Getting new tires, need some advice.

[TX-TahoeLtd]

I currently have 255/65/16 General Grabber AW's and am getting some new shoes in a week or so.

 

I'm limited to only Bridgestone/Firestone since I'm getting a discount.

 

If I wanted to go to a 265/75/16 on a 2wd Tahoe (old style), would I rub at full lock?

 

I'm trying to decide if I need to stay with 255's or not since the 255 selection is not that great.

 

 

Thanks!

[Shaners]

The Bridgestone Dualers are a nice tire. People here really like the Dualer Revo's.

 

I don't know if the 265's will rub or not on your 2wd. I know they will clear on the 4wd models without any problems.

[325]

My truck came with P235/75R16 Goodyear tires and I switched to Bridgestone Dueler H/P (D680) P275/60R17 (I also changed the wheels to 17" Centerlines). These are the same size (height or diameter) as the original tires, so no problem with the speedo adjustment, etc. The ride improved significantly even with the original shocks and suspension. Traction is outstanding in both wet and dry conditions. These are directional tires and I have read on other forums they are not that great in snow if that is any consideration for you. I would highly recommend these tires.

[TX-TahoeLtd]

Thanks for the replies.

 

The HP and the HL were the two I was considering.

 

The thing is that I'm not sure if a 255/65/16 is similar to a 265/70/16.

 

It would seem that the 265 is taller and has a taller sidewall, which is fine, so long as it doesn't rub. ;)

 

 

Snow is not a factor here in Texas.

[Wingnut]

If you are driving the truck in your username (Tahoe Limited) ....Isn't it lowered from the factory, something like a 2/4 drop?

 

That would cause problems going even just a little bigger than what it came with.

 

But of course, I could be wrong.

[LogixRat]

Guess it depends on what part of TX you are from rather or not snow is a factor. I remember last year Dallas getting some and screwing up a shipment I was overly anticipating. But yeah, it's probably not that much of a concern.

 

In regards to how each tire measures up, see below.

 

255/65/16 ---> 29.05" (height), 10.03" (width)

265/75/16 ---> 31.65" (height), 10.43" (width)

 

If you ever want to run the measurements yourself, simply take the width (the big number - 255 or 265 in this case) and multiply it by height (the small number - 65 or 75 in this case). When doing this remember the height is a percentage so there should be a decimal in front. After you do this take the value you arrive at and divide by 25.4 to convert from MM to inches. Multiply that number by 2 to accomodate for the top and bottom of the tire, and then add the correct size of your rim (in this case 16 since you have 16" rims). For example: 265 * .75 = 198.75 / 25.4 = 7.8248 * 2 = 15.6496 + 16 = 31.6496". The width is much easier, just divide the given value by 25.4 to convert from MM to inches. For example: 265 / 25.4 = 10.433" And if you want a super easy way to convert from MM to inches (along with a plethora of other conversion abilities) then you can download a program called Convert. I use it at work and at home, and love it. It's small and is handy as can be. Here is a link if you want to d/l it from my website:

 

Convert 4.1 Program

 

I do know that the larger tires fit perfectly fine under my 02 ECSB Silverado 2wd truck. And I might add they make it look a little beefier. I might be a little worried on your Tahoe cause if it's lowered from the factory like Wingnut suggested, it may really mess up the option of using the bigger tires. By the way I have seen some of those Tahoes and they do look nice.

 

Hope this helps a bit.

[MCourson]

Thanks for the program.

[k1500chevy97]

Guess it depends on what part of TX you are from rather or not snow is a factor. I remember last year Dallas getting some and screwing up a shipment I was overly anticipating. But yeah, it's probably not that much of a concern.

 

In regards to how each tire measures up, see below.

 

255/65/16 ---> 29.05" (height), 10.03" (width)

265/75/16 ---> 31.65" (height), 10.43" (width)

 

If you ever want to run the measurements yourself, simply take the width (the big number - 255 or 265 in this case) and multiply it by height (the small number - 65 or 75 in this case). When doing this remember the height is a percentage so there should be a decimal in front. After you do this take the value you arrive at and divide by 25.4 to convert from MM to inches. Multiply that number by 2 to accomodate for the top and bottom of the tire, and then add the correct size of your rim (in this case 16 since you have 16" rims). For example: 265 * .75 = 198.75 / 25.4 = 7.8248 * 2 = 15.6496 + 16 = 31.6496". The width is much easier, just divide the given value by 25.4 to convert from MM to inches. For example: 265 / 25.4 = 10.433" And if you want a super easy way to convert from MM to inches (along with a plethora of other conversion abilities) then you can download a program called Convert. I use it at work and at home, and love it. It's small and is handy as can be. Here is a link if you want to d/l it from my website:

 

Convert 4.1 Program

 

I do know that the larger tires fit perfectly fine under my 02 ECSB Silverado 2wd truck. And I might add they make it look a little beefier. I might be a little worried on your Tahoe cause if it's lowered from the factory like Wingnut suggested, it may really mess up the option of using the bigger tires. By the way I have seen some of those Tahoes and they do look nice.

 

Hope this helps a bit.

Whoa thats good info .

 

Thanks for posting it

[TX-TahoeLtd]

Wow! Thanks for the info.

 

Yes, I'm in Dallas, and yes, it's the Tahoe Limited.

 

I don't think it's got the 2/4 drop on it, it just has some ground effect skirt along the bottom. I'll see if I can't find someone with a 1999 2wd I can park next to for measurements.

 

If I recall, I think the Limited has the police package on it, so it might sit a little lower. That being the case, you're probably correct about the tire fitment, although with the current 255's, it seems like there's clearance enough for the next size up.

 

Oh well. I'll see if I can't snap a before and after pic once I decide on tires. I may hit a discount tire tomorrow at lunch and see if they'll let me roll a 265 out and see what it'd look like. I might not even want it afterall. ;)

 

Sure do wish 17's weren't so expensive. I'd buy a set of 17's and get a little lower profile tire while I'm at it. If only $$ grew on trees.

 

 

Thanks for the info!

[LogixRat]

Glad to see the info was beneficial to others, and glad I could share it!

 

In regards to the 17" wheels...have you looked in your local Bargain Trader or similar? I havae seen wheels of Escalades, etc. with lots of good rubber still left for just a little more than a brand new set of tires. I guess it just depends on your preference, but sometimes going used (especially with dressed up stock rims) isn't such a bad choice when working with a limited budget.

[Wingnut]

I know that the Tahoe Limited wheels can fetch a premium when you go to sell them.

 

I'm just saying, selling them may offset the cost of new (17") wheels.

 

But I would keep the stockers on a Limited....But thats because I really dig `em.

 

After looking around, I think I'll recant what I said in my previous post about lowering, it looks like it just came with a "heavy duty suspension package", and strengthened frame. .....Sway bar off of a Z71 etc...But not lowered.

 

And thanks, NoLimits

[TX-TahoeLtd]

Good info on the wheels.

 

I'm definitely going to keep the stockers for now.

 

I was thinking about it last night and it didn't figure that there was a drop on the truck. It still sits too high. I'm 6'2 and I slide right in to the truck. If it were lowered, I'm sure I'd have to sit down some to get into it.

 

Either way, thanks for the info all. I'm going to go by a Firestone shop today and see if they won't let me roll out a 265 so I can set it next to my truck to see what it'd look like. I'm also going to investigate the different tire sizes in the different styles.

 

I was told yesterday that the Bridgestone HP is not even offered in a 265/75/16. I like those tires, but I'm wanting to find out what they're offered in. I don't quite trust the web site b/c it says it *is* offered in that size.

 

The other tire of choice is the Bridgestone HL. They're both the same price at 140.99.

 

Will post with updates.

 

Thanks again for the info!!