2023 Trail Boss LT 2.7L- HELP (Tires, Wheels, Lift, Exhaust)!

[kpgiddo]

Hey all! First time poster here with some questions!

Recently purchased a '23 Trail Boss LT and looking to upgrade (much to my wife's dismay). I am looking at Method NV 305 18's for wheels and the readylift SST lift for the truck to ensure factory riding is maintained.

My questions are:
1. What size tires would you recommend?
a. I do NOT want to gut my MPG as I currently get around 21 MPG highway.
b. BUT i want the sweet trail, dirt look when I do go offroading.
2. Has anyone added an exhaust system to their 2.7L Trail Boss? Muffler? Cat-back?
a. I like the 2.7L. I do not tow and primarily haul dirt bikes.
3. What MPG do you all get with 285/295/305 sized tires on a 2.7L (if you have it)?

Thank you!

P.S. I have the brand new factory wheels and tires for sale in Maryland if anyone is interested!

 

[andrwgrcia]

Welcome. I cannot speak to the 2.7L as I drive the 5.3L, but I have only heard and read good things about it. From what I have read in the comments of the forums I am in the biggest thing going against it is that it is not a V8, which the haters are always going to hate.

I have a SST going on next week which I will pair with 285/75r18 Falken A/T4W’s on the factory rims and can provide feedback after that, but currently am on stock suspension and tires. From my research I decided to address speedometer and transmission calibration such as a Pulsar LT or RC Speedo Calibrator. I am on the fence between the two, but have the RC sitting in a box right now and most likely will go that route.

Personally, I think the TB should come from the factory with 35’s in all trim levels. This is as much of aesthetics as it is for off-road performance. I would be willing to wager that most who upsize and stay below a 35 do so because of concerns with rubbing and not wanting to trim, a concern this would put to bed.

 

[The Raven]

Hey all! First time poster here with some questions!

Recently purchased a '23 Trail Boss LT and looking to upgrade (much to my wife's dismay). I am looking at Method NV 305 18's for wheels and the readylift SST lift for the truck to ensure factory riding is maintained.

My questions are:
1. What size tires would you recommend?
a. I do NOT want to gut my MPG as I currently get around 21 MPG highway.
b. BUT i want the sweet trail, dirt look when I do go offroading.
2. Has anyone added an exhaust system to their 2.7L Trail Boss? Muffler? Cat-back?
a. I like the 2.7L. I do not tow and primarily haul dirt bikes.
3. What MPG do you all get with 285/295/305 sized tires on a 2.7L (if you have it)?

Thank you!

P.S. I have the brand new factory wheels and tires for sale in Maryland if anyone is interested!

If losing MPGs is a big concern then I highly recommend you stick with stock size tires and ride height. You can't go bigger without losing MPGs. If you absolutely must go bigger, and can come to terms with losing MPGs, then just go with the absolute lightest tires you are happy with. C-range Territory MTs and Open Country AT3 and RT Trail are good choices, and I know Nitto actually makes P-rated versions of a some of their off-road tires that are very light. If you keep the tires light, don't lift too far, and above all - CALIBRATE your truck for the new tire size, you will minimize MPG loss.

 

[kpgiddo]

Welcome. I cannot speak to the 2.7L as I drive the 5.3L, but I have only heard and read good things about it. From what I have read in the comments of the forums I am in the biggest thing going against it is that it is not a V8, which the haters are always going to hate.

I have a SST going on next week which I will pair with 285/75r18 Falken A/T4W’s on the factory rims and can provide feedback after that, but currently am on stock suspension and tires. From my research I decided to address speedometer and transmission calibration such as a Pulsar LT or RC Speedo Calibrator. I am on the fence between the two, but have the RC sitting in a box right now and most likely will go that route.

Personally, I think the TB should come from the factory with 35’s in all trim levels. This is as much of aesthetics as it is for off-road performance. I would be willing to wager that most who upsize and stay below a 35 do so because of concerns with rubbing and not wanting to trim, a concern this would put to bed.

Please let me know how it turns out!

 

[Transient]

I've been following, but hesitant to post. I have the 6.2 and was getting over 20 highway mpg with it in stock trim. The best I saw was drive from San Diego to Las Vegas where I got 24.4 with cruise set at 78 mph. My truck does have the 10 speed whereas the 2.7 gets the 8 speed, so this isn't an apples:apples comparison. With that said, right after I moved to Florida from California I was due for new tires and upgraded to 285/75r18 Duratracs on the stock 18" wheels. They are allegedly 35.1" versus 34.8" all the other tires in that size were stating, plus the lightest in that size. MPG drop really hasn't been that bad, if noticeable at all. Due to the tires being upgraded right after I moved I really can't compare due to the change in terrain and driving conditions. However, when I was doing research a lot of 3rd party info was stating they were seeing a drop of 2-3 mpg with the size I got. Western Florida is a lot flatter and traffic is much less dense than it was in San Diego, and I was consistently seeing 13mpg in California. I haven't seen that low in Florida with the bigger tires. I seem to floating between 14-17 mpg. I rarely drive on the highway out here. Pensacola is very much a small town.

As for the ReadyLift SST, I just finished installing it Friday night. I am getting an alignment Monday morning. I do not expect to see a decrease in mpg based on this kit. I think mpg is based on tires more than it is the lift. I do understand the the basics of the impact aerodynamics plays on mpg, but these are trucks and are essentially a brick from the factory. Yes, more air under the vehicle can decrease mpg, but we were already plagued by that the moment we signed on the dotted line. These aren't sports cars that are designed for aerodynamic efficiency to improve performance and downforce. If that's what you I have 2 suggestions: 1) Trade the truck for sports car, or 2). Lower the truck so it's slammed to the ground and act as if it belongs in the NASCAR truck series.

Going up in height and getting bigger tires will surely increase how often you visit the gas pump, so enroll in the rewards programs of your favorite gas station. That's what's working for me right now. $1/gallon for 3 fill ups at Chevron right now. The 6.2 uses premium, so it's nice being able to brag to the wife how my fill is cheaper than hers per gallon and she uses regular in her car.

 

[kpgiddo]

I've been following, but hesitant to post. I have the 6.2 and was getting over 20 highway mpg with it in stock trim. The best I saw was drive from San Diego to Las Vegas where I got 24.4 with cruise set at 78 mph. My truck does have the 10 speed whereas the 2.7 gets the 8 speed, so this isn't an apples:apples comparison. With that said, right after I moved to Florida from California I was due for new tires and upgraded to 285/75r18 Duratracs on the stock 18" wheels. They are allegedly 35.1" versus 34.8" all the other tires in that size were stating, plus the lightest in that size. MPG drop really hasn't been that bad, if noticeable at all. Due to the tires being upgraded right after I moved I really can't compare due to the change in terrain and driving conditions. However, when I was doing research a lot of 3rd party info was stating they were seeing a drop of 2-3 mpg with the size I got. Western Florida is a lot flatter and traffic is much less dense than it was in San Diego, and I was consistently seeing 13mpg in California. I haven't seen that low in Florida with the bigger tires. I seem to floating between 14-17 mpg. I rarely drive on the highway out here. Pensacola is very much a small town.

As for the ReadyLift SST, I just finished installing it Friday night. I am getting an alignment Monday morning. I do not expect to see a decrease in mpg based on this kit. I think mpg is based on tires more than it is the lift. I do understand the the basics of the impact aerodynamics plays on mpg, but these are trucks and are essentially a brick from the factory. Yes, more air under the vehicle can decrease mpg, but we were already plagued by that the moment we signed on the dotted line. These aren't sports cars that are designed for aerodynamic efficiency to improve performance and downforce. If that's what you I have 2 suggestions: 1) Trade the truck for sports car, or 2). Lower the truck so it's slammed to the ground and act as if it belongs in the NASCAR truck series.

Going up in height and getting bigger tires will surely increase how often you visit the gas pump, so enroll in the rewards programs of your favorite gas station. That's what's working for me right now. $1/gallon for 3 fill ups at Chevron right now. The 6.2 uses premium, so it's nice being able to brag to the wife how my fill is cheaper than hers per gallon and she uses regular in her car.

Hey man, I appreciate the insight (minus the snarky comments about getting a sports car)!

I think I’m just going to get the Method 305 Bronze wheels and add stuff as I go!

 

[Transient]

Hey man, I appreciate the insight (minus the snarky comments about getting a sports car)!

I think I’m just going to get the Method 305 Bronze wheels and add stuff as I go!

Sorry you took that as being snarky. I was just stating a fact. I can come off as an a**hole without trying. It's not deliberate in this situation.

 

[Ryanj5049]

Welcome. I cannot speak to the 2.7L as I drive the 5.3L, but I have only heard and read good things about it. From what I have read in the comments of the forums I am in the biggest thing going against it is that it is not a V8, which the haters are always going to hate.

I have a SST going on next week which I will pair with 285/75r18 Falken A/T4W’s on the factory rims and can provide feedback after that, but currently am on stock suspension and tires. From my research I decided to address speedometer and transmission calibration such as a Pulsar LT or RC Speedo Calibrator. I am on the fence between the two, but have the RC sitting in a box right now and most likely will go that route.

Personally, I think the TB should come from the factory with 35’s in all trim levels. This is as much of aesthetics as it is for off-road performance. I would be willing to wager that most who upsize and stay below a 35 do so because of concerns with rubbing and not wanting to trim, a concern this would put to bed.

will 35" A/T's fit on stock ride? or does it need a front level at least?

 

[andrwgrcia]

Every truck is different. If you read the forum there are guys who have gotten 35’s on with minor trimming or mud flap delete. I am doing the SST at the same time as the when size increase, so I will not know for my truck.

 

[Transient]

will 35" A/T's fit on stock ride? or does it need a front level at least?

Yes. See my profile pic as proof. That was taken back in August. Reported diameter of those tires is 35.1". You'll want to go as narrow as possible. Those tires are slightly under 11.5" wide. I recommend a mud flap delete. You'll still have a slight rub in the wheel well at full lock in reverse. This is where the leveling kit comes into play and eliminates that slight rub. I just installed the ReadyLift 2" SST kit on Thursday & Friday, followed by alignment on Monday (truck sat over the weekend). I keep listening for a rub, but I'm not hearing one.

If you don't want to do a lift or level I recommend you go with 34s. 295/70r18 seems to be a popular choice.

 

[Ryanj5049]

Yes. See my profile pic as proof. That was taken back in August. Reported diameter of those tires is 35.1". You'll want to go as narrow as possible. Those tires are slightly under 11.5" wide. I recommend a mud flap delete. You'll still have a slight rub in the wheel well at full lock in reverse. This is where the leveling kit comes into play and eliminates that slight rub. I just installed the ReadyLift 2" SST kit on Thursday & Friday, followed by alignment on Monday (truck sat over the weekend). I keep listening for a rub, but I'm not hearing one.

If you don't want to do a lift or level I recommend you go with 34s. 295/70r18 seems to be a popular choice.

Already have that mudflap delete as those flaps just look goofy and stupid. Recently found out i'll need to recal speedo and the trans acts stupid at highway speeds with tire size increase.

 

[Transient]

Already have that mudflap delete as those flaps just look goofy and stupid. Recently found out i'll need to recal speedo and the trans acts stupid at highway speeds with tire size increase.

I have the Rough Country speedometer calibrator. It's easy to setup and use.

 

[travelinscout]

If losing MPGs is a big concern then I highly recommend you stick with stock size tires and ride height. You can't go bigger without losing MPGs. If you absolutely must go bigger, and can come to terms with losing MPGs, then just go with the absolute lightest tires you are happy with. C-range Territory MTs and Open Country AT3 and RT Trail are good choices, and I know Nitto actually makes P-rated versions of a some of their off-road tires that are very light. If you keep the tires light, don't lift too far, and above all - CALIBRATE your truck for the new tire size, you will minimize MPG loss.

Am I able to calibrate for larger tires or do I need a tuner or something? My MPG tanked just going from 265 to 275 and stock to E rated tires.

 

[The Raven]

Am I able to calibrate for larger tires or do I need a tuner or something? My MPG tanked just going from 265 to 275 and stock to E rated tires.

You need a speedo calibrator for your year of truck. Range Technology is a good place to start. That said, you went to E-rated tires and that's why your MPG tanked, recalibrating is not going to bring that back.