Tires...

[vfibZ71]

   Hi guys!  I am a new member,  although I have been visiting for quite a while.  I have learned much from all of you  and have used your advice to help me select the options when buying my truck.  

   I have a question about tires ( i know this topic is discussed quite often ).   I have the Firestone 265's and have already tweaked the torsion bars.  I am ready to buy the BFG 285's but have a concern about shifting problems due to some of the posts in the past.  How many of you that have done this tire change have had new shifting/ABS problems?  Is a hypertech programmer necessary?

[Frank S]

You don't have to buy a reprogrammer if you go with the 285's.

 

You can go to the dealership and have them adjust your computer to compensate your shift points and speedometer for the size increase if you'd rather do that.

 

Welcom aboard!

[RyanbabZ71]

YZR2K

 

You are incorrect (sorry man)

 

But the dealer cannot reprogram for sizes other than the sizes offered on the specific model truck.  So 265's is the largest they can go.

 

I have 285's and have for over 10K miles.  Great tires.  I did buy the prgrammer only to correct for the speedo.  

 

If you do not do any reprogramming the only thing that will be off will be your speedo at high speeds and your milage.  ABS you will notice a little difference but not much.  Shifting was not affected at all by going larger.

[Frank S]

Quote from RyanbabZ71, posted on Sep. 20 2001,4:55

YZR2K

 

You are incorrect (sorry man)

 

But the dealer cannot reprogram for sizes other than the sizes offered on the specific model truck.  So 265's is the largest they can go.

 

 

 

 

Since when?

 

I'm not trying to start an argument here but I've known 4 people who have had this done at a dealership and can judge the difference by local trailer pulled radar stations that Texas usues for the purpose of remote enforcement surveilance.

[RyanbabZ71]

ok let me ask you something (not bashing) but how did they go about it?

 

To program for larger tires the tech has to call gm-tech assistance to get a code for their programmer.  The tech called and they wouldnt give him a number and he had me talk to gm-tech assistance.  They said they cannot reprogram for 285's because it is a "non-stock" tire.  

 

Maybe the people who you knew had their abs reprogrammed but as for the speedo they cannot correct it.  I was told this by gm so thats what info i am basing it on

[512silverado]

Hey yZR2k-

 

Your friends that have 285's, did they keep stock rims?  How does it look?

thanks

[MountaineerTom]

Quote from 512silverado, posted on Sep. 20 2001,8:20

Hey yZR2k-

 

Your friends that have 285's, did they keep stock rims?  How does it look?

thanks

 

512silverado,

First, welcome to the site.  We hope you enjoy it.  Stepside Z and Ryanbab have 285/75-16 BFG's on the stock rims.  The look really good.  Here's their pics:  Stepside Z          Ryanbab

[512silverado]

The BFG's look great on those trucks! I am posting Q's on another thread, but here goes anyway-

Do y'all  have any other recommendations for that size of tire other than BFG?  Has anyone heard good/bad stuff about the new Interco TRXUS?  I've seen them, and the look great, and are a little more affordable.

[Frank S]

Quote from 512silverado, posted on Sep. 20 2001,7:35

The BFG's look great on those trucks! I am posting Q's on another thread, but here goes anyway-

Do y'all  have any other recommendations for that size of tire other than BFG?  Has anyone heard good/bad stuff about the new Interco TRXUS?  I've seen them, and the look great, and are a little more affordable.

 

512

 

One of them did out of a shortage of funds but plans on going with aftermarkets before long.

 

Ryan

 

I see where you are coming from now.

 

It's not that they can't do it,it's that they won't do it.

 

We know several techs who know how to do it and that's how my friends were able to have it done.

[Stepside Z]

Let me try to help some. I have heard there are some different tire sizes that can be programmed into the computer that will compensate for the ABS. However from what I understand the speedo cannot be changed. I might be wrong. The difference in the tire size does not make that much of a difference in the speedo. I did a tach verses speed check after I had the 285s installed and up to 55 mph I have noticed no change. At 80 befor the switch I was turning 2200 rpms, after the switch I am turning about 2100. The shift points are good so don't worry about that. If you are tempted then go for it. You won't regret it. One more thing the BFGs are the best tires I have ever owned. I hope this helps.

[vfibZ71]

Thanks guys for the info.  I feel much better about the purchase.  I have seen most of the pics posted by members and the 285's do look great.

[illmac77]

i would check out the goodyear wrangler AT/S 285's i have ran them through rain, snow , mud  and on dry pavment ...very slight road noise,besides that handles great threw the all of the elements... just a suggestion if your looking into other brands of all terain tires.

[DigUout]

Welcome to the site vfibZ71!!

 

I noticed no problems with the ABS after going up to the 285's.  I was also told by my dealer that they couldn't reprogram the speedo for 285's.  A cheaper solution than a $300 Hypertech 3 chip, is Jet Chip's Speed Control Unit for about $150.  Changes the speedo, shift points and removes the top speed limiter.  My vote for alternatives to BFG's are their Pathfinder series.  Made by BFG for about $40 less a tire.  

Happy shopping! -