What is the largest tire size for a stock 03 Tahoe

robertp11 · July 4, 2003

Im sure this has been asked and answered by now, but I just couldn’t find it anywhere. I am planning on buying a 03 Tahoe next month and wanted to put 285's on it. Is this possible with no lift and if not how much of a lift would I need. I appreciate any info you all have.

Wingnut · July 4, 2003

Yes, they will fit.

Some people have had to crank their torsion bars a little, others have had to do some trimming of the front valance. And of course, some people didn't need to do either, they fit just fine.

robertp11 · July 6, 2003

Thanks for the reply wingnut.

mmayo · July 7, 2003

I've had 285s on my wife's Tahoe since we drove it off the lot, had a little rubbing when I would back up with the tires turned all the way, after about a yr I trimed some of the plastic, no rubbing at all now, and haven't tightened the torsion bars.

rcj_houston · July 7, 2003

Be sure to have your Speedometer recalibrated for the new tire size. There might even be some slight recalibration of the computer module to compensate for the new tire size so the engine electronics will work properly. If you go too big with tires, you really should consider replacing the Gears to match the new tire size to keep your tahoe in the optimum rpm ranges.

Good luck!

lmaini · July 7, 2003

I have 285/75/16 BFG All-Terrains on my 2001 Tahoe LT 4x4 and I have had no problems with rubbing in the front. On the rear I do have rubbing if I hit a dip or hard bump when making a 90 deg corner and I ripped out a rear wheel close out doing some off roading. ( 1 tire in a rut , 1 off). No big deal and a replacement was 30 bucks, the new one recieved some trimming and the problem is taken care of.

In closing upsizing is a worthwhile investment and improved the handling and looks of the truck I would do it again... If you have any rubbing find the cause and trim as necessary - Thoose BFG will lay a hurting on the rear plastic wheel wells if they make heavy contact.

PS: My T-Bars are stock height and I have no Auto-Ride.

Wingnut · July 7, 2003

Be sure to have your Speedometer recalibrated for the new tire size. There might even be some slight recalibration of the computer module to compensate for the new tire size so the engine electronics will work properly. If you go too big with tires, you really should consider replacing the Gears to match the new tire size to keep your tahoe in the optimum rpm ranges.

Good luck!

The only way to recalibrate the computer is with an aftermarket tuner. GM didn't make allowances for 285's. The dealer can't even do it.

And gears are mucho dinero (double that if its a 4 wheel drive).

If your speedo is that imortant, your cheapest alternative would be an aftermarket chip tuner.

Just my .02

robertp11 · July 8, 2003

Thanks for all the replies! I am definitely going to get the 285's. Unfortunately I cant it all for another month, but as soon as I do I will post some pics.

Thanks again.

rcj_houston · July 8, 2003

Be sure to have your Speedometer recalibrated for the new tire size. There might even be some slight recalibration of the computer module to compensate for the new tire size so the engine electronics will work properly. If you go too big with tires, you really should consider replacing the Gears to match the new tire size to keep your tahoe in the optimum rpm ranges.

Good luck!

The only way to recalibrate the computer is with an aftermarket tuner. GM didn't make allowances for 285's. The dealer can't even do it.

And gears are mucho dinero (double that if its a 4 wheel drive).

If your speedo is that imortant, your cheapest alternative would be an aftermarket chip tuner.

Just my .02

You are correct sir. I didn't get out what I was trying to say properly. I was referring to the "Hypertech Power Programmer". It is an aftermarket device that allows you to instantly recalibrate your speedometer, reguardless of your tires size. Problem is the are about $350. But, you can also reprogram the top speed limiter, the RPM limiter and engine power tune your engine (optimize spark and fuel curves, etc). Then again, for $350, you could do those gears we were talking about if you are a do it yourself kind of guy. The one I was looking at was on www.stylinconcepts.com.

Best bet is to make friends with your local performance guys. They will normally do this for you if you buy bigger tires throught them.

Thanx for the correction Wingnut!

jeffdb · July 9, 2003

When I bought my 03 pickup off the lot, there was one I liked and it had 285's on it. But they wanted way toooo much for them so I got a different one and when they wear out I'll get some 285's on mine. But the guy at the dealer told me they could adjust it for that size tire. Maybe he was wrong, but it would have to work right for them to sell it, right?