Need new tires and want to get a bit more clearance (taller tires): questions

1604 Views 29 Replies 10 Participants Last post by Gabor Latte, 5 mo ago

Gabor Latte

Discussion Starter · 6 mo ago

Hi. It's soon time to replace my 95 Astro tires. Presently I have the standard issue/recommended tire size of 215 /75 R15 on them. However, I've been desiring a bit more clearance on the van and've heard that taller tires is one way to accomplish this. Even an inch higher would be an appreciated improvement. But I'm wondering if any taller tires will lower the mpg (very important to me), or mess up the odometer accuracy (important too, tho' a bit less so). I also want to get tires that are decent and durable on the many rocky roads on which I take my camper-van to boondock...so, like, maybe something in the better traction/high performance spectrum? I don't encounter much snow or rain in the landscapes I roam, but yeah, it's often in/out on dirt roads where many rocks abound. Oh, and also, I don't wanna spend a lot of money - my budget is around $100 a tire. Any tips and/or recommendations of size or brand are welcome. Thank you.

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Rod's Trucks

· #7 · 6 mo ago

Yes, 225's would give you a very slight increase in ride height, but it will be a VERY SLIGHT one. I have not seen any 225's in 15 inch LT rated tires with anything but highway tread.
For significantly less cost than a set of tires, you can put on a 2" lift. That will give you more ground clearance than most any set of tires.

Rod J
Issaquah, WA

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Rod's Trucks

· #9 · 6 mo ago

Gabor Latte said:
From my research I've gathered that a lift will lose me MPGs, which is a dealbreaker, on top of the fact that I was/am trying to kill two birds w/one stone regards replacing tires (need to do so anyhow) and possibly aiding clearance issues via taller tires. If I'm to lose MPGs with taller tires and/or LT tires, then I reckon I must just surrender to the same old standard issues, or, yeah, maybe a very slight bump up to 225.

If any decrease in fuel economy is a deal breaker, then you might be stuck with what you have. But, that does not help you with ground clearance, so you have to pick your battles.
In my case, I do not put many miles on my van in a year, so I have trouble getting a representative fuel economy measurement. I only filled the tank twice this last year.
Yes, I suspect the lift will more than likely slightly decrease mileage. Any taller tire may also slightly decrease mileage, but a tire with stiffer sidewalls, and that should run at higher tire pressure (such as an LT rated tire) , may help compensate for the other losses.
YMMV

Rod J
Issaquah, WA

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Rod's Trucks

· #25 · 5 mo ago

The GU6 on the RPO sticker means you should would originally have the 3:42 gear ratio...but you probably already knew that. From the other codes, it must hve been a custom chassis sold for an RV upgrade ( ie; VXT incomplete vehicle, and VXT temporary driver seat for shipping, etc.)

Rod J
Issaquah, WA

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Rod's Trucks

· #27 · 5 mo ago

Yes, the 3:42 is very standard, particularly for the 2WD chassis. Many of the 4WD chassis came with 3.73 ratio. The 3.73 is a bit better suited to the 'truck' applications that desired the 4WD..and a few even came woth the G-80 'Gov'Loc' reag diff, which was a variation on the 'limited-slip' concept. It functioned as an 'open' diff until a specific set of conditions ( differential wheel speed) were met, then it became a locked diff.
There are many many comments on the aspects of those units. If treated with respect, they seem to last well, but parts are apparently becoming difficult to find and expensive if you do find them.
Rod J
Issaquah, WA

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