Hartingcrew
Granger, IN
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While in our 4500 mile odessey out west, DH and I lost a TV tire. (Flattened a TT tire too, but that was able to be fixed. Nails are nasty!) 2 tires had to be replaced on the TV since the wear didn't allow for only one. We where out in the wilds and they couldn't match our tire size. We now have 245/70R17 instead of 255/70R17. The load is still 2337 lbs. Rim size is the same. The new tires are M&S tires, though they don't have the mountain with the snow flake indicating extreme snow tires.
How has changing from 255 to 245 effected my ability to tow our Passport safely? I know I have to change the other 2 tires before snow season or we put it into 4x4.
Thanks! Kath
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Hardtack
How about your front yard.....
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I'm assuming that these new tires are on the rear of the truck??? And the front tires are still 255's??? If so & tread is still good on the 255's I'd swap tires front to rear....245's on front & 255's on rear until you get back home. Smaller size tires will 'lower' your finally gear ratio.
You really should run same size tires front/rear with 4 wheel drive because of gear ratios.
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Hartingcrew
Granger, IN
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Doesn't lowering my gear ratio, lower my towability?
The smaller tires are on the front. We lost the right front and replaced both front.
DH was looking to replace back tires with the same size.
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donn0128
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What will happen is that the 4X4 drive trail will wrap up like a rubber band. Eventually things will start to break. You MUST always have all tires on any 4X4 matched in size and brand or you will run the risk of this happening. Does your truck have a 2WD option on the transfer case? Or is it AWD? Change all tires to be safe.
Actually what happens is just the opposite. Smaller diameter tires is the same as changing the rear axle ratio from for instance 3.55 to 3.73. Which is better for towing.
Donn
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SKnight
Georgia
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It could cause the ABS to activate without reason, would cause issues with 4WD on pavement but dirt would probably be OK. Otherwise you won't notice.
Don't sweat it too much, and get them replaced when you get a chance. Go to a used tire place, they might have matches for the rears and may give you credit for the fronts.
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Hartingcrew
Granger, IN
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Thanks guys!! I really appreciate it! We'll make sure we match before the first snow in October! Probably sooner!
The truck is a 4x2 normally, I have to dial in 4x4, but I do use it during the winter with the 3' drifts we sometimes get.
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SoCalDesertRider
SanDiego, CA, USA
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I would pull off the front driveshaft untill you get the tires matched so that you don't forget or engage 4wd by accident and end up with a trashed transfer case.
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Hardtack
How about your front yard.....
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Hardtack wrote:Smaller size tires will 'lower' your finally gear ratio.
donn0128 wrote:Smaller diameter tires is the same as changing the rear axle ratio from for instance 3.55 to 3.73. Which is better for towing.
I'm BAD.....knew that, mustta had my head 'in a dark place' OOPS!
Thanks for the 'correction'....needed that!! 
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