Have 4:10 gearing and stock tires - will larger tires improve fuel economy

[cmattina]

Hi,

I am now on my 4th ranger, this time a 2003 fx4 off road. I am planning on going from the 245/75r16 to 265/70/r16

That would be going from 30.5" diameter to 31.6" diameter.

According to the fuel economy / gearing / tire chart that should improve my fuel economy.

is this true? Weight different is minimal and width difference is an inch.

 

[RonD]

Yes, but only on paper, if driving at 65mph for long distances yes you would notice a slight difference(maybe 1/2 mile per gallon) from lower engine RPM at 65mph, but if driving mostly around town then no, you would see much, if any, improvement.
The extra weight/friction along with higher ride height negates the slight ratio change.

 

[cmattina]

Thanks for the reply