Verification of Answer to Frequent Question

[ebod]

I know tire size questions are common. I'm asking this because I need to verify before I buy a new truck (hopefully before 6/2 when current incentives expire).

 

1) Will 285/75 tires fit on stock rims on a 2003 Tahoe (4x4)?

 

2) If so, will I need to crank the torsion bars (I may crank them even if not necessary to fit the meats)?

 

3) Also, does it matter if the truck has the "autoride" suspension option (I know this option makes it difficult to lift the truck, but does it affect max tire size w/no lift)?

 

Finally, same questions but in connection with a 2003 3/4 ton Suburban w/ 8.1L and autoride.

 

I'll post on why I'm asking w/r/t two separate trucks separately.

 

Thanks!!!

[SFPegasus]

I've been considering a change in tire size on my Tahoe, too. Here's what I've found out:

 

A 285 is 0.792 inches wider than a 265. Most places I've looked indicate that a 285 should be mounted on a 7.5-9 inch wheel. My Escalade wheels are 7.5x17, so I'm barely ok there. The stock wheels on a Tahoe are 7X16, so you might have problems. I'm sure it's been done, but you might not like it when you're done.

 

I'm considering a 285/65 to keep the profile somewhere within the factory range. I've found that on a taller tire, you really give up 4th gear performance, because you're altering the final drive ratio. 4th seems to be geared really high to improve mileage at the expense of performance. I'm wishing I had the 4.10 instead of the 3.73 right now.

 

Remember that anything you do with your tires reflects on the entire suspension system. A tire is a shock absorber, too. A lower profile tire like a 65 will give a harsher ride than a 70 or 75. Autoride is tuned to work with the 265/70 tire that is standard and you may give up something.