No life (a.k.a. DattoMaster) 
Joined: 2003/6/27 14:53
From Southern Tablelands N.S.W. Australia
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What is it that you are trying to achieve? This is the major question you need to ask yourself before parting with any real cash money.
The taller the tyre, the higher the overall gear ratio will be, which can be good if you are seeking a few less revs at cruise speed. The taller tyre will also fill up the wheel arch better, which is also good if your ute sits up a bit high in the bum.
On the downside, the taller sidewalls will flex a bit more, which can be good for comfort, but not so good for fangin' it in the twisties. The taller tyres are also a problem when used on the front as they can more easily rub fenders & footwells, so here's a little info to help things along.
The OD of the various tyres is tabulated below, starting with the stock original size for comparison.
600 x 12 tyre is 574 mm 185 x 60 x 14 is 578mm 175 x 65 x 14 is 584mm 185 x 70 x 14 is 616mm
Personally, i like the 185 x 60 x 14 for the front on 5" or 5-1/2" rims as they should provide all the grip,, & all the clearance you will ever need for front applications.
For the rear, in a ute with it's original 4.11 to 1 diff ratio, i kind of like the 195 x 65 x 14 at 610mm or even the 205 x 65 x 14 at 622mm.
If you want to stick with 60 profile tyres, then the 195 x 60 x 14 at 590mm or the 205 x 60 x 14 at 602mm or the 215 x 60 x 14 at 614mm may be the go,
My personal choice could easily be the 205 x 60 x 14 as this gives an increase in diameter of 27mm or about an inch. It also means that your ute will travel about 75mm, or three inches further foward with each rotation of the wheel. It works for me. If even taller gearing is needed, then switching to the 3.9 to 1 diff ratio would be my next step.
Check very carefully just how much room you have in there. A 6" rim, or even larger should work well under the back of a ute. The advantage of big 'n' littles is that it gives the car a nice little rake, known as "rubber rake" or foward slope. Its a bonus.
Think many times about this before spending money as a mistake can only bring unhappiness for as long as it takes to wear them out, & that might take a while.
EDIT All of the info above was sourced from my 1988 "Tyre & Rim Association - Australia" manual.
Posted on: 2005/5/29 4:59
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