Largest 20" tire with no level or lift?

SouthpawHD · November 26, 2018

I'm sure it's been asked, but I did not see what I was looking for in a search.

I would like like to get some new tires, leaning towards KO2s or Duratracs. My current tire size is 275/55/20. How large can I go without problems, 285/65? Or should I just go a little taller at 275/65? I'm not as concerned with going wider as I am taller to fill out the wheel well better.

This would be for my 2018 Sierra.

Edited November 26, 2018 by SouthpawHD

dmorrisL86 · November 26, 2018

www.customwheeloffset.com

SkiDooNick700 · November 26, 2018

Curious to hear about this as well. I just realized my truck most likely wont fit in the garage if I di a 2.5 level woth 275/65s. Need to measure tho to double check... but... preparing myself that I may need to keep it.... stock.... ??

SouthpawHD · November 26, 2018

28 minutes ago, dmorrisL86 said:

www.customwheeloffset.com

Well this is STRANGE - they are literally just down the street from me! Guess I am headed there for over lunch.

Donstar · November 26, 2018

This specific question is asked regularly and responses vary depending on what steps you are willing to go to prevent rubbing. I did a lot of research on this topic as I do like the look of larger tires. I soon realized that the most efficient and capable tires for my truck are found in my stock size. Increasing height will not enhance economy, power, or hauling ability. 275/55/20 was a huge tire up until recently. My '00 Silverado had 235 width stock and my '09 Sierra had 245 width stock.

SouthpawHD · November 26, 2018

Stopped over at Custom Offsets - they only seem to care about complete builds, far to busy to help me and another guy who stopped in with just tires. Suggested I call them instead.

So I called them, was told I could go a 33" tire with a leveling kit, so that means 275/60/20 tire. But they are booked out several months and I am not sure I can find anyone locally able to do these things.

14 gmcl83 · December 3, 2018

I just had installed 275/60/20 k02 and all I have is a level kit 2 inch on the front , I should of went 34s with how

much room I have but oh well. A 33 should fit no issue even with no level .

SouthpawHD · December 3, 2018

5 hours ago, 14 gmcl83 said:

I just had installed 275/60/20 k02 and all I have is a level kit 2 inch on the front , I should of went 34s with how

much room I have but oh well. A 33 should fit no issue even with no level .

From what I've been learning, you have the aluminum UCAs, which are different than the stamped UCAs of more recent models.

This whole process is overwhelming. One minute I want a 1" lift and stock size tires to not lose MPGs and then the next minute I want a 2" life and 33" tires. And then I realize I maybe shouldn't have gotten rid of my 3/4 ton if I'm going to spend money on a lift. Argh.

rkj__ · December 3, 2018

Just now, SouthpawHD said:

This whole process is overwhelming. One minute I want a 1" lift and stock size tires to not lose MPGs and then the next minute I want a 2" life and 33" tires. And then I realize I maybe shouldn't have gotten rid of my 3/4 ton if I'm going to spend money on a lift. Argh.

Go big, and get it out of your system. 4.5" CST lift!

When I got my first 4x4, I drove it stock for a year, and dragged the skid plates every time I went off road. I skipped the leveling kit, and went right to a 4" subframe lift. I did not regret it.

Now, on my second truck, the lifted truck thing is mostly out of my system. I'm going to stay with stock sized tires, unless I decide I need to make a habit out of driving places my truck does not have enough stock ground clearance to go.

SouthpawHD · December 3, 2018

50 minutes ago, rkj__ said:

Go big, and get it out of your system. 4.5" CST lift!

When I got my first 4x4, I drove it stock for a year, and dragged the skid plates every time I went off road. I skipped the leveling kit, and went right to a 4" subframe lift. I did not regret it.

Now, on my second truck, the lifted truck thing is mostly out of my system. I'm going to stay with stock sized tires, unless I decide I need to make a habit out of driving places my truck does not have enough stock ground clearance to go.

I really started this just wanting a little more ground clearance and some more aggressive tires. I was soon disappointed to learn that a slightly taller tire could not be had without some sort of leveling kit.

I don't drive anywhere very extreme, that's what the ATV is for. But I still tow my camper 2x per year and the boat about 4x per year, so can't go too extreme.

draperfish · December 4, 2018

I put BFG AT KO2 275/60r20's on mine, no rubbing or mods. Don't know if I could go any bigger without rubbing.

Edited December 4, 2018 by draperfish

SouthpawHD · December 4, 2018

1 hour ago, draperfish said:

I put BFG AT KO2 275/60r20's on mine, no rubbing or mods. Don't know if I could go any bigger without rubbing.

And you did that with no level kit? Strange as it just adds more confusion because most of what I've read says you need a level to run tires that size. For sure I would get those tires if I knew I could without a level.

draperfish · December 4, 2018

1 hour ago, SouthpawHD said:

And you did that with no level kit? Strange as it just adds more confusion because most of what I've read says you need a level to run tires that size. For sure I would get those tires if I knew I could without a level.

No level kit, 100% stock Z71 1500 CrewCab. If I turn the front wheels full right or left there's about 1/4 or so of clearance with the wheel well liner. I haven't seen any signs of rubbing. Picture is the clearance with the wheel fully turned.