Anybody tried slicks?

[Cummins Corvette]

I am wondering in there are some slicks that will fit our trucks. If so does anybody know how much they help? How much would it cost to get a couple with rims so I could change em' quick?

 

[DieselB59]

Slicks help to reduce the time about a full second to maybe one and a half depending on how much you're spinning the tires off the line. A good slick to use is Phoenix. They're made by Firestone, and are great traction wise and you don't really have to heat the living heck out of them to make 'em sticky. For wheels, you're gonna have to get a set of 15 X 12 inch wheels that are 8 lugs. We got ours custom from Centerline. Summit sells a steel Bart Trucker wheel that will fit the application for you. Slick size should be 15 X 12 and be 31 inches tall. That will really improve the launch. You'll also need a set of rim screws as slicks need to be screwed to the rims as they will break the bead if not screwed in and the launch is hard enough. Oh, but the launch is soooo hard. Prepare to feel like you're on the Starship Enterprise as Scotty engages the warp drive! Wheels and tires should cost just under a thousand. Well worth it if you drag race the truck on a regular basis.

 

[Cummins Corvette]

Thanks much. A grand is a bit much though. Anyone know of a cheaper aproach?

 

[pcorssmit]

15" 8 lug wheels aren't too hard to find, I have a couple sets of 10s for my Blazer. Good value is the American Racing White spokes, mine were $36 each from Discount Tire 5 years ago. Jordan Kloppe had a set of 15" slicks on his at the drags a couple months ago, he had to slightly modify the fins on the brakes to make them fit. Standard backspacing for this size is 4 1/8", you can get them with less. Both of my sets are 4 1/8", and they cleared the stock drum brakes on 3/4 and 1 ton 14 bolts fine. Might trial fit them before you buy.



Pete

 

[Bad340fish]

Just by some cheap steal wheels as mentioned above. Slicks should run you under $200 a tire. Mickey Thompson makes a great slick IMHO. If you go shorter than the stock tires you will be reducing your gear ratio if needed which will help.



The truck will tend to walk in the slicks which is hard to get used to. The sidewalls are thin is the reason. It takes a little getting used to but do not steer into it becuase it will get worse. Take anything and everything that will move out lol. I am bad about not taking the cell phone off of my console in my car. I usualy think about it right after I launch when I can hear it hit the back seat lol

Clark

 

[Cummins Corvette]

Thanks for your help. I think that I can take 400 bucks, but not for a while. I just blew some bucks going to Vancouver.

 

[bigkavr]

CA,



A word of warning!!! MEASURE the diameter of your rear brake drums first, before you do anything else!!! I didn't, and it cost me

quite a bit. There are some vehicles out there that have a drum diameter that's about 3/8" LARGER than the inside diameter of the 15" rims. A real bummer when your at the strip, all giddy with anticipation of smokin down the track with new slicks on, and the buggers wont fit!! Be careful and have fun.