Wanting to switch to 33 from 31 tires

[untakerkane]

I have a 2000 Ford Ranger with a recently replaced 4.0L engine. I have an auto transmission with overdrive and 4.10 stock gears. I currently run 31x10.50x15 Dick Cepek Mud Country tires. I also have a RCD 4" Suspension lift kit installed. I like the fuel mileage and power I have with the 31, but I want to get a bit more lift with the 33" tires. I also want to go a bit wider and the wide tires I want come in 33". I know they will fit but what I can't seem to find is a straight answer on is if they will reduce fuel mileage and power or not. I don't have the money to install gears and really don't want to. Has anyone done this on a 1998 to 2002 Ford Ranger? If so, was there any power loss and fuel mileage loss? Or was there any gains? Thanks for your time.

 

[cdawall]

Yes and yes. No idea why you couldn't find definite answers on that I always thought it was common knowledge.

 

[gw33gp]

I switch back and forth between 31" and 32" tires depending if I am going off-road or not. I can feel a slight drop in power when the 32" tires go on. I know there is a slight drop in mpg also but it is not significant. When it is time to replace the 32" tires I am gong to try 33" tires but I know I will need to go to 4.56 gears. I think moderate rock crawling capability is already near the limit with 4.10 gears and 32" tires. If you don't need to go very slow you could probably get away with 4.10 gears and 33" tires but you will for sure feel a drop in power. My opinion is going to wider tires will have more effect on gas mileage than taller tires but both can contribute to a drop in mpg.