If you are looking to buy 35-inch tires or have bought them already, an important question arises: what gear ratio do I need for 35 inch tires? It is a significant factor in getting your tires to function optimally, which is why we have taken it upon ourselves to create this guide!
Why Is the Correct Gear Ratio Important?
Gear ratio is an extremely important aspect and perhaps one of the first concepts that automobile enthusiasts should familiarize themselves with. It is essential because it can impact speed, acceleration, and fuel consumption, among many other things. Gear ratio can help you optimize your vehicle’s performance.
Calculating the Correct Gear Ratio
Without the correct gear ratio, even the top 35 inch tires will fail to perform well or to your expectations. To calculate the gear ratio, multiply the tire’s diameter by 0.12 (assuming 65 miles per hour).
In this case, we get 4.2. Keep in mind that the true diameter of the tire might differ by -/+ 1 inch; thus, the gear ratio may range from 4.1-4.25.
Optimal MPG
Even though the calculation leads to one gear ratio or a close range of ratios, there is no one perfect gear ratio for you to choose. As mentioned before, gear ratios can influence a whole range of factors that determine your truck’s performance.
Thus, we will now be looking into choosing gear ratios according to your desired performance!
Best Fuel Economy
Or 35-inch tires, gear ratios from 3.23 to 3.60 give the best fuel economy. You are likely to get the best miles per gallon (MPG) from this range, best for highway cruising. However, since this ratio is optimal for highway speed, it is also responsible for a slower acceleration.
Best Power
If your priority is to get the best power from your vehicle, the ideal range of gear ratios would be from 4.22 to 4.88. However, improved power will take away from fuel efficiency.
Best Overall
Ideally, the goal should be to hit the perfect balance between power and fuel economy. If that is what you are aiming for, your gear ratio of choice should be between 3.70 and 4.11.
This range will allow you to enjoy reasonable acceleration rates and excellent performance across different terrains without sacrificing fuel efficiency. Furthermore, this gear ratio is also ideal for towing or hauling.
Final words
The importance of the gear ratio is one that is difficult to exaggerate. Once you get your tires, it is imperative to ask yourself, what gear ratio do I need for 35 inch tires? Without the optimal gear ratios, your tires and the vehicle itself will fail to perform the way you intend for them too.