I know 4x4 is a mechanical link between the front and rear so they "should" be turning at the same time. Case in point 275/55/r20 are 31.9" tall and 305/50/20 are 32.0" tall. .1" is still .307% difference ideally. Is that even too much of a risk on 4x4. I'd go 305's all around, but I don't want that much tire on my steering wheels (hydroplaning) and I'm afraid it is going to hurt the steering feel.
opinions?

 

If you're going to run different sizes front to back on a 4x4 you'll need a lower gear ratio in the rear to compensate.

 

Different size tires is just a bad idea on a 4x4. I don't think you will notice any steering difference with an extra inch of tire. Hydroplaning is more a factor of how well the tread pattern moves water out of the way than the size of tire.

 

It's just having a 12" wide tire in front seams over kill

 

275/55/20 is only an 10.8 inch wide tire

205/50/R20

28.1 height
8.1 width
4.1 sidewall

275/55/R20

31.9 height
10.8 width
5.9 sidewall

 

HA ops its suposed to be a 305/50/R20. My bad

32.0 height
12.0 width
6.0 sidewall

 

IMO, you really need to check the actual installed height of the tires. Manufacturer #s are not perfect. Rim width will play a part too.
Think of 99% of the 4x4 trucks out there with a bit more wear on the rear tires compared to the front, or vice versa. The diameter of the tires is not exactly the same.
You should not be in 4x4 unless there is some loss of traction anyway, allowing some difference in rotation front to back.

Why are you asking?

 

With the deals going down now I'm in process of upgrading. It's not 100% yet but, who doesn't plant their upgrades b4 he truck is bought . I can't deal with 2wd any more in the northern climate.

 

IMO... a difference that small doesn't really matter unless you are driving around on the freeway or surface streets. Ideally, you aren't in 4wd during this time, so the front wheels are not driven, and thus all will spin at the same speed. Once you go offroad, the surface will probably have some give and running different size tires won't be too big of an issue. Ideally, you will get all same size tires though.