Originally posted by Ben Rumson
... are your factory rims 16" diameter - or the newer 17"?
... what make of tire? and how many miles are you getting out of them?
16" diameter rims. See Reader's Rigs photo.
I am running my long time favorite tires. Cooper Discoverer S/T.
http://www.coopertires.com/us/en/ProductDetails.asp?ProdType=LtTruck&id=190
I have been running S/T tires for years on a few different trucks. These have been wearing very well. I have 12,000 miles on them and there is a lot of tread left. And keep in mind that I don't drive nice. My throttle might as well be a toggle switch - either floored or not floored. I have owned multiple sets of these aggressive tires, and I will own more. I have been nothing short of thrilled with their performance, wear, and traction for such an aggressive tread. For the work I do, I need traction.
So, for miles expected out of them? I should easily get 35,000 mile on these tires before I decide to replace them. I usually replace tires before most people. If I get down to a 1/4 inch of tread, I am ready for new rubber.
These are basically 35 inch tires. They are the largest size that can fit on factory rims and meet the specified requirement for rim width by Cooper. My truck clears them with light rubbing on the upper track bar only at full lock of the steering wheel. A lot of guys will tell you that they tried 315 rubber and it rubbed everything. I think that my truck clears these tires because I have a HD 2500 with the camper and plow prep packages. Without the plow packages, and on a normal 2500, things may be more prone to rubbing. The HD 2500 trucks came with Dana 80 rear ends and all the same running gear as the 3500 trucks, minus the duallys. Normal 2500 trucks have a Dana 70 rear end and lighter springs. At least, that's how I understand it.
As much as I love how these 35" tires look on the truck, I think I will drop back to 265 rubber (same Cooper Discoverer S/T) for my next set. I have decided this for cost, safety, and towing reasons. The 315 rubber, while they have the same load rating in pounds as the 265 E rated tires, have a lot more sidewall flex, and are only D rated. I tow a lot of different trailers for work and personal use, including a 35 foot gooseneck horse trailer. I have noticed that, under heavy load, the sidewall flex of these tall tires hinders handling, therefore sacrificing safety, and sanity. Also, getting this already tall truck under that gooseneck is a challenge enough without extra tall tires. So, I'll be stepping back down to stock, 265 75 16 E rated rubber to get back to the stability and towing performance I need. If I was just hauling firewood and groceries and commuting with this truck, I'd keep 315s under it. But what I've gained in looks I've lost in stability and performance while under heavy loads. In fact, empty, the truck with 315s rides much nicer than it did stock. Oh well.
Is that enough info for ya?
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