Larger tires, bigger gears?

[15RamEXP]

SO I purchased new wheels and tires (285/65/20). My Mechanic is telling me I need to put in larger gears otherwise the tranny is going to burn up?

Anyone heard of this before or any issues?

 

[stimpy433]

Can't see why, that's only about 34.5"-35" tire and all kinds of people run them..... stock 20's are 33" tires. I think you need a new mechanic???

 

[15RamEXP]

I agree. Longer story then I want to get into. About ready to tell this guy to go shove it.

 

[RAMblin1217]

You should have the 8 speed and 3.21 I bet...you're fine. I have a 4" lift and 35x12.5r20 and have no issues. Would it be better to have different gears...well, yeah...but not necessary. A lot of mechanics don't seem to understand the new 8 speeds and don't realize the first 2 gears give you plenty of power to get moving. The only issue is that at high speeds the 8th gear is basically null and void if you aren't on perfectly flat road.

 

[15RamEXP]

I don't have the 8 speed tranny.

 

[RAMblin1217]

I don't have the 8 speed tranny.

Hmmm...you should be fine? I'd definitely consider going to a 4.55 then, but I truly know nothing about the 6 speed. I wouldn't think it would be catastrophic for the tranny, but you're probably going to notices loss of power if your rims are heavier than stock and with the new tires. Hopefully other 6 speed guys will give ya some good info.

 

[DannyMK2]

what gears do you have?

 

[15RamEXP]

They are the stock 3.55 gears.

 

[DannyMK2]

it will be fine. re-gearing is ideal but not necessary for this.

 

[sbarron]

NO need to regear. Assuming your stock size was 275/60R20, you're only .5" taller and 1.5" larger in circumference. That equates to 8.6 less revolutions per MILE. I doubt you'll even notice a difference on your speedometer.

Your mechanic is an idiot or an *******. Maybe both.

 

[Ram444]

A resounding NO

 

[joeygster]

I've probably posted pics of a red Ram 1500 that I test drive from a local dealer.

It had 35x12.5x20 Cooper STT Pros on 20x9 blacked out aftermarket wheels. It had a levelling kit & 3.21 gears. Brand new kitted out by the dealer & fully covered under warranty.

You've got no worries with 285-65-20's.

 

[gisboro]

Time to find someone else to service your truck bud, he's just after your cash.

 

[15RamEXP]

Thanks all that's what I thought. I'm having a procharger installed, was claiming due to the extra HP it was needed as well. Ready to tell him to pound sand.

 

[sbarron]

Thanks all that's what I thought. I'm having a procharger installed, was claiming due to the extra HP it was needed as well. Ready to tell him to pound sand.

LOL! Extra power would be THE EXACT OPPOSITE of why it would be needed. I hope you're not using him for something as intense as a forced air install? All kinds of **** that he's likely try to screw you on could happen in that process.

 

[15RamEXP]

He gave me a good price, he works on my dads Camaros, does good work. But I found out he ordered the wrong gear parts for another Ram truck he was working on. I am convinced he's just trying to unload the parts on me since they are for my year truck.

Unfortunately I'm to far into this to turn back now, I am having another shop recommended by my house (this guy is by my dads in Long Island) that I'm going to have them do a thorough check of everything once its done.

 

[sbarron]

Ah... good luck. We'll be here for sympathy or laughs... maybe both?

 

[Treburkulosis]

Wow, so let me get this straight a slightly taller tire will burn up your transmission. Man it sure smells like more work for them. I better think about this before swapping out my wheels and tires. Sacasim aside if that's the case we are all on borrowed time. It isn't.

 

[PartsSlinger]

Yeah like everyone said you will be fine. I've got 35s on my truck with 3.55s and haven't had a problem in 2 years, and I went up from 245s to 285s on my last ram ('98) and never had a problem. When you get into bigger sizes like 37s or up, then you might want to think about gears.