32" tires with stock gears seems reasonable

[Shag]

Here's what I'm thinking. I need to check, but I think I have 3.73 gears right now. I know I have 245/75 R16 tires now. According to this page: http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/Metric_To_Inch_Tires.html
My stock 245/75 R16 tires are 30.5" tires.
Then I look at this page: http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/Gear_Tire_RatioChange.html
I put in 32 for new tire diameter, 30.5 for old tire diameter, 3.73 for current gear ratio.
It gives me an actual ratio of 3.56
That means my engine would be spinning at (3.56/3.73)*100 = 95.4% of its current speed at any given road speed if I were to move up to 32" tires with no gear changes at all. That seems very reasonable to me. I can't imagine that affecting performance or fuel economy very much at all. My Ranger will be used more than 95% of the time on the road. I plan on hauling a medium sized boat short distances (15 miles or less) a dozen or so times a year (but gotta buy a boat first). I've got the 4.0 V6 and automatic transmission. I'm trying to convince myself that I'd be happy with stock gearing and 32" tires. How many of y'all are running 32s with stock gearing and 4.0 V6, automatic transmission? Any insights on how the truck performs/feels with 32s in that setup? I always love to see pictures of the trucks too, so if you want to throw in a few pictures of your truck on 32s, I'd love to see them. Thanks in advance for advice and input.

 

[brendank]

95.3% actually. Just roundoff error, no biggie.

Sorry, it's the computer scientist in me coming out

Seriously, you probably won't even notice it. Do it, and don't look back.

 

[Shag]

95.3% actually. Just roundoff error, no biggie.

Sorry, it's the computer scientist in me coming out

Seriously, you probably won't even notice it. Do it, and don't look back.

Hey, even better news. I just found the axle code chart and went out and checked mine and my axle code is 97 which is:
97 open 8.8" 2750 4.10
I wish it was limited slip, but the 4.10 part is cool. When I do the math again my effective ratio would be 3.91 which is numerically higher than some ratios are set up for from the factory. Even with 33s, I'd have a 3.79 ratio. What about that? 3.79 has got to be ok since I see stock ratios ranging from 3.08 up to 4.56. I realize it matters what the transmission gear ratios are, but 3.79 sounds pretty "up there" to me. Any of y'all running 33s with 4.10 gears, auto transmission, 4.0 V6 who can give me input on how the truck performs set up like that? Thanks!

 

[Bent Bolt]

4.0L , 4.10 gears and 32" tires ?? You're golden.

 

[mhughes165]

its a perfect combo, plenty of power, u can do 32's without gearing on most years rangers and itll still ahve plenty of oomph

 

[metalmacguyver]

i have 32s with 3.73s. it does absolutely fine. with those 4.10s thats about the best combo you could ask for.