Best Driveable Tire Size for 2.9L w/ 4.88 gears???

[kansastj]

I have access to a 86 ford Ranger w/ an unknown engine issue and an 86 B2 w/ damaged transmission for free, they are just setting in storage at my dads. The trans is the same in both trucks so I can build one. I've always been a ford guy and am currently working on a 65 stang. I'm doing a little research for my next project on the Ranger or B2.

I would like good (not great, but good) highway power incase I need to pass someone at about 60MPH. What is the best tire size for a Ranger or Bronco ii w/ stock axles (dana 28 and 7.5) w/ 4.88 gears, stock 2.9L, Mitsubishi 5 speed? 32, 33, 34, 35" ? I'm not worried about lift, clearance and wheel backspacing, I can make all this happen, just wondering what the ford truck guys prefer in the gearing department?

I would like to run the 34" Super Swamper LTBs (if they still make this size).

My reason for this question is I have a 99 Jeep TJ w/ a 2.5L and 4:10's, running 31" Super Swamper LTBs and its a little hard to drive on the highway, 5th gear is also most useless (I need to re-gear it also).

Thanks in advance!!

 

[adsm08]

http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/gearandtirechart.html

Use that chart. For optimum power/MPG you want your cruising RPM to be right about 2600.

 

[kunar]

those are pretty deep gears for the axles. somewhere in the 33-35 inch range (or maybe even a little bigger) would be my guess, but 33's are about the biggest i would want to run on those axles.

 

[4x4junkie]

Yea 4.88s are typically used with 33s with the 2.9L V6.

4.88 was never made for a D28 or a 7.5 however, so they must be something different (D35 & 8.8"?)