Need Tahoe Wheel Buying Help

[Lovemytahoez71]

Hey Folks,

 

I need some wheel help with my 2004 Tahoe. Currently I have the stock 17" wheels running 265/70/17 tires. I want a new set of tires and rims. I probably want to go with either 17" or 18" wheels because I don't want to burn up my brakes or suspension with huge wheels. When broswing the web I am confused and dubious of sites that claim to have wheels that fit the 6-lug Tahoe config when they display pictures showing 5-lug patterns. This doesn't make me want to spend $2000 with their company online.

 

What should I know when ordering wheels for my Tahoe? What lug pattern or measurement should I ask them about? Is there any particular offset that I should avoid or stick-with? Are there any trustworthy locations online that I should visit other than Tirerack?

 

Lastly....is it safe to assume that going with 20" wheels will require me to upgrade my brakes & suspension components? I don't want to create a vehicle that takes 200 ft to stop from 60 MPH:-)

 

Hellppppppp !!!!

 

Regards,

John

[chanswork]

I have a 2001 Tahoe and I have GM original equipment 20 inch wheels. I bought them on the used market as "take off" wheels. You should be able to find them on ebay also. GM dealers will sell these upgraded wheels for $3000 BUT you can get them on ebay for 1/2 the price with NEW TIRES. This is the best route to go as these were "engineered" for your GM vehicle. The correct fit, offset, etc. Spending $1500 on original equipment upgrades would be much better than spending $2000 or more on aftermarket wheel upgrades that aren't "engineered" for your vehicle. Also the GM 20" wheels hold their value even if you decide to sell them later. I can't say that about the other aftermarket wheels, which lose their value the minute you drive off the lot with them.

 

The 20s ride great and they don't require any brake upgrades. The sidewall is thick enough for a nice comfortable ride.