Anyone running 18 inch tire/wheel combo?

GTUSN2006 · January 27, 2006

I am about to wear out my original Bridgestone Duarvis tires in the awe-inspiring 245/75r16 that came from the factory on my 04 2500hd 4x4 6.0. So I am looking to go larger. I have the stock steel wheels so will be replacing them as well.

Looking at 3 main sizes right now.

265/75R16 on 16x8's

265/70R17 on 17x9s

285/60R18 on 18x9 or 18X9.5 (most preferred option, BUT)*

All are about 31.5 inches tall, 1 inch taller than stock, which is good for me, i just want width.

*Wheelsforless.com says a 18x9.5 with a 285/60r18 wont fit on a 2500hd, but the same tire on a 18x9 would. Anyone run an 18inch wheel tire combo? I am perfectly willing to trim the air dam, even though its alot prettier now that its black, but i dont want rubbing on the fender wells. The problem is, the wheels i want only come in the 18x9.5 size. I am also planning on installing green keys to level-er out before i get the new tires. I don't do alot of pulling of heavy loads, just a 17' boat and using the bed to haul stuff around, so reducing sidewall doesnt concern me much.

I am looking at BFG AT KO's or Nitto Terra Grapplers (which offer more sizes and now d and e load ratings). If anyone was just wondering about that.

Any experience and or advice is appreciated.

ABQFirefighter · January 29, 2006

You must be looking at the Eagle 114 wheel, right? They will work. I used to have them on my truck, but with the Terra Grappler 325/60R18 tires. Now, those tires are like 13" wide (they rubbed). I did some trimming and installed a 1/4" wheel spacer and it greatly reduced the rubbing. Now, if you install the 285/60R18, I believe you will be fine. Several people have installed the same setup as that with no problems. You might need to trim a little here or there, and crank up the front end as well, but they WILL fit.

GTUSN2006 · January 29, 2006

I was actually looking at the American Racing Mojave, but they only have 4.25" of backspacing. Guessing the large backspacing on the Eagle wheels is what helps them out.

How do you like the terra grapplers? Road noise? Traction? Towing? Wear?

And is there a reason you switched from the 18 combo (negative attributes)?

Anyone know of wheel companies that make 5" or above backspacing on an 18?

Also, this is off topic, but are Chevy IFS trucks wider in the front? As in the front axle/wheels, or is it just an optical illusion?

ABQFirefighter · January 31, 2006

If you're looking at doing a lift, you want a wheel with 4.5" or less of backspacing. You won't be able to install a lift kit with a 5" or 6" backspacing.

I like the Terra Grapplers a lot. I am on my second set now. They are quiet, wear good, good in the sand (camp at the lake a lot).

I went back to the 16" combo to lessen a little unsprung wheel weight. I installed my Whipple and wanted to go with a little lighter wheel/tire combo.

Most trucks do have a little wider front track than the rear. When you install a lift, it pushes them out a little more up front.

I was actually looking at the American Racing Mojave, but they only have 4.25" of backspacing. Guessing the large backspacing on the Eagle wheels is what helps them out.

How do you like the terra grapplers? Road noise? Traction? Towing? Wear?

And is there a reason you switched from the 18 combo (negative attributes)?

Anyone know of wheel companies that make 5" or above backspacing on an 18?

Also, this is off topic, but are Chevy IFS trucks wider in the front? As in the front axle/wheels, or is it just an optical illusion?

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03HD · January 31, 2006

If you're looking at doing a lift, you want a wheel with 4.5" or less of backspacing. You won't be able to install a lift kit with a 5" or 6" backspacing.

You CAN install a lift with a 5" back spacing, but you cannot install a spindle style lift. I am running a 6" procomp lift which lowers both the upper and lower control arms and am using a 17x10 wheel with 5" back spacing. I agree you need to keep the backspacing under 4-5/8" for a spindle lift.