Post
Hello, I will be driving my '97 2wd ranger longbed from MA to Denali, AK via Seattle in May. I've currently got a set of Cooper Discoverer M+S 225x70 on the 14" alloy wheels. I'm looking for a smaller and less agressive tire to maximize fuel economy on this trip. I won't be taking the truck off pavement at all except for roadside camping. I'm really looking for the smallest and smoothest tire that can be mounted on this wheel. Any suggestions? Thanks!
the difference would be negligible
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  #3  
Old 03-20-2015, 07:42 PM
casey.mikl casey.mikl is offline
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That's already a small fire. I don't think any smaller will help you at all.
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1997 B2300 reg cab 2.3 Lima, 15x8.5 Mickey Thompson classic 2, 31x10.50 cooper discover at3, 7.5 open 4.10 rear, dynomax super turbo catback, alpine iva-w200 w/ nav, kicker 6x8s, alpine type R 8, alpine 250W mono amp, power bass 400.4, tool box & camper shell, compustar alarm/remote start.
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Old 03-20-2015, 08:51 PM
LilRanger93 LilRanger93 is offline
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Default Re: Smaller tires to improve economy on stock 14 wheels

The price you will pay for defunct 14" tires will completely offset any savings from improved fuel mileage.
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Old 03-20-2015, 09:32 PM
brokenonly brokenonly is offline
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Default Re: Smaller tires to improve economy on stock 14 wheels

Also, the smaller the tire the rpms go up accordingly. At some point it becomes counterproductive in relation to mpg's. Like previous post stated, that's already a pretty small tire depending on gear ratio. I've seen a tire size to gear ratio to rpm chart somewhere. It will show you the rpms for a certain tire size / gear ratio combination and what is optimal for mpg.
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Old 03-20-2015, 09:47 PM
casey.mikl casey.mikl is offline
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My suggestion would be change your oil before you go. Check all fluids. Bring a jug or 2 of water. And some tools incase you break down. Make sure all is well and running good before the trip. Make sure wheel bearings are tight.
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1997 B2300 reg cab 2.3 Lima, 15x8.5 Mickey Thompson classic 2, 31x10.50 cooper discover at3, 7.5 open 4.10 rear, dynomax super turbo catback, alpine iva-w200 w/ nav, kicker 6x8s, alpine type R 8, alpine 250W mono amp, power bass 400.4, tool box & camper shell, compustar alarm/remote start.
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Old 03-21-2015, 09:27 PM
itsamazdareally itsamazdareally is offline
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Default Re: Smaller tires to improve economy on stock 14 wheels

Thanks for the replies. I guess I won't go for a smaller tire, if i find a used set of less aggressive tires that are the same size I'll grab those. I spent some time going through the truck this week and changed timing and serpentine belts, one of the front wheel bearings that was making noise, thermostat, and the transmission fluid. The truck's been well maintained and only has 82,000 on it. I'm pretty confident the truck will do fine and if anything breaks I can find it at a parts store on the road.
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Old 03-21-2015, 09:47 PM
brokenonly brokenonly is offline
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Default Re: Smaller tires to improve economy on stock 14 wheels

Hey man, have a safe trip.
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Current : 2008 XL single cab , 2.3L , DJM 4/5 drop, wheel vintiques series 12 steelies 15x7, 215/70 15 firestone fr710, audiophile cd6, infiniti kappa 6.5.

Gone : 2002 FX4, Twin Stick, Superlift, 33x12.50.15 BFG All Terrain, 15x8 Pro Comp Flat Black Steelies (3.75 BS), Audiophile CD 6.
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