I think it would because if wheel weights matter in sports cars, how would they not matter for trucks?
The same principles apply with the rotating weight and all.

I'd like to know if it would be better to go with 31's in this tire than 32's because of simply the weight difference between the two?

31's-32's theres a 14 pound per tire weight difference.

I think this would affect acceleration and overall power if your tires were so dang heavy.

What do you guys think?

look at the 265/70/16 vs the 265/75/16's
Linky

 

I would go with the bigger ones. Its not like you are making a huge jump from what you have now... right?

They will look better.

 

You WILL loose performance if you don't re-gear, and your mileage will go down...

 

1. it would be way overkill to regear for 1" tire difference.
2. find another tire, you are going from a 2 ply to a 6-8 ply D rating tire, thus the big weight difference.
3. try to find a C load rating or 2-4 ply tire for a ranger. There are a bunch of 265/75/16" tires in 2 or 4 ply.

 

Thanks for the help Zabeard.
I didn't know that about tires, now I think I know what to look for.

 

regearing only applies if it's needed. case in point: my truck came with 245's i now have 265's, but my gearing is 4.10's which is fine. also, the "performance" hasn't subsided one bit.