8 lug wheels/ Yukon XL 8.1 3/4 ton

boomer 33 · October 6, 2003

Like the new ride but the 8 lug wheels and tires look dinky on such a big platform. There is enough room between the wheel opening and the top of the tire to build storage compartments. Any ideas on a wheel & tire package that would look like stock but fill up the space more? The stock tires are really small! I am thinking of putting Chevy stock fender flares on and that will help, but still, those tires!!

kazuaki · October 6, 2003

I put 285/75-16 BFG All Terrains on my stock rims immediately after buying my '03 3/4 tom Suburban 4x4. It looks 100% better and does well when I have to tox in soft sand.

2003yukonxl2500 · October 8, 2003

I have a 2003 Yukon XL 2500 6.0 and replaced the tires with 285/75/16 as well. They are on the stock rims and don't rub at all. I also scrapped the GMC heavy duty small black flares and bought the "Chevy" ones and painted them (carbon) to match. I'm now adding a Westers PCM to make up for the performance loss.

-Jeff

boomer 33 · October 8, 2003

Are you talking about performance loss because of the larger diameter tire? Did you notice any significant difference in the speedometer accuracy? I took off the small flares from the factory also and plan on doing the same, Chevy flares painted the color of the Yukon.

kazuaki · October 8, 2003

To me, the speedometer error is no big deal. Theoretically, it should be off by 7-8%, which mean when you speedometer says you are going 60mph, you are really going about 65mph. You put less miles on your truck this way As for performance loss, I did notice a small difference, but it was well worth it. Not only do the new tires look better, but they work a lot better than the stockers.

2003yukonxl2500,

I hope you have better luck with the Wester's than I did. I returned mine after having a few issues (including lack of performance) with it. Lyndon says they have the 2003 issues figured out now, so you may have better results.

Burbman · October 8, 2003

Kazauki,

Are those LT-rated tires? I want to go to 285's but didn't think I could on the stock rim at 6 1/2" wide. I have '01 2500 Suburban with 8.1/4.10/4WD.

I thought 285's needed an 8" rim or wider. I also tow an RV and want to make sure I have good weight ratings. Have Michelin 245/75/16 in LR-E rated at 3042 lbs.

If I can use stock rims saves me the price of new ones....

Don

kazuaki · October 9, 2003

They will work perfectly for you. I have the exact same 'Burb, but a 2003. I have them mounted on the stock rims. They are an LT285/75-16, load range D. The important thing here, though, is that because they are larger tires they have a higher weight rating even though they are only load range D. They are rated to carry 3,305 lbs. each. I have no problems with them on my stock rims towing my 10,000 lb. trailer. I even air them down to 15-18 psi to tow the trailer through the soft sand and they hold up to it well. I would highly recommend them. It's nice that they look pretty aggressive, but still have excellent street manners.

2003yukonxl2500 · October 9, 2003

I feel like I lost a little performance moving to the taller/wider tire. My speedo is off about 4-5 MPH at 60. I definately like the look better. I've heard both good and bad results witht the Westers PCM. Do you have the 6.0 motor?