Wheels and Tires Query

Tom Fenton · June 2, 2022

Hi All,

I drive a 2009 Ext. Cab 1500 Silverado. 154k miles but had a reman fraser engine fitted about 2k miles ago so she's humming!

Apologies if similar questions have been asked before I'm struggling finding exact answers using the search function!

My tires are reaching the end of their life and I'm looking at taking the opportunity to change my wheels too.

I would like to improve off road performance and visuals and am planning a levelling kit but don't want a lift as I've never had a clearance issue on the trails I use.

I'm after something simple with a slightly wider size.

Like: https://www.discounttire.com/buy-wheels/vision-soft-8 in maybe 17x9?

Not really sure what difference a stud pattern makes or what offset is better?

As for tires I'm looking at going bigger I guess. I've read 33" is the biggest you can go without modifications so was wondering what size everyone recommended? To improve off road performance / grip without totally destroying gas mileage and hopefully still completing the "chunk off road" look. And whether there was a brand that was good and what I should be budgeting?

I'm also hoping to get the whole thing purchased and fitted from a simple chain place (I'm in VA) if possible so it's a one stop shop. I've tried building a package on various sites but not having much luck!

Any insights would be appreciated. Thanks

CamGTP · June 2, 2022

The bolt pattern must match that of your truck, so it matters a lot. Make sure they sell wheels that are the same bolt pattern as Silverado's.

The offset is up to you, how much do you want the wheel to stick out or be flush with the fender? Some wheels will only offer limited offset specs on certain rim sizes etc etc.

A level kit with 33's will reduce fuel mileage and if you use an offroady tire, that can make it worse as well. An all terrain tire will be usually less aggressive and weight less than many "off road" tires, so that could help save on fuel mileage. Many stock tires are 32 to 32.5in tall on many of the factory 20-22in rims, so you could stay with something that size if you thought they were big enough.

swathdiver · June 2, 2022

Stock offset is 31mm on most GMT900 wheels, especially if you are running 17s or 18s. The less offset, the more clearance issues you will have, especially if you are set on running such a wide wheel.

285-70-17 is a popular choice with stock wheels.

Some more fuel efficient choices may be... well let me upload the chart I made a while back for my Yukon.

This chart was made for my Yukon, your pickup may handle some of the tires in the green area without trimming or with little in the way of trimming. I spent hours looking at member's photos, you would be wise to do so as well.

All is for naught if you choose a wheel with a shallow or negative offset, sticking the tire out past the fender.

Tom Fenton · June 20, 2022

Hey guys. Thanks for coming back to me. Had loads going on and didn't get back to this thread.

Not super interested in bigger diameter, staying 17s would be fine.

Would wanna stay flush if possible and all terrain tires would probably do rather than full off road ones.

Any recommendations for a good place to get a joint wheels and tires setup? I'm in Northern Virginia

swathdiver · June 20, 2022

4 hours ago, Tom Fenton said:

Hey guys. Thanks for coming back to me. Had loads going on and didn't get back to this thread.

Not super interested in bigger diameter, staying 17s would be fine.

Would wanna stay flush if possible and all terrain tires would probably do rather than full off road ones.

Any recommendations for a good place to get a joint wheels and tires setup? I'm in Northern Virginia

Sticking with 17 inch wheels, you are not going to want 9 inch wide wheels. The stock wheels are 7.5 inches wide which is plenty. You will be hard pressed to find a 17 inch wheel with a stock offset, 31mm or close to it. Check TireRack.

Anyway, those 17 inch sizes in the chart will work, pick one. Do a search on here for the size you are looking at, there are plenty of photos.