Replacing Stock tires on 03 Z71

gu1do0296 · June 27, 2006

Ok I know there are a million other questions about tires on this forum, I know because I've read through them. Anyways i thought I'd post another to get people's opnions because i just don't wanna regret my decision.

The truck is an 03 Silverado Z71, it came stock with 16" wheels and Firestone Steeltrex A/T's size 245/75/R16.

The truck is used primarily to drive myself, my wife and my baby all around town.

Secondly it is used to haul my atvs dirtbikes etc.. via the bed or trailer on trips lasting anywhere from 3-8 hours.

Sadly third it is used to do some light and very mild off roading consisting mostly of dirt/gravel/rocks and the occasional tiny mudpit.

1. What would be a reasonable size tire to put on the truck. I definitely don't like the 245's because they're too small and it makes the truck look little. I am considering 265/75 and 285/75. I am not against lightly trimming some plastic to make things fit but I am against cranking the torsion bars up to a point where I'll be replacing CV boots and axles. The last thing I need is more maintenance.

2. What would be a good looking/performing tire that I'm not going to regret while i drive around the city (most of the time). I am thinking of the BFG A/T, and also the Firestone Destination A/T. Primarily I want a tire that's not going to wear too quickly, than looks, and lastly off-road performance (Since i do so little). My friend at Belle tire is also trying to convince of the Toyo Open Country.

What would you do?

bry21317 · June 28, 2006

I have always had good luck in Snow, Sand and any off roading with Michelin LTX MS tires. I am about to put a pair on my new 03 Suburban, as I don't like the Firestone tires that are on it.

As to your other questions, I don't know.

I had 2 pairs of these tires on my 94 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 4x4, which is was Used for 4 wheeling alot and these tires never failed. This thing could go anywhere, including through snow and ice like nothing. I also got 60k or more out of each set. They are pricey, but they last for ever and nothing rides like them. They are great for Highway and fun.

Check into them, or ask some tire places.

Gator81 · June 28, 2006

Just a couple of thoughts.

My truck is a '92 K2500. The tires are Toyo Open Country, 245/75/16. These tires have 35K miles on them, and will likely get another 20K at least, maybe 25K. So I figure no problem at all getting 50K total miles, more likely 55K to 60K miles. That's a lot of miles for tires on a 3/4 ton truck. I've had no balance or other odd issues with the tires. I do an alignment and a tire rotation once a year.

I like the ride, noise, handling, and snow/ice traction qualities of the Toyo's. The 245 width is a little on the narrow side, but it's mostly an on-road truck, and the narrow width helps with fuel economy and tire life, I believe. Occasionally, when I'm on a lake beach somewhere with my boat, I'll let the air pressure down to about 15 psi to make them work better in the sand. With wider tires, that wouldn't be necessary. But it happens very seldom, so I'm Ok with what I've got.

When I went to buy tires last time, I was going to get Michelins. My dad has never run anything but them on his personal and work trucks (construction), millions of miles, and has the long term data to prove they are the most economical in the long term. But the shop I went to was out of Michelins, and made me a deal on the Toyo's. I would have to say now I don't know which I'd like best, they're probably about equal. I would not put Firestones on any vehicle. I worked for Firestone once, and had some of their tires, and would never do either again.

Good luck!

GOOSE · July 11, 2006

I am partial to the BFG ATs having never used the afore mentioned tires. Little to no road noise, excellent wear characteristics, very good traction on or off roading like you do. I had a set that got me through some nasty NE Ohio winters and being a plow truck driver for a municipality I have to drive through the worst of it before anything is touched to get the plow out. Off road I never did anything major, some wet sloppy grass/ mud inclines, some slightly washed out wet backroads. The tires were impressive. The only thing I didn't like was the ocassional rock they would catch and kick up (mudflaps!) Not impressed w/ firestone overall.