More Wheel/Less Tire Vs. More Tire/less Wheel

What puts more stress on the transmission?

More Wheel/Less Tire or More Tire/less Wheel combination of the same diameter.

Example (Take with a grain of salt)



lets just say they were exactly the same diameter.

 

I have no idea, but if I were to guess I’d lean towards less weight of the wheel tire combo being better for the tranny. All other things being equal. Hopefully someone with some actual knowledge will chime in.

 

Both! Less tire with more wheel isn’t the best thing for pickup trucks. Especially, if you go low profile tires. You will feel everything....it may even knock out the fillings in your teeth. On the other hand, the more tire that you have, is the more cushioning for your wheels and truck.

 

Unsprung weight is the enemy of your power-train and ESPECIALLY braking system, it also impacts suspension damping and steering. The heavier the wheel/tire combo, the harder everything has to work. Harder to get stuff moving and or responding, then when it does, it's a real bear to stop it.

So, generally speaking, a larger wheel will have more weight than a smaller one of the same construction/material. That's a general statement until you start getting into exotic materials.

 

IDK either. I wish I listened more in physics class. But your response sounds reasonable @Jengel451.

 

Me personally like more tire less wheel.

 

And I think I went into the weeds a bit. Final answer is lighter is better. So the answer really has to do with tire and wheel construction, weigh the combo of each size and youll have your answer.