2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission 33" or 35" Tires: Is there a big difference?

[BWagnaar]

So I'm way past due for tire, I have about 55,000 on my Pro Comp Mud Terrains 285/75R16 with a few burn outs and what not. I am interested in doing a leveling kit and running 35" (315/75R16), but I'm am worried about how the truck will handle with 35s and a leveling kit. Has anyone done a leveling kit but kept 33" tires? How did it look? I drive out 40 miles a day over a decent whinedy hill. Also how did steering feel, did you have to get different control arm?

Thanks

 

[MRoberts]

Here is a pic of mine with BFG AT 285/75/16 with 2" custom coils from CSS.



I'm going to a set of 3rd gen wheels with Toyo MT 285/75/17 which is a 34" tall tire. You shouldn't have any trouble with 315's and a 2" lift, but to get the axle centered, I would recommend some longer control arms. Before the new wheels and tires go on, I'll be adding these. Scroll down a bit.

 

[BWagnaar]

so did you notice any difference in driving or handling when you install the springs? I like the stance of the level truck, did you have the step bars before or after? I'm already kind of tearing the seat up sliding out of the truck, I think i need some.

 

[Joe Mc]

I have, see sig for tires, and a 2" leveling kit (steel - I think from 4X4.com ?) they've been in a few years. I fought the track bar/wander/vibration monster for many years and after 3 POS Stock type Moog (lifetime replacement part) trackbars I "finally" ended up getting Wild Country (I think) upper and lower control arms (not adjustable), the steering stabilizer kit (eliminated sector shaft play from the steering box), and an adjustable 3rd gen trackbar & bracket. WOW!!! I was finally able to center the wheels in the frame (3rd gen trackbar), no more wander (steering stabilizer) and no more vibrations (combonation of new control arms, trackbar and stabilizer). Took me a tad of $$$ and some years to get it right but it's a different truck now, even with 40k+ on the nittos (R/Front has a bad steel band too boot) the truck is SCHA-WEET - FINALLY!!!!!!!



Oh, the nittos never ever touch anywhere, steering lock to lock and at any suspension angle. I've heard some guys get a bit of contact with the 315s on the lower control arm on locked turns. Also, even with the 4" exhaust I was able to stow the 305 spare in the stock location - it was tight and about 1/2" away from the tail pipe but, it's up there and not in the bed.

 

[Bob4x4]

If you go with the BFG's the 33s will corner better than the 35's. I had the 33x12. 50's on the 94 with sway bars it cornered like it was on rails,went up to the 315's and it was not so confidence inspiring. I have a set of H2 wheels I am mounting 35" toyos on we will see how that works out.



Bob

 

[MRoberts]

so did you notice any difference in driving or handling when you install the springs? I like the stance of the level truck, did you have the step bars before or after? I'm already kind of tearing the seat up sliding out of the truck, I think i need some.

The springs are custom height and rate. CSS will build them to your specs. It's actually a cool process.



1. They have you measure from the highest point of your wheel well to the ground on both sides.



2. Then you jack your truck up to the height you want it to be and measure again. That gives them the amount of lift to build into the springs.



3. Aftermarket bumper, winch, off road, stock feel. Those are some of the factors they will need to determine the rate for your springs.



I had them build mine to mimic the stock rate. When I put the springs in, I also changed to Bilstein 5100. Those made a huge improvement in the ride and handling.



I had the bars prior to the lift, I don't use them much for getting in and out. Mostly for washing.

 

[BDaugherty]

I did a leveling kit with 315's in order to try to cut some RPM's since I have the 4. 10's. I like the look. The power change wasn't noticeable. The ride is the same or better. The steering isn't as good. The caster change with the short little control arms and the leveling kit causes some minor handling issues in sweeping curves at speed. If I had it to do again, I might have done the 315's with no lift at all.

 

[Bob4x4]

315's won't clear on a 2nd gen with no lift,3rd gens will



Bob

 

[Sixpack]

Been there done that..... Didn't like the 35's so I went back to the 32's. If you tow any weight at all on any grades, "I" don't think you'll be happy. The 35's rubbed on the lower control arms and my mileage went down 3mpg..... BUT... it did look awesome! Just too many negatives for me.

 

[BDaugherty]

315's won't clear on a 2nd gen with no lift,3rd gens will



Bob

I ran 315's on my '01 for a month before I installed the leveling kit. The only rubbing was on the control arms at full steering lock. The leveling kit did not change that. It still rubs lower control arms at full lock.



Also, with 4. 10's and a 6spd, I didn't see any change in fuel mileage. I think that the added wind resistance from sitting up higher and the increased rolling resistance of the bigger heavier tires was offset by the recuction in cruise RPMs. I can't comment on any decrease in towing ability since I never really pulled with mine when it had 285s.

 

[madmanmanick]

a buddy of mine pu on the leveling kit with the 35's and it looked awsome, but he had the fuel milage reduction mentioned above. Also you will have to add bigger shocks, the stock size shocks can't handle large bumps or extreme angles when offroading do to topping out and ripping apart. One of the things that is good is if you don't adjust you odometer for the bigger tires you will get a lot of free miles.

 

[Bob4x4]

I ran 315's on my '01 for a month before I installed the leveling kit. The only rubbing was on the control arms at full steering lock. The leveling kit did not change that. It still rubs lower control arms at full lock.



Also, with 4. 10's and a 6spd, I didn't see any change in fuel mileage. I think that the added wind resistance from sitting up higher and the increased rolling resistance of the bigger heavier tires was offset by the recuction in cruise RPMs. I can't comment on any decrease in towing ability since I never really pulled with mine when it had 285s.

2nd or 3rd gen and do you ever have it off road?



Bob

 

[BDaugherty]

My truck is a 2001 (2nd gen). I only do mild off road in it. I don't cut it any slack off road, but I don't use it for recreational 4wheeling. I never flexed it out without the leveling kit, but it didn't rub when turning and bumping over curbs. Since then, I've flexed it out a fair amout (for a stock Dodge suspension) and it still only rubs the lower control arms.

 

[Bob4x4]

I use all my rigs off-road,they enjoy the exercise :-laf

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A 35" tire should be the minimum on a full size



Bob

 

[Davcruz]

My truck is getting right at 22 mpg highway with 35's and 3:55 gears. It has tons of power and torque, I was pulling about 10,000 combined trailer and load last week.

I am running the Toyo Open Country M/T in load range E. Nice tires so far.

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[Sixpack]

That truck looks familiar. . :-laf

 

[HookMeUp]

That truck looks familiar. . :-laf

I like the wheels, what kind are they?

 

[Sixpack]

I like the wheels, what kind are they?

They are Centerline Scout wheels. 17"x8" with a 6" offset.

 

[Spunkys Ram]

My truck is getting right at 22 mpg highway with 35's and 3:55 gears. It has tons of power and torque, I was pulling about 10,000 combined trailer and load last week.



I am running the Toyo Open Country M/T in load range E. Nice tires so far.

This post is VERY interesting to me. 22mpg w/ an EDGE COMP? Is this hand calculated or overhead reading?

 

[DirtyDodge]

This post is VERY interesting to me. 22mpg w/ an EDGE COMP? Is this hand calculated or overhead reading?

Yeah right, I'm lucky to get 19. 5 on cruise at 65-70mph on a 600 mile trip with 285/75-16's & 3. 55 gears...