Question about adding Wheels to 2500HD "05"

flash_e · September 1, 2004

I am in the process of ordering a Chevrolet 2500HD and I was wanting to put 20-22" wheels on it with as close to the original tire size as I can. My question is should I stay with the 8 lug or get a conversion to the 6 lug pattern. My other question is will I need to get a lift kit for the turck so that the new wheels and tires will have enough clearance? What size would you recommend? One last thing....what type of life kit would you recommend. I am new at all of this and open to any suggestion. I forgot to add it is a 4x4 and I will be using it to pull a boat approximately 10,000lbs. Thanks

Shaners · September 1, 2004

Welcome to the forum...

If you are going to stay with an overall tire wheel combo that gives you approx the same diameter as the stock 245/75/16 tires then you shouldn't need a lift kit.

If you plan on using the truck as it was originally intended, I would stick with the 8-bolt pattern. Unfortunatly that will limit you to fewer rim choices...

flash_e · September 1, 2004

I am wanting to keep the same size tire as in 245/75/then 20 or 22. This is why I wondering about the lift kit and the recommendation.

ChevyHDGert · September 1, 2004

245/75 equivalent tires on 20's? You're not gonna have much sidewall, really low profile. Why not bump up to a 33" (285)?

flash_e · September 1, 2004

This is what I would like to do either have the 275 or 285. You are right on the sidwall not having enough if I went with the 245. Will the tires be stable on 20 or 22" rims and will I need a lift kit for clearance and if so how much and what would you recommend? Thanks for all of the help guys.

builderpaul · September 1, 2004

YOu bought an HD and you need an HD (boat weight). They have 8lug wheels for a reason, to handle the weight they were designed for. If you change to a 6 lug (how does that work anyway?) you will lower your weight capacity. Also check those tires you are thinking of. Load range E or else you will lose the GVW that you paid for when you got an HD.

flash_e · September 2, 2004

I have found some wheels that are 8 lug and I can get them in either 20 or 22". I will be sure to make sure the tires are the load rated E to be able to handle the weight of the boat. Is there any problems with going with the 20 or 22" wheels with a lift kit? The majority of 2500HDs that I have seen have 17" wheels with 315 tires and a 6" lift. Will the larger wheels and tire make the truck unstable with the 20 or 22" wheels and the 285 tires? Thanks for the good info.