if i put 26 inch gators on my 05 2wd rancher(rear), will i lose power , and if so how much?is it worth it for another half inch worth of depth on the tread?

 

You will lose power. Any time you go bigger it will have power loss. A half inch difference will do nothing but look a little better. And from what I remember you like to climb hills right? If you go bigger it will kill climbing power.

 

The 2wd Rancher is geared taller than the 4wd. You might find that big, heavy tires will effect the power.

 

the gearing is the same per the shop manual. the only difference is the rear tires are 25's on the 2wd, 24's on the 4x4. even the rear diff ratio is the same on both. so actually, a 4x4 rancher with a 424 in 2wd with 26's on it will do the same as a 2wd rancher with 26's on it, if you forget about the extra 40 pounds of extra weight in the front of the 4x4. I dont mean to bash you reconranger, but i felt I had to correct your statement.

 

id rather stay with the 25, b/c ido love to climb hills, and dont like to make it to the top and run out of juice.the 25 will be fine, thanks.