Minimum Lift for 305s

Meatywand · April 12, 2006

I have a 2001 Silverado Z-71, I'm currently running 285s on the 16 stock wheels. I want to switch to a 16x8 and run a 305 Tire. What is the minimum amount of clearance I need to do this? Could I accomplish it with Ford Keys and add-a leaf in the back, with a little splash guard trimming up front? I had a 3 inch bodylift and 35s on my 97 GMC so I can deal with a little bit of Rubbing, but I want to avoid a full on 3 inch Body lift if at all possible!

Valsport · April 13, 2006

There are hundreds of people running 305's with no suspension modifications on 1/2 ton 4wd trucks.

Z71jobert · April 13, 2006

i have a 2000 z71 and i have been running goodyear mt/r 305's since the day i got it without any mods. i have a 3" BL on it now but i had no clearance problems before i put the lift on.

Meatywand · April 14, 2006

Stock wheels or aftermarket, I heard that a wider aftermarket wheel will affect the clearance...which is why I wasn't sure if I needed the keys or not...but I may get them because I might get a winch and I know that can make the front end sag a little bit

lousieg55 · April 17, 2006

I have a 2002 gmc with ford keys and 3 bl and fit 305s easy wit 16 x 10 wheels

MrHughes919 · April 18, 2006

i still dont understand why people wanna invest their money in these nice tires....JUST SO THEY CAN RUB AND GET TORN UP!!! is there some particular reason why you have to have these bigger tires on there??? i cant justify it

Meatywand · April 18, 2006

I'm trying to see if I can fit them without rubbing...

Valsport · April 21, 2006

i still dont understand why people wanna invest their money in these nice tires....JUST SO THEY CAN RUB AND GET TORN UP!!! is there some particular reason why you have to have these bigger tires on there??? i cant justify it

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

1. If you are ever off the pavement which it does not sound like you are, you have a larger contact patch on which to create tractive effort. In sand and mud you develop more bouyancy. And, I and many other people who own and USE the 4wd feature on thier trucks require a more aggressive tread than oem treads.

2. equivalent 33" tires look 110% better that stock 31" tires.

3. Everyone has thier own tastes, why you think larger or "more expensive tires" are irrational is not helping this owner seeking to confirm the fitment of a specific tire size.

Meatywand · April 21, 2006

took the words right outta my mouth...nice truck btw

Skyz71 · April 21, 2006

I'm with both of you, MrHughes919 just wasted everyones time, he probably shouldn't even be on here. Anyways, I have a bud who runs 305's on a stock 1/2 ton. It worked out fine, but just for looks he put on a 2" body lift and it actually looks great.

Valsport · April 21, 2006

One of the forum managers at Chevy Truck World drives a '99 sierra 1/2 ton z71 with 305 70 16 goodyear mt/r's that look great. He opted to do a minor torsion bar adjustment for aesthetics, but he reported no rubbing. I'll try to post some pics of this truck....