Tire/Rim talk

[RamRod]

Okay so I know that this is one of the most discussed topics among 4x4 enthusiasts.

But I have looked high an low and can't find the answers I am looking for specifically.

First -Can the 4L60e found in the H3T handle some 37's without any re-gearing? I am currently running them, and I don't notice and power problem because of the extra 120 ponies that the supercharger gives. What I mean is will I be burning through gear and and clutch plates year after year with this combo? should I bee looking to upgrade components if I plan to keep the 37's?

Secondly- If I did drop down to a 35'' tire and kept the 20'' rims would it feel like I am riding in a horse and buggy and would I have enough sidewall to air down to trail pressures? or would I keep popping a bead? (I wanted to go to a 17'' beadlock but my dealer wouldn't install them and I don't like any of the 17'' rims that they carry).

Third- would I see a huge MPG improvement if I drop down to say a 35'' tire?

Just looking for some feedback from some of you that might have some experience in these three scenarios... lots of decisions to make, and want to make the right one the first time.

Thanks!

 

[06 H3]

I would just run the trans till it dies then upgrade to the raptor kit for the 4l60e. Another thing I would look into is a trans cooler, I believe high temps kill these things and keeping them in the 165-180 range will greatly extend its life. I currently run 200-230 and its too hot!

I wouldnt run 35s on a 20in rim. I wouldnt even run 37s on a 20 in rim but I would say a 37 on a 20 is better then a 35 on a 20.

MPG...who cares its a hummer. any 4x4 for that matter, I would say you can maybe see 1-2 mpg gain.

http://www.transmissioncenter.net/4l60e.htm

 

[RamRod]

I would just run the trans till it dies then upgrade to the raptor kit for the 4l60e. Another thing I would look into is a trans cooler, I believe high temps kill these things and keeping them in the 165-180 range will greatly extend its life. I currently run 200-230 and its too hot!

I wouldnt run 35s on a 20in rim. I wouldnt even run 37s on a 20 in rim but I would say a 37 on a 20 is better then a 35 on a 20.

MPG...who cares its a hummer. any 4x4 for that matter, I would say you can maybe see 1-2 mpg gain.

http://www.transmissioncenter.net/4l60e.htm

I was thinking the same thing for the Raptor kit, I have power train warranty until November, so if It needs to be replaced before then I will just let the dealer do OEM, after that I would be looking at either a stage 4 or 5 Raptor trans from PATC.

As for the MPG it was just more of a side note, might push the decision over to one side over another if it was significant.

I didn't have any problems with the 37's on 20's so far, they felt similar to my 33's on 16's at 15psi (both have 8.5'' of side wall).... but I was thinking that 35's on 20's would just pain suck... but never tried it though, so thought I'd ask.

I'd prefer to stay with 37's but not at the expense of reliability of the trans.


I think I need the trans cooler for the summer months for sure, less concerned about winter time up here ... I have the opposite problem the T needs to run for 10 min before I can drive because the fluids are too thick!:shame:

 

[06 H3]

On the talk of trans stress I think id be more worried about the power you have then tire size.

Does your trans constantly up shift and down shift? If so regear to 4.56s that will help put less stress on the trans but more stress on the ring and pinion especially in the front

 

[RamRod]

If I am towing it's constantly hunting for a gear... it drives be bonkers!

In 3 weeks I am going into a shop for a full custom tune so I am going to wait on everything until thats done, might help sort out my problems too