Effects of tire change on performance

[adamh3844]

I am looking to buy new tires and can not decide what makes most sense.
I have a 2002 ram 1500 4x4 QC with some mods and 20" rims sitting on 33" tires.
I drive mostly city and my RPMS sit so low on highway usually 2000 at 80mph.
If I drop down to 32" tires or move up to 34" tires will there be a major change in performance. Most of my driving is city and I wouldn't mind better performance with city driving. Would there be much change? My gear ratio is 3.55 which I know does not help with larger tires. Also can larger tires damage or effect drivetrain or suspension?
Thanks

 

[MXM34]

Check out NITTO Terra or Ridge grappler. No damage as you’re not going crazy

 

[PolarisCobra]

All vehicles today are built as an entire system. Whenever you change anything, you gain somewhere, and lose somewhere else. You can trade performance for economy, or sometimes reliability, changing tire size changes the final drive ratio, increasing or decreasing the distance you travel per engine revolution (assuming same trans gear).

If you measure the height of the tire, and calculate the circumference (Pi X Dia), for each size, than calculate the difference as a percentage, you will get an idea of the performance difference. A smaller tire will result in a bit better acceleration, larger will provide a bit better mileage (assuming same tire brand and model). Percentage difference probably won't match to performance difference exactly, but you will get an idea of what to expect.

 

[MADDOG]

A smaller tire is a lighter tire so that's gonna help reduce unsprung weight and truck performance.

 

[PaPa_Brewskey]

Stay away from ProComp, at least the A/T Sport. Mine are constantly needing rebalancing, and I feel every little bump in the road. I kind of regret going bigger, but I put in a leveling kit, so I went to 35's, lost about 2 MPG, and lost some acceleration. I'm seriously thinking about going back to 33"s, the truck came with, so I'd say keep the 33" tire. If you have a Big O tire store around, their BigFoot tires are great, I used to have them on my Fword truck, they rode better than the stock Wranglers. I also had Nitto Trail Grapplers, which were great, not as smooth riding, and I think the tread wears a little more quickly. Of course, BFG's are never a bad choice either.

 

[adamh3844]

Nexen Roadian AT Pro RA8
BFG Rugged Terrain T/A
Any suggestions. Both end up being around 600$ Total with installation

 

[HemiLonestar]

Changing tire height changes your functional final drive ratio. Shorter tires will let you accelerate faster but your RPM will be higher at higher speeds. Taller tires make you accelerate slower but will decrease your RPM at higher speeds.