I currently have 275/55R20 Toyo Proxes ST on my truck. Looking at new tires in the next couple of months, and saw that Nitto 420S is offered in a 305/50R20. Anyone gone from a 275 to a 305 and can share experiences with traction improvements? I am traction impaired in 2wd in this truck, it'll blow the tires off at 55-60 mph without breaking a sweat. The 305s look to be about $35 ea more than the 275s, and I may have to do some trimming up front to make them fit, so I'd only switch if it would be a decent enough increase. Experiences?

 

On street tire you're not gonna see a difference honestly unless you step up to a tire with a sidewall and is a drag radial like a MT radial

 

thunder, i was going to try out the 305 myself. bought some cladded wheels so ill need new rubber. but i was going to run their 285 up front.

also, where at in phoenix are you? i think ive seen that black truck rolling around.

 

the best bet for a 20" wheel is the nitto 555R. every other tire will suck for traction, and the 555r wont be perfect since you're on a 20" wheel.


once you hit a certain performace level in a truck, a drag radial is the only help you'll get. I've tried just about every "sport" tire out there. they all suck.

 

Wait, so eventhough you have 4wd at the touch of a button, this is still an issue? I hate being 2wd. As mentioned, throw some big MT drag radials on there if you want traction. They'll still spin on the street given enough umph though.

 

4wd doesnt matter all that much either. i can turn over my 35x12s in 4hi


i couldnt imagine have a diesel and its torque

 

You won't notice an improvement in traction with street tires. But they will be heavier, and you'll have to cut to get rid of the rubbing. Not worth it IMHO.

 

I live up by 7th Ave and the 101, work downtown.

4wd helps when I have time to shift, but if I'm rolling along and decide to hit the throttle to go around someone I don't have enough time, or if I want to accelerate after making a turn.

I'll take a look at the 555r, thanks.

Ok, I'll stick with the 275s then. Thanks.

 

You need to light 'em up just to pass someone? LOL.

 

I had 275/55R20 tires on my truck and changed to 305/50R20's Nitto 420s. My truck definitely hooks way better with the 305's. My 275's were pretty much bald though so that probably plays in to why they wouldn't hook at all. I have no way of comparing new 275's vs 305's because when the 275's were new I was stock and now with the 305's I've got a turbo.

I didn't have to trim anything to get the 305's to fit though, I just had to crank up the torsion bars a little. IMO I don't see how a 305/50R20 wouldn't hook better than a 275/55R20. They are taller with more sidewall, wider, and unfortunately heavier. The only negative I have for the 305/50R20 is I feel like I wish I had 4.11 gears instead of 3.73's now.

Here is video of me with the 275's. I can't do this with the 305's now.