hey guys i had a couple of closely related questions that i figure could help someone out later on, as i have a small case of analysis paralysis. it is as follows...

Questions:
- what would the benefit of having an E1 rated tire over the SL rated tire?
- would the 265/75r16s be too big for stock 4.10 gears on a healthy 22re?

context:
i am getting new tires for my truck. i have the option of LT265/70r16 (30.7x10.43) or LT265/75r16 (31.6x10.43) falken tires. both at great prices. the 265/70 only comes in an SL load rating, whereas the 265/75 comes in either option of an SL or E1 load rated tire. cost isnt much of a factor.
i have a single cab swb 4wd, last weigh in was 2860lbs (will go re-weigh today) if i remember right. maybe 100-250 lbs gear depending on the trip im taking.
i do some wheeling in a mix of rock and sand, nothing too serious yet but i plan to get more serious as i get more time behind the wheel. for the immediate (1+ year) future mostly forest service roads in the sierras for short weekend camping trips and some light trails along the way.

i know the 265/70s will fit for sure, and i'm pretty sure the 75s will too without too much trouble, if any. wheel backspacing is 4" if im not mistaken. wheels say 16x8JJ (0) which i take to mean 0 offset from center on an 8 inch wide rim

 

Even for your intended use, I'd want the toughest sidewall available. Change a tire is not a big deal but doing so on a trail increases challenge factor.

 

Couple of thoughts from my end.

- 4.56 gearing is stock for the 3.0 V6 with 31 inch tires, so I'd guess 31.6 inch tires with 4.10 gears and a 22re might feel kind of sluggish.
- I run C rated LT tires, and have never had a sidewall issue. (BFG A/T KO2 is what I run). My use model is similar to yours, perhaps a bit more aggressive. E rated tires are pretty stiff, and will cost you gas mileage unless you air them up to 45 psi or so for highway driving, in which case they ride like steel wheels. I personally think they're overkill for a 3000 lb truck.