Advice on Wheel and Tire Size

[Texas Suburban Trucker]

Hello:

 

First Post so please be gentle. I'm rebuilding my Suburban again after 220,000 miles. This time new engine Transmission and a lot more "Beef" to the Truck. I pull a Tractor with it and love to do road trips. I'm wanting to put some nice looking Beadlock wheels on it with some 33-35 inch Tires.

 

I would like some advice on whether they would fit or not turning full lock to lock. I'm installing the big fender flairs from Bushwacker, that require cutting the fenders. Have a 4 inch lift in front and a 2 inch lift in the rear. (Rancho Suspension lift) I will drive this everyday on and off the farm as well as on and off road trips. Maybe even some storm chasing.

 

I'm leaning towards these wheels:

 

ATX SERIES BLACK AX757 CHAMBER PRO II WHEELS 17x9, 8x6.5, with the BF Goodrich KO2 Tires. 

Here is a link with the details. http://www.americanracingequipment.ca/wheel/33130/ax757-chamber-pro-ii

How big of tire can I put on and NOT have any Rubbing? If the Tire sticks out no big deal the fender flairs will cover tires 4-5 inches outside the fenders.

 

Looking for some well thought out honest advice.

 

Thanks in advance,

 

Texas Suburban Trucker

[2018GMC]

285/75/16 or 285/70/17 (32.7”) will fit a stock GMT400 without rubbing. Now cycling the suspension more than 5” will cause the oversized wheel to hit the inner fender lip on front and rear. Ask me how I know ;-) this only happened when I was really cycling the suspension off-road. On road, speed bumps, towing, no issues. 

 

Since you you have a 4” lift you can definitely fit 33” - 34”. Maybe 35”. It really depends on wheel offset and rim width. 

 

Nice wheels. Post some pics when you get them mounted. Most tire shops will test mount a tire in front and you can turn wheel to check rubbing, etc. 

 

you may get more responses if you search or post on GMT400 forum. 

[Texas Suburban Trucker]

2009GMC:

 

Thank you for the post, I really appreciate it. I was going to go ahead and bite the bullet and put the large 4-5 inch Bushwacker ("Fender Cut away") flares on it. I really hate things to rub, and if the tires/wheels stick out a bit I think this should allow for enough room to still keep my Lock to Lock from Rubbing. (At least I hope so.)

 

These Wheels appear to be made (especially this design) for the HD Chevy 8 Lug Trucks. Does it appear the back space will be sufficient? I'm under the impression that the 17X9's can hold a pretty large tire, but I just don't know how large as in height and width. As I mentioned a 4 inch lift in front and a 2.5 in the rear.

 

With a Red and Black Truck I think these would look great with a red ring and black centers. American Racing has always put out good products in my experience, plus with the trailer I pull, these seem to be rated really high in strength. I always use at least a Grade "8" Load Tire B/C my Tractor is a bear to pull.

 

I have 31's on it now with no problems, but since I have 225k miles on it I'm giving it, its 100,000 mile Fix up. In this case the engine also was done. Before the Brodix Aluminum Heads and the Bigger cam (See Below) and the Fast EFI, it was rated at 550 TQ, and 450 Hp. The header are 2.25 Primary and 3.5 long tube in design to promote no exhaust exit issues if I add a Twin Screw SC to it, so there is plenty of room to grow if my pocket will allow it The Compression Ratio is 8.7:1. I tried a Procharger, but I really need a lot of low end grunt, and the engine will probably make all its power under 6000 rpm's.

 

Would you anticipate any Transfer case, or Half shaft issues with an addition of the Whipple SC?

 

Thank again for writing, this is the first time I have really stepped out with some real changes in performance with a Truck, and I would like to put it together correctly the first time if possible. (I already missed on the ProCharger, I'll use it on another car)

 

If you have any recommendations, please feel free to help steer me in the right direction. This Truck being heavy with everything I carry with it all the time, and the pulling of a Heavy Trailer I just don't want to have a break down because I overlooked something easy.

 

It looks like you also are a fan of the BFG KO2 Tires. Is there a particular size that you think would be the maximum I could put in there and still not rub, as indicated by the wheel specs?

 

BTW: If you know of some better wheels for the money, I am all ears. These I found for $376 each on 4x4 Group Buy. That looks really decent for a True Bead lock wheel. You thoughts?

 

 http://www.americanracingequipment.ca/wheel/33130/ax757-chamber-pro-ii

 

Thanks again,

 

Texas Suburban Trucker

 

[Squirrely]

Real bead lock wheels are not DOT approved.  You may want to look for a Sim lock.

 

You can easily run 35" tires with the cutout flares.  However, your gearing is going to suffer.  Especially when towing that tractor.  You will want to regear. I run 35s with 456 gearing.  Best choice I ever made. 

[Texas Suburban Trucker]

That is a great thought.

 

What are you running for an engine and transmisson, and how much weight are you towing?

 

My truck has 4:10's in it right now and is set up for a twin screw blower. Without it, it should be making at least 500 hp, and 600 tq. all below 5800 rpms.

 

I look forward to hearing more from you.

 

Thanks again for helping.

 

Sincerely,

 

Ty O'Neal

[Squirrely]

The 35s and 456 gearing is on my F150.  It has a 5.4l, rear end is rated same as a dana44, and the trans is a 4R70E.  I don't tow much, 2000lbs usually.  I've pulled my 75 c10 with this truck which is probable around 7000lbs gross with the trailer.

 

410 will be good for 33s.  I'm a believer in 456 for 35s.  Only ran my rpms up 200ish over stock with this gearing.