Which Size Tires?

[MattSD]

Well boys, I am finally pulling the triger on the ready lift 2.5 inch leveling kit for the old 07 GMT900 NBS truck. Question to all you tire experts. I am debating on two sizes of tires since I want to keep my factory 18" wheels. the tire sizes are as follows 285/65/18 (more expensive less options) and 275/65/18 (less expensive MANY options). I saw a 285/65/18 BFG Goodrich in person at Discount Tire and the guy let me roll it up to my truck to compare, and that think was HUGE and EXPENSIVE! Question for you guys, if I go with the 275/65/18 will that really look any bigger than the stock 275/65 that I have on now? I saw some 275/65/20's on a truck with the level and it looked just right. Not trying to build a monster truck here. Any and all suggestions, put downs, rambilings welcome.

[Matt_]

Check out the pics from the link in my sig or my garage on this site.

 

I'm running a 3" body lift and have 275/55/20 which are 32x11

 

From the sizes you listed, the 275s are the same size as my current tires and the 285s are barely an inch taller

 

Honestly I would stick with the 275/65/18s that way you won't have to worry about programming the speedo

 

Oh and the 275/65/20s are 34" tall

[Matt_]

Actually this may help

 

265/65/18 = 31.8 x 10.5

275/55/20 = 32.1 x 10.8

275/65/18 = 32.3 x 10.8

275/65/20 = 34.3 x 10.8

285/65/18 = 32.8 x 11.2

 

From that, actual sizes vary from manuf but those are nominals

 

Edit: now that I have 3" from the body lift I want to run 305/55/20s which are 33.4 x 12.0 .... And I hear they may be a tight fit

[stlavsa]

Actually this may help

 

265/65/18 = 31.8 x 10.5

275/55/20 = 32.1 x 10.8

275/65/18 = 32.3 x 10.8

275/65/20 = 34.3 x 10.8

285/65/18 = 32.8 x 11.2

 

From that, actual sizes vary from manuf but those are nominals

 

Edit: now that I have 3" from the body lift I want to run 305/55/20s which are 33.4 x 12.0 .... And I hear they may be a tight fit

 

They are going to be a tight fit... but I think you will just clear.. U know what wheels and tires I ran, and they rubbed a tad if I was turned full lock in reverse. That was with a 2" leveling kit. 3" will be just enough to clear them perfect... I think u will be golden.

[Matt_]

Thanks man. Only difference that might hurt me a little fitment wise is the wheels im going to get are 9" wide... and i have a choice of backspace: 5.0 or 5.5". The 5.5" backspace will help me clear the tires better but are $70 more total.... lol im thinking its worth the $70 to help make sure they fit since 9 wide w/5 backspace is pushing it.

 

Ok... [/END THREADJACK]

[jonnyboy]

Thanks man. Only difference that might hurt me a little fitment wise is the wheels im going to get are 9" wide... and i have a choice of backspace: 5.0 or 5.5". The 5.5" backspace will help me clear the tires better but are $70 more total.... lol im thinking its worth the $70 to help make sure they fit since 9 wide w/5 backspace is pushing it.

 

Ok... [/END THREADJACK]

 

i currently run a 17x9 wheel with a offset of -12 with 265's...with my torsions cranked about 2.25 inches or so they still rub on the mud flap ....its all about the backspacing and offset...