2"-3" leveling kit / tire size

Hantke · November 15, 2015

So after an absurd amount of research, I've decided to go with Cooper ST MAXX tires (thanks for all the info from everybody again), but I've heard a lot of different info, one shop told me I can run 285/75R16's with no issue, another said it will rub a lot, I've got a sierra 2500HD with a 2"-3" leveling kit (previous owner did the install). I've read everything from "they'll fit stock with a little trimming" to "you ned a 4" leveling kit or lift", any opinions from you guys? or recommended sizes?

currently running the stock (dealer installed) 245's

Formulabruce · November 15, 2015

I ;like 265's , but 285's will change your gear ratio to about 3.30 from 3.73. they will rub on corners. usually lift kits are installed for looks because factory Dodge trucks come with them, and GM guys cant stand being 'shorter" !. Good luck with getting what ya like working for you nice looking truck!!

Big Whiskey · November 15, 2015

285/78/16 should fit with a level, especially on stock rims. At most, you may need to trim a little plastic. A buddy of mine ran 305's on a leveled truck like yours, and only had to trim a little bit....but the center tread of his tires wore out fast because the stock rims are only 6.5" wide. 265/65/16's will fit easily, but they will look small. I'd get the 285's and trim a little if needed...but you'll probably be fine as long as you keep your stock rims.

Hantke · November 16, 2015

Thanks! The previous owner did quite a bit of trimming already, I assume he had a larger lift and took it off once it got traded in though.

And thank you! I was going to remove the chrome paneling along the bottom when I got it, but it's already stopped enough door dings that I think it's earned its place haha, I love this truck!

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HostileJava · November 24, 2015

I know it's not a Sierra but I've got an 02 Avalanche 2500 and I'm running 285/75/16's on stock rims with a 3"/1" leveling kit and I've got plenty of clearance.

00Silverado4x4 · November 25, 2015

Moving topic to Wheels and Tires section.

Hantke · January 13, 2016

Ended up running 285's, took about 30 seconds of trimming on the interior wheel well and no issues. Thanks guys

Big Whiskey · January 13, 2016

Ended up running 285's, took about 30 seconds of trimming on the interior wheel well and no issues. Thanks guys

Good deal! You know we like pictures, right???

Hantke · January 13, 2016

I was gonna get the coopers, but a lot of my friends run the KO2's and talked me into them, and I got a really really good deal on them. But here she is!

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Hantke · January 13, 2016

Multiple tire places did refuse to mount 285/75R16 tires on the factory wheels, but I wanted black wheels anyways so it was a good excuse to upgrade.

I also intend on removing the skull and crossbones logo from the wheels, not really my style

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Big Whiskey · January 13, 2016

Sweet! Looks much better than the stocker pic you posted back in November! BFG's are great tires too. Didn't realize you were getting different rims. That's probably why you had to trim a little bit. I agree, that I'd probably get rid of the skulls, haha. Looks good!

onecrazyfoo4u · January 29, 2016

So how big of a hit did your gas mileage take with the 285's?

Also, do you have to change out the gear ratio then? What's the consequences if you don't change ratios?

Hantke · April 12, 2016

My gas mileage didn't really change a whole lot, my city mileage dropped from 14 to 12.5 MPG's, I still get 18-19 MPG on the highway, things to remember - KO2's are huge frickin bricks haha they weight a ton, but they are wonderful off road (where I spend a lot of my time these days) and they are great on the street, they ride really nice for being a snow rated A/T. I also have a tuner on my truck and it is a diesel, so that does make a big difference when compared to a gasser.