air pressure

Teal03 · January 19, 2004

Hi all I have a 03 silverado with the chrome steel wheels. I just bought a set of 16 inch alloys off a 04. My truck has 255/70R16's from the factory. The door jam sticker states that with the 16X6.5 inch steel rims to run 30psi up frount and 35psi in the back. My ? is do I need to alter my psi for the new alloys that are 16X7 inch? If any one with this tire and rim package from the factory could help that would be great.

Thanks,

Rich G

robsawatsky · January 19, 2004

Assuming those are typical "P" rated tires, not "LT", they probably have a max inflation pressure of 35 psi. GM recommends 35 psi for the rear because that's where the most weight will be if the truck is loaded to its GVWR. However, when you are running empty or even with a few hundred pounds in the bed, that pressure won't really be necessary. Now, putting that aside, I believe the recommended pressures are a compromise given too much towards comfort and always ran my old 1/2 ton pickup with "P" rated tires at the max rated pressure marked on the sidewall since anything less lead to poorer handling, particularly on the front, which is where most of your weight is most of the time if you are like me and don't carry a load around much.

So, I'd run 35 psi all around.

Shaners · January 19, 2004

Somewhere on the rim, there should be a max inflation pressure stamped.

However, until you upgrade to an "LT" tire I wouldn't recommend exceeding the pressure that is on the sidewall of the current tire.

Machine · January 19, 2004

I'm more concerned with what the tire sidewall indicates rather than what GM says... If your new Alloys are built for SUV's/ Trucks then they should be strong enough for LT rated tires

My Z71 states 30 psi on the door for both factory installed front / back, P Rated tires. The tire pressure on the tire sidewall indicates a max of 44 psi. I've set them at 35 psi and the ride quality is good. It seems that the norm for P rated tires is 35 psi, at least that's what the boys at Discount Tire say.

The aftermarket BFG 305's on my 2500HD are LT tires mounted on truck / SUV rated Alloys - their max pressure is 65 psi... I run the truck empty at 50 psi and have had no problems.