Some wheel and tire questions

[Knightfall]

My next move for my truck will be plain 17" steel wheels and some big ol' mud grips in as big a size as possible with stock suspension (as I've mentioned before, I'm not a huge fan of lifted trucks). My original intention was to pick up some OEM 17" steelies from a base model at a local dealership; however no local dealer claims to sell take-offs and the prices they're asking are pretty steep (though competitive compared to aftermarket competitors). However, I have found plain black steel wheels for about $50 a piece through Rough Country and some other venues. I was wondering what folks had to say about these, quality wise and what, if anything, to look for. Comments from the peanut gallery welcome...

[Knightfall]

Update, I found the Tahoe Police Package wheels that I have been searching for for a long time. Will probably order off of GM Parts Direct or a similar site. Now I'm gonna be harassing people on if 285/70/17's fit at stock height, or if I should save the $40 per tire and stick with 265's.

[A.J. Curtis]

Update, I found the Tahoe Police Package wheels that I have been searching for for a long time. Will probably order off of GM Parts Direct or a similar site. Now I'm gonna be harassing people on if 285/70/17's fit at stock height, or if I should save the $40 per tire and stick with 265's.

Where did you find the Tahoe Police Package wheels?

 

I had 285/70/17 bfg AT Ko2's on stock LT wheels with no level. There was a slight rub on the inner fender mat @ full lock in reverse. After the level it is still there but very minor.

[Knightfall]

Where did you find the Tahoe Police Package wheels?

 

I had 285/70/17 bfg AT Ko2's on stock LT wheels with no level. There was a slight rub on the inner fender mat @ full lock in reverse. After the level it is still there but very minor.

I found them on an online OEM replica wheel site where they listed the part number, then found them on the "genuine GM parts" sites by searching the part number. They're pretty hard to find, like the Z-71 Tahoe wheels which are a gunmetal grey version of the truck wheel. In about a month when I'll be ready to actually order and install, I'll verify the part numbers with the local Chevy dealer, ask if they'll price match, then order the wheels from whoever's cheapest. It's actually pretty hard to find any OEM wheel that isn't one of the big 20" and 22" accessories. I have 20's on the truck now and don't like the looks of them at all.

[Donstar]

Update, I found the Tahoe Police Package wheels that I have been searching for for a long time. Will probably order off of GM Parts Direct or a similar site. Now I'm gonna be harassing people on if 285/70/17's fit at stock height, or if I should save the $40 per tire and stick with 265's.

The 265's will definitely not rub, affect your speedometer or add unnecessary unsprung weight. They won't look as macho as the 285's but should perform just as well.

[Knightfall]

My biggest concern is rubbing. I don't like the concept of my tire scraping against something that isn't the road. I currently have 275/60/20's that just barely touch the carpet lining at full lock but not enough that it bothers me. 285's with a 17" wheel are wider though by a 1/2", and I'm hesitant on that.

[Knightfall]

Where did you find the Tahoe Police Package wheels?

 

I had 285/70/17 bfg AT Ko2's on stock LT wheels with no level. There was a slight rub on the inner fender mat @ full lock in reverse. After the level it is still there but very minor.

 

Would you recommend the 285's if someone wanted to keep the suspension stock?

[GRN69CHV]

You don't need to install a big lift to gain clearance. Mine has a 1/2" thick bottum spacer for 1" front end lift. That 1" front end height makes a big difference in tire clearance. Had it realigned after installing the lower blocks, the 1" lift didn't even effect the alignment. Truck now has about 1-1/2" rake so still has an aggressive look. Tires, I run a Michelin LTX 275/65-18 and have little less than an inch clearance IIRC.