2011 Z71 Suburban - Can I Run 285-65-18 Tires

[wilbur]

I know it is a topic that has been beat to death, but I’ll ask again since I’m dealing with a Suburban instead of Silverado or Sierra.

 

I would like to run 285-65-18 Revo2’s with the OEM rims on a 2011 Z71 Suburban (HD trailering pkg and 3.42's). After digging via the search function, I know the tires will fit on the rims and the effect of the larger tire diameter won’t neuter the 5.3 significantly (It off topic, but why, oh why, doesn’t GM make the 6.2 available in the Suburban?).

 

I’d appreciate the help of this group on the following:

 

Can I run the 285-65-18’s on the vehicle without adding a lift and not rub? This vehicle will spend 85% of its life as a Soccer Mom vehicle so off roading and extreme frame flex is not an issue. Long road trips with a 4000# boat in tow will be part of the other 15%

 

If a lift would be necessary, what’s involved? I was familiar with the torsion bar and key swap on the older trucks. This set up is new to me.

 

If I feel that the increased tire size has neutered the 5.3 more than I like, a Black Bear tune will take care of it. True or False?

 

If I run the LT tires around 40 PSI, my ride will be about the same as the P-rated OEM tires. True or False?

 

Thanks for your input on this. I'll need to make a decision in the next couple of days.

[cgalford]

The front end should be similar to my Z71 Tahoe and my 275/65-18s rub with some trimming but I have aftermarket rims with a little bit less back spacing.

[mhenshaw]

I know it is a topic that has been beat to death, but I'll ask again since I'm dealing with a Suburban instead of Silverado or Sierra.

 

I would like to run 285-65-18 Revo2's with the OEM rims on a 2011 Z71 Suburban (HD trailering pkg and 3.42's). After digging via the search function, I know the tires will fit on the rims and the effect of the larger tire diameter won't neuter the 5.3 significantly (It off topic, but why, oh why, doesn't GM make the 6.2 available in the Suburban?).

 

I'd appreciate the help of this group on the following:

 

Can I run the 285-65-18's on the vehicle without adding a lift and not rub? This vehicle will spend 85% of its life as a Soccer Mom vehicle so off roading and extreme frame flex is not an issue. Long road trips with a 4000# boat in tow will be part of the other 15%

 

If a lift would be necessary, what's involved? I was familiar with the torsion bar and key swap on the older trucks. This set up is new to me.

 

 

If I feel that the increased tire size has neutered the 5.3 more than I like, a Black Bear tune will take care of it. True or False?

 

If I run the LT tires around 40 PSI, my ride will be about the same as the P-rated OEM tires. True or False?

 

Thanks for your input on this. I'll need to make a decision in the next couple of days.

 

 

You will prolly need a leveling kit. The easy and most recommend is the Rough Country 2" inch leveling kit that is a spacer that installs under the strut and above the lower control arm. Cost 60 dollars and you or a shop can install in an hour. You should clear the tires no problem as long as you stay on stock wheels.

 

The tires way 56 pounds so you will feel them more than say the 44 pound tires you have. But it won't be bad and if you want more power a tune will always help out.

 

The Bridgestone's are load rate E, so the are made to hold a lot or weight and will ride harsher than your factory tires. I would recomend starting at 35 psi.

[uh6tdrvr]

Level and spacer on the back would make it look pretty good IMO! But we will need to see some pics!

[wilbur]

Level and spacer on the back would make it look pretty good IMO! But we will need to see some pics!

 

 

Trying to avoid the leveling kit. I wimped out and went with the 275-65-18's. Truck is due in tomorrow. I'll try to get pics.

[uh6tdrvr]

Any pics yet?