biggest tires

scottac · January 20, 2004

my first question is what are the biggest tires that will clear a 99' Z-71 with factory suspension.

my second question is how do you know that let's say a 33" tire is a 33" tire, when the size of the tire does not mention this.

thanks for all the replies

KonradSayek · January 21, 2004

The biggest size you can support with stock rims are 285/75. You will probably need to crank your torsion bars to avoid rubbing, however. I personally have been impressed with the smaller 265/75.

If I recall, only 15-inch rims use sizing with inches Newer rim sizes use a metric system to guage thier size. So, tires for your stock rims will not begin with 33x but something more like 245/75 or 260/70.

Bruce03Silverado · January 21, 2004

I just had 285/75/16 BFG AT TA KO's put on my 03 Silverado 4x4 and I have had no rubbing at all nor did I need to crank the torsion bars. They fit fine. I've got the stock Z85 suspension and I have the aluminum 16"x7" rims....they look awesome and I love them...just my .02

debo4x4 · January 21, 2004

You will have no problems with 285/75/16 and stock wheels. Shouldn't even have to crank the t-bars. I have seen a few trucks with 305/70/16 and they looked good but I don't know anybody personally that has them. Some say that 305's are too wide for the stock wheels and you will get uneven wear, but I have heard that about 285's too and mine have 40k+ now and are wearing great. I really think you could fit either with no problems, the 285's are just more popular.

Chris97K1500 · January 21, 2004

305's on stock 16x7rims is pushing it. My brother in law has them on stock wheels now and after only a month and less than 2000 miles, the middle of the tire is wearing much faster than the edges. He's aired down to as low as he can safely, but it's still not enough. His tires are actually a bit bigger than any 305's I've seen out. He's got the Super Swamper STS AT's, they are measured in standard 33x12.50R16, but are bigger than that. Most tires out say they are a certain size, but in reality they are smaller. He just got a set of 16x10 Eagle 058's to put the tires on. Chris

scottac · January 21, 2004

has anyone had any trouble with rubbing using 285/75/16. that is my main concern.

thanks

Bruce03Silverado · January 21, 2004

has anyone had any trouble with rubbing using 285/75/16. that is my main concern.

thanks

NONE! I have the 285's on my 03 and I have no rubbing, no clearance problems and have not cranked the t-bars. I wish 285's were an option on the trucks!