2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Biggest tire to fit 96 stock rims?

[MHalloran]

Can anyone out there let me know what is the biggest possible size tire that fits the 1996 SLT package chrome steel rims? Using 255/85-16 now but cannot get same replacements again from tirerack.com due to a strike I was told. :{ . I do not want to go back to the stock 245/75-16. They just look too darn small. Tirerack tells me a 285/75-16 will not work on the stock rims. Any input on this will help. Want the biggest I can use. Need tires before it snows! THANKS. Mike

 

[cluckmaster]

Dude- I had 33s (305/70R16s) Pro Comp MTs on my stock 97 rims before I went to 17s w/ 35 Mickey Thompsons. I had tire people tell me I couldn't run 33s but they went something like 35k miles and wore fairly even. You could fit bigger, probably, but they may wear the center tread of the tire prematurely due to the tire bulging. The 33s look bad*** compared to the 265s that came on the truck when I bought mine. I used to get stuck all the freaking time too. Haven't been stuck since I got rid of those 265 Michelins. Have fun. -Josh

 

[McLaughlin]

Not sure if it is big enough but you can definitely put 265/75/16s on the stock rims. Will loose about 1" in height. Easier to get E range tires in 265s and the load capacity is usually higher then the E range 255/85s. Most 265/75s say they should have a min 7" rim width but the 265s I had on didn't have any problems and wore pretty even(just a hint more wear in the center then the edges and that could be because I had to much air in them.



Had Firestone Steeltrax (?) on my 97 and just replaced them with Cooper STs. Don't have enough miles for an assessment yet but they look pretty good but a bit small.

 

[Bob4x4]

I have 315's on my 94 steel wheels for about 10years no problems... ... ... ...



Bob

 

[Mhannink]

285/75/16 will fit fine ive seen 315's on em its all acorrding to what the rim width is suggested to be by the tire manf.

 

[MHalloran]

285/75/16 will fit fine ive seen 315's on em its all acorrding to what the rim width is suggested to be by the tire manf.

First of all I want to thank all you guys for the replies. Nice to know we are all there to help each other out.

Mhannick, it says in the sticker in my door jamb that the rims are 6. 5. Gotta be the inner part where the bead sits I guess because the total inner to outer edge is like 8 inches. It looks like I'm gonna half to tell the tire rack that yes, 285's will fit a 6. 5 rim, especially since you,ve seen 315's on these same rims. I'll be happy to read anyone elses input on this. Thanks again guys! Mike

 

[MHalloran]

I have 315's on my 94 steel wheels for about 10years no problems... ... ... ...



Bob

Hey Bob Did you have to lift your truck to have these clear OK? That's something else tire rack told me, truck had to be lifted 3" to fit any tire larger than stock. I do not want to have to lift mine. Mike

 

[MHalloran]

Can anyone out there let me know what is the biggest possible size tire that fits the 1996 SLT package chrome steel rims? Using 255/85-16 now but cannot get same replacements again from tirerack.com due to a strike I was told. :{ . I do not want to go back to the stock 245/75-16. They just look too darn small. Tirerack tells me a 285/75-16 will not work on the stock rims. Any input on this will help. Want the biggest I can use. Need tires before it snows! THANKS. Mike

Something I forgot to add, suspension is stock and I do not want to lift it any higher. Thanks. Mike

 

[MRiley]

Mike - A 285/75-16 should work just fine, but Tire Rack may not sell them to you because you have a 6. 5 wheel. I have had the same problem with Discount. I run 305's on my '01 and the will not sell me them any longer as it voids the mfg warrantee. Most major tire makers are req that you have a 7 or 8 as the tread will lay flatter on the road and wear better. Discount would sell me single replacements. So I bought 1 each day and had them all mounted on the last day. Just a way to work around the new rules.

 

[JJanetka]

I have 33x12. 5-15s on my powerwagon with 15x10 wheels that look great and wear flat(used to have 38. 5x15 reason for the 15x10 wheels). Thinking of going with a 16x10 with 305's as I've seen them on other trucks and they look good as well, plus if I ever go monster size again I won't need to change rims. I'm also thinking that the sidewall won't bulge as much giving me more clearance with the control arms should I go with 315's. Does anyone have any pics with 305's or 315's on a 6. 5 rim?

 

[Bob4x4]

315's on stock steel wheels





#ad




Bob

 

[MHalloran]

My final question to you guys using the 285's to the 315's on stock rims, was this with the stock suspension or was a lift required? Thanks for all your help!! Mike

 

[rsaderlund]

I have run both 285's and 305's with stock rims and suspension. No problems. . 315's did rub.

 

[cluckmaster]

My final question to you guys using the 285's to the 315's on stock rims, was this with the stock suspension or was a lift required? Thanks for all your help!! Mike

I have stock suspension- the 33s didn't have any problem fitting/didn't rub, even on tight turns and offroad bumps. The 35s are a different story- they rub on tight turns, bumps, and even worse when I have my heavy Blizzard plow mounted. I'm gonna put a Kore system on her eventually (about 3. 5 in of lift), and that will take care of that. If you run 315s, you'd be better off at least buying a leveling kit (usually around $150) and that will save you from cutting your tires when they rub bad. -Josh

 

[DMcPherson]

if I ever call places for tires I never tell them what they go on, someone allways wants ot argue with me!

 

[AWray]

I have had both 305/70 and 285/75 on stock chrome rims. I recommend the 285 tire. The 305 wandered if you kept the psi at a level that promotes even wear. That said, a 305/70 would be great on an 8-10" aftermarket rim if you did not want a leveling kit.

 

[HEMI®Dart]

I ran Denman Coyote LT305/85/R16's (note 85 series) on the OEM steel wheels for years. 36" tall & 10. 5 " wide. Just had leveling springs. No rub.

 

[MHalloran]

I ran Denman Coyote LT305/85/R16's (note 85 series) on the OEM steel wheels for years. 36" tall & 10. 5 " wide. Just had leveling springs. No rub.

I must admit -- those tires look excellent !! Mike