2500HD mod questions/suggestions

[brad519]

Ok I hate the way the truck looks with the stock tires. Will 33x12.50x18 work without any level, lift, etc? Can that size tire be ran on the stock wheels?

2500 HD Z71 with 265/70/18 stock tires.

I'm sure I will have some more questions regarding this matter but let's start with these..haha

 

 

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[KMGZ400]

You might be able to fit 33's by maxing out the stock keys but you should get keys to be safe.. I just put on 33's and they rub bad even leveled but they are in 20x10's

[Shutter]

I was told i wouldnt be able to fit 275/70r18 (33.2in) because they would rub. I ended up going with 285/65r18 which are stock diameter (32.6)but almost an inch wider. Ill let you know if they fit

[CAtaylor]

Ok I hate the way the truck looks with the stock tires. Will 33x12.50x18 work without any level, lift, etc? Can that size tire be ran on the stock wheels?

2500 HD Z71 with 265/70/18 stock tires.

I'm sure I will have some more questions regarding this matter but let's start with these..haha

 

 

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I am going to be putting 295/70 18 ST Maxx tires, 34.4×12, on mine in the next couple of days and will let you know. They have guys running 295/65 20's with level kits on factory wheels with no fender trimming. They do rub the sway bar and frame though; these tires are 35.5× 12". I ran 33x12.50 20's on my 12 factory wheels with a couple turns on the t-bars with no rubbing and the 15 wheel wells are larger.

[brad519]

How bad is it on the front end if you turn the t-bars? I don't mind a stiffer ride In just leery of doing anything detrimental to the front end. I looked at the cognito stage 3 level with new control arms and all but it's almost as much as a suspension lift. I want to do it right but I'm not sure what route to take.

 

Definitely let me know how the new tires turn out guys.

 

 

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[CAtaylor]

How bad is it on the front end if you turn the t-bars? I don't mind a stiffer ride In just leery of doing anything detrimental to the front end. I looked at the cognito stage 3 level with new control arms and all but it's almost as much as a suspension lift. I want to do it right but I'm not sure what route to take.

 

Definitely let me know how the new tires turn out guys.

 

 

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If you turn up the bars it will definitely ride a little stiffer. As long as you don't go overboard it won't hurt anything. You want to leave atleast 5/8" between the control arms and the drop stop with the trucks weight on it.

[RyanbabZ71]

I was told i wouldnt be able to fit 275/70r18 (33.2in) because they would rub. I ended up going with 285/65r18 which are stock diameter (32.6)but almost an inch wider. Ill let you know if they fit

275/70/r18 fit on my 1500, I have an RC 2" front lift and 3" rear blocks but they would have fit without

 

They are 33" tall too

 

 

 

Ryan

[brad519]

275/70/r18 fit on my 1500, I have an RC 2" front lift and 3" rear blocks but they would have fit without

 

They are 33" tall too

 

 

 

Ryan

Come to think of it I believe I had 275/70/18s on my 08 1500 with a level also.

 

 

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[blackout07]

They should fit easily if you crank. And I'd crank the stock keys 2" before I'd waste my money on leveling keys.

[brad519]

I am going to be putting 295/70 18 ST Maxx tires, 34.4×12, on mine in the next couple of days and will let you know.

Definitely let me know how these work out.

I was really wanting the BFG's KO2 but they dont have a decent size. Those ST Maxx look nice if they fit good.

[CAtaylor]

Definitely let me know how these work out.

I was really wanting the BFG's KO2 but they dont have a decent size. Those ST Maxx look nice if they fit good.

Will let you know. Tire place just called and they will be in Weds.

[brad519]

Will let you know. Tire place just called and they will be in Weds.

Ok Thanks

[brad519]

They should fit easily if you crank. And I'd crank the stock keys 2" before I'd waste my money on leveling keys.

I was planning on cranking the stock keys but wasn't sure how detrimental it will be to the front end. I've been reading on other forums about getting cognito UCA's and shock extenders and stock keys but as you can see I'm not that knowledgeable in this subject.

 

 

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[blackout07]

I've run both. I've used reindexed keys and factory keys. If I cranked much passed 2" regardless of which keys I was using, the ride became harsh. Anyway, keys are keys. On some trucks, for whatever the reason, the factory keys don't allow for much adjustment before theyre maxed out. If this is the case, then you need leveling keys. If you're able to get 2" out of your stockers, which most are, then don't wast your money. And when cranking 2 to 2.5" you don't really need shock extensions and UCAs. Longer shocks help, but it's not necessary. Long story short, the ride won't be any harsher cranking the stock keys vs leveling keys. Over crancked is over cranked.

[CAtaylor]

I've run both. I've used reindexed keys and factory keys. If I cranked much passed 2" regardless of which keys I was using, the ride became harsh. Anyway, keys are keys. On some trucks, for whatever the reason, the factory keys don't allow for much adjustment before theyre maxed out. If this is the case, then you need leveling keys. If you're able to get 2" out of your stockers, which most are, then don't wast your money. And when cranking 2 to 2.5" you don't really need shock extensions and UCAs. Longer shocks help, but it's not necessary. Long story short, the ride won't be any harsher cranking the stock keys vs leveling keys. Over crancked is over cranked.

One thing I don't understand that maybe you can shed some light on since you have experience here. All of the vendors recommend shock extenders when cranking the bars and also, most people that have done it. In stock form, when I jacked up my truck to adjust the bars, the control arm sat about 1/16" off of the bump stops. This did not change even after I cranked the bars up; I only went 2" but had more left. If you add the extenders to the shocks won't that just make the factory control arms bottom out on the stops? I understand the shocks are the limit in the down travel of the suspension and I could see the purpose in the extensions if I were changing control arms but I really don't see the point if running the stock arms; possibly only cause issues and make the ride worse.