16x7 vs 16x8

2006 Tacoma 2.7 single cab, trying make my truck as lean as possible. Meaning best mpg possible, less drag low rolling resistance tires and what not. Had my truck lifted with bilsteins and 265/70/17 a while back and could not continue driving it with the huge loss in power and mpg. This truck is sticky a daily commuter and gets used a lot for lumber and as a heavy part transporter, also scrap metal deliever. Right now I'm running pro comp 16x8 with 245/75/16 if I switch back to the stock steelies, 16x7 will this benefit or does the 1 inch add more drag and surface areas to my 245? Any input of making this truck roll easier would be appreciated. Another question, will upgrading too bilsteins in the rear make a noticeable difference in ride, I notice my truck hits the bumps harder in the rear when driving but that's basically normal. Thanks

 

Your rim width has nothing to do with how much rubber contacts the road. So no changing that alone won't do anything for you.

If you switch back to steelies though you'll be adding weight to the rim which will cost more gas to move. If you find a lighter less blingy rim though that would take less gas to get rolling and save you some cash.

If you want better mileage ditch the lift and drive like a grandma. This is what will effect your mileage the most, your own foot.

5100's are soft. If you're beating on the bumpstops look into better bumpstops like superbumps.

 

The contact patch of the tires on a 8" wide vs a 7" wide would be the same if not nearly identical. You'd be better checking the weight of the wheels and going with a lighter weight wheel.