33x12.5 or 32x11.5 for my SWB 3.5 V6 with 4.90 Diff ratio ?

[caxtrol]

Good morning friends

I got 4.90 DIFF for my auto SWB year 98 with a 3.5 V6, BUT now I need some help with the tire size ?????

What do you recomend for mi Mitsu auto SWB 3.5 V6 with 4.90 Diff ratio:

33x12.5 ( too much heavy for the drive train components ????, and for the 3.5 V6 enginne)

Or

32x11.5 (good response in onroad (good kick) and in offroad, and less heavy for the drive train ???, and for the 3.5 V6 enginne))

Please, if somebody have experience with 33 or 32 with 3.5 V6 and 4.90diff ratio, may you sahre with me.

Thanks

Caxtrol

[CapnCrunch]

I'd say it depends on where the vehicle is primarily being used (on or off road). 33x12.5 would be better for off road (clearance and traction) while 32x11.5 would be better for on road (gas mileage and highway performance). Since you have both the 3.5L engine and the 4.90 diffs, you should be okay with bigger tires.

I run 33x12.5 tires on my 1988 2.6L 4-cylinder engine with 5.29 diffs, although I ran them with the stock 4.625 gearing, a bad carb, and at high altitude (6000-14000 feet) for almost a year and I got by okay.

When my current set of tires wear out, I'm considering stepping up to 35x12.5s. My Montero isn't a primary commuter, though. For the pavement, I mostly use my little, fuel-efficient car, although I do drive my Montero on pavement some and it does quite well actually, now that I have the 5.29 diff gears and a good carb. It's primarily equipped for off road use, though.

[M1S3RY]

33x12.5 should be fine with the 3.5, i have some for mine (3.0L) and they seem to be fine, so i should'nt think you'd have any trouble. Do you have enough clearance for the 33's?

[-Scott-]

I don't know how you'll go clearance wise, but I have 33s with 4.875 and the 3 litre. It definitely chews more fuel, and highway hills knock it around a little more, but it's still quite driveable.

[gen1swbute]

i also have a gen 1 swb (a ute) it is a 2.6 it is a built motor with a webber and cam and it does fine with std gearing and 33"simex mudboggers altho old they are sweet

[caxtrol]

Thanks for the responses

What about the drive train, it is to heavy 33x12.5 ???, I will have problems with it size in a short time ???

And for the gas and power performance, what is more important:

1) more wide and less tall

or

2) Less wide and more tall

I think probably 32x11.5 it is the size for my 3.5 V6 4.90 Diff, a little cleareance than the 33, but better gas milage, better kick or aceleration in on and offroad (specially for sand and hills)......

What do you think ????, or I am wrong, and the 32x11.5 will be a little size for my 3.5 V6 4.90 Diff ???

Thanks for your help

Caxtrol

[CapnCrunch]

If your primary concern is gas mileage and on-road performance, a shorter, narrower A/T tire (generally) is better. If your primary concern is off-road performance, a taller, more aggressive M/T or X/T tire is better. My preference for width is a wider, rather than a narrower tire, although there is long-standing debate over this. If you're doing a lot of sand you'll want a wider tire.

Regardless of what you get, your 3.5L engine will handle either just fine. In fact, to those with 2.6L and 3.0L engines here in the states who ask about tires, many of us always say to go with a 33" tire. The engine and drivetrain will handle it and odds are they'll be wanting to move up to a 33" tire within a year or two.

[caxtrol]

Any other experience or opinions about

33x12.5 or 32x11.5 with 3.5 V6 and 4.90 Diff ratio.............

Thanks CapnCrunch for your last email.

[NJV6]

33's

*Edit*
I should elaborate - I run a manual 3.5 + 4.9's + 33's.

All good except low range gearing when winching. (too high)

LIke the others have said, the running gear is plenty strong enough and 33's affects fuel economy and acceleration, but with changing to 4.9's it is only about 5% different to the standard 4.6's and 31's.

[CapnCrunch]

All good except low range gearing when winching. (too high)

Yeah, I guess I didn't think of that. I've had custom crawler t-case gears (2.85s) since before I got 33s. I suppose that low-range may be a little adversely affected with the stock low-range gearing.

Still, many folks here, whether they have custom low-range gearing or not, tend to go with 33s.

[caxtrol]

Ok

I will buy 33x12.5 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks

One more question my friends, what does mean "All good except low range gearing when winching. (too high)"

Do you talk about the retention of my Mitsu with 33x12.5 with 4.90 diff ???

or the word "winching" it is the action to use the winch ????

May you expalin in a easy english please......., sorry but i have better spanish........

Thanks

Caxtrol

[NJV6]

HI yes, I mean when using the winch on the front of the vehicle to get me out of predicaments I get myself into!!

[mangatinik]

i run a 97' 2.8(matic) trbo diesel... jst bought a 33"MT tyres mounted on a 16"rims... jst got a prblem on my acceleration and a very bad fuel cnsumption... jst wnt my suv to hv a gud kick on and off road..

could anyone pls help me on my prblem..?

tnxs

[CapnCrunch]

I had difficulty understanding what you were asking in your PM to me, but now I think I see what you're asking more clearly. I don't know what your stock differential ratio is, but it sounds like a change in differential gearing might be your solution.

Bear in mind that if it's not something you've done before, and you don't have the proper tools and experience, this should really be done by a mechanic you know rather than by yourself.

Contact WADC (West Australian Drive Components) via http://www.wadc.com.au and get in touch with Vincent Gallucio (vincent@wadc.com.au). Explain to him what your situation is and perhaps he might be able to get you set up with appropriate gears to your liking.