Tire suggestions: 245 or 265

jblack16 · July 17, 2006

I could use some quick advice. I have a 2004 2500HD 4x4 extended cab that has the stock tires (LT245/75/16). I need new tires and want to get bigger ones but keep my stock 16in aluminum wheels. Can you run 265's on there without hitting the wheel wells? My local tire guys said they didn't know if anything bigger than 245's can work, but I know I have seen guys driving around with bigger than stock tires on the aluminum wheels. Any advice? Any recommendations for tire makes/models? I found a set of Michelin LTX's in the E load range that are 265/75/16. I am thinking about going with these. Thanks for your help.

Shaners · July 17, 2006

Those Michelins were the exact same tire and size that I was running on my '01 2500HD.

They looked good, rode and handled well and were one of the best (if not the best) tires that I have ever owned.

There were no clearance problems at all.

Personally I would not put anything biger on the stock (narrow) wheels than a 265/75/16. (especailly if you haul or tow heavy loads.) Alot of people are running 285's on stock wheels without any problems, but I won't go any bigger than 265's on my truck.

Needgasmoney · July 17, 2006

Have you looked at LT235/85/16 as these are as tall as the LT265/75/16 but will fit the stock aluminum rims better since they are not as wide as the LT265/75/16. Just something to look into.

Daubs · July 18, 2006

I have REVO's in 285 on my stock rims. All I did was crank the t-bars. Look and perform great.

Ranger354 · July 18, 2006

NO problems with my BFG 295's on stock rims. I work my truck daily and it pulls trialers fine. Email me at [email protected] and I will send you some pictures of it.

JRKRACE · July 18, 2006

I had 265 Michelins on the stock rims....Best combo so far for me..

N900WM · July 19, 2006

I run 265's on stock rims in the winter and they work great. There will be no clearance problems. As a matter of fact, GM authorizes the use of 265's on the truck. Your dealer can reprogram your computer to allow for the 265 tire.

Cheekster96 · July 19, 2006

Hey gang...correct me if I am wrong (and probably am) but I thought when the width of a tire is changed (say from 245 to 265s), that the speedometer does not need to be calibrated whereas the aspect ratio was changed (say from 75 to 85 series) it would have to be.

I have the stock 245 Bridgestones on my 06 and like to go to 265s.

Lee

SharkRacer · July 19, 2006

Hey gang...correct me if I am wrong (and probably am) but I thought when the width of a tire is changed (say from 245 to 265s), that the speedometer does not need to be calibrated whereas the aspect ratio was changed (say from 75 to 85 series) it would have to be.

I have the stock 245 Bridgestones on my 06 and like to go to 265s.

Lee

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

You are.

Sidewall height is determined by multiplying aspect ratio (as a percentage) with the section width. I'm going to flake out here and use fake numbers to make the math easier:

tire 1: 100/50-15

tire2: 150/50-15

tire 1's sidewall height is 100(.5) = 50mm

tire 2's sidewall height is 150(0.5) = 75mm

So going from 245->265 and keeping the aspect ratio the same will still increase sidewall height, thus increasing overall tire diameter.

(Keep in mind, O.D. = ((sidewall height x2) + rim diameter) )

-Steve

jblack16 · July 19, 2006

Thanks for the advice so far. I got a couple suggestions about going to a taller tire, a 235/85/16 rather than the 265s. Any thoughts there?

tflessner · July 19, 2006

Thanks for the advice so far. I got a couple suggestions about going to a taller tire, a 235/85/16 rather than the 265s. Any thoughts there?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Tire rack has a tire chart on it's website here: Tire Rack - Tire Chart

Looks like the 235/85/16 is the same diameter as the 265/75/16. The 235 will just have a narrower track, good for traction (digging in) in mud, snow, etc. (instead of floating on top).

MASH4077 · July 22, 2006

I have a set of the Michelin LTX M/S 265/75/R16 on my truck. Handles great, never had any problems with traction in any weather so far. Truck has 18k on it, these tires were put on at 1000 miles.

dizzy · July 30, 2006

The 265/75R/16's will fit your truck just fine. You are going from a 30" tire to a 31.9" tire. This will throw off your speedo and you will lose a tiny bit of power.

I installed 285/75R/16E 33.0" BFG MT's on mine, I had to trim the front air dam and crank up on the Torsion bars (just leveled out the truck with 0PSI in Air-Lift airbags in rear for pulling trailer). I have a HyperTechIII to correct speedo changes. I have 4.10 final gear and I seen a 500RPM drop at hiway speeds with the 33" tires. It did nothing for MPG, actually a bit worse. Ride was better but a lot more noisy.

If I had to do it again, I would have installed the 265's. You should see about 250-300RPM drop on the freeway. If you are pulling a trailer, keep the 30" tires or you will feel it up a hill.

Stock OEM tires weigh 38lbs.

BFG MT 285/75R/16E's weigh 50lbs. each.