2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Biggest tires on rolling stock versus 2" coil spacers

[NavyDoc]

Looking for any tire recommendations. What's the biggest size on rolling stock that anyone has used without problems?

What about with 2" coil spacers on the front?

I've heard of guys running 35 inch tires on stock - sounds like a little much to me.

I've had lots of experience with mud tires on Jeeps, but not much experience with LT tires on heavy trucks.

Any thoughts appreciated.

 

[dclassens]

As my signature says, I always run 315/75/16 tires on my 2500 trucks (99-02). They all measure right about 34. 75 inches. I would call that tire a 35" tire. They rubbed a very small amount at full lock. Just my experiences on stock trucks. Good luck.



Dave

 

[Joe Mc]

Doc, I've had 3 pair of 305/70/16s on my truck, 1st set Coopers on the stock chrome (99) wheels, next set were Nitto Terra Grapplers and new wheels (8" wide) about half way through that set I installed leveling spacers on the front - not for tire clearance but for looks, I wanted "level" versus the stock "raked" look, present set of tires - Nitto Dune Grapplers (flames on side wall = $5 more per tire than the TGs) - to the point my tires never rubbed anywhere. They come within a 1/4" of the plastic inner fender guards when turned to the locks. I'f you must go with the 315's you'll be OK except when you get close to the end of the steering wheel turning to the lock.

Either way have fun!!!

 

[robbiesworld]

My buddy ran 315 76 16's on his stock 01 and it rubbed a little. He added a spring spacer and was mad at me for not telling him to do it sooner. He loves the differance.



I am runing 285 75 16's on my 95 with a spacer and it is perfect. I am buying 305 70 16's the next time around.



I personally dont like a truck taller in the front but mine doesnt look like that with a spacer and neither does the 01.

 

[NavyDoc]

Thanks for the input. I am going to get through some performance upgrades tomorrow and Saturday, and then will be getting to some new tires.

I think I am giong to go with 35" size tires with 2 inch coil spacers in front to level it out some. I don't plan to offroad with my truck so articulation clearance isn't a concern, I can tolerate some rubbing at full lock - won't happen that much. Thanks a lot for you guys' input.

Now deciding on which tire and wheel combo.....

 

[RHestand]

What are the pros. /neg. about inst. bigger springs to achieve a 2" lift, as opposed to a spacer?

I would think new springs would be better,(old springs do sag over the years), and installation would be about the same.

Just curious. Money?

Ray

 

[Joe Mc]

I thin Money would be the biggest obstacle / concern. The 2" spacers (recommend the metal ones) will give the "level" appearance you are looking for without hindering the stock ride as far as feel (bounce/return to height after a bump, etc. ) I would think aftermarket springs to gain height will change the ride to possibly being more firm than you may wish, but I don't know your wishes. As far as tire clearance - with the spacers you will gain height but this will not change the point where the tire will rub (assuming someone is going for a 35 or taller) the tire rubs on the back of the plastic inner fender-well and will rub on the lower control arms at lock.

Hey Doc - I'm partial to the Nittos, especially the latest set "Dune Grapplers" Check out this link Ratings, reviews and specifications for Nitto Dune Grappler DT tires
then compare the prices between the 305 and 315 ($43 each = an extra $172 for 4 tires) and ask yourself if it's worth it? Heck for the extra cost of the 315 you could have 4 new + a spare that actually matches? MHO Happy decision making . . .

 

[NavyDoc]

Thanks for the info.

JoeMc,

How are those Dune Grapplers in the rain? What about handling on dry road? I have read that they kind of suck at mud and such, but not what I am interested in for the truck. I am definitely considering these tires, and the 305 size. Wheels??

Would to build my truck up over 500 HP like your running - any other advice for me? Will post on the engine forum now.



Would love any more tire recommendations - size, make, performance.

Thanks again.

 

[BK]

I've been running 33x12's = to the typical 305's out there. And no rubbing, and I'm in all stock trim.

Things are real close.

If I were to run a 35x12 or a 315/ , things would hit at full compression and or lock to lock.

I have the toyo's now, the open country mts and loving 'em.

If you use the capacity of your truck at all...

You should be looking for E range tires.

Dont let a tire shop talk you into D range.

 

[NavyDoc]

Ray,



New springs are more money and would likely change spring rates/stock ride "feel" - the spacer just moves the stock spring down 2 inches or so by bolting a bucket to the old top of spring location - but maintains the stock spring rate and ride characteristics. Have looked around some and found the price to be a few hundred bucks for the coil spacers, new springs run about $100-$150 more depending on supplier.

Have thought about both options, still not sure. Stock ride is pretty nice, but I have had Jeeps with aftermarket suspensions from BDS and Skyjacker that have IMPROVED over factory rise, so not sure it will translate to CTD trucks..... but may be worth finding out... .



The 305 - 33" tire size seems to be universally liked on stock springs - lots of rubber in them fenderwells. Have heard nothing but good about the Toyo MTs.



Anybody tried MAXXIS tires????

 

[Bob4x4]

I would avoid the dune grapplers. . they are not working out here in our terrain at all.

If you ever drove a truck with some good srings and shocks you would not consider a spacer kit :-laf

Carli is doing a h@ll of a set up using some fairly light coils and 7100 bilsteins that have an amazing ride on the pavement but still work excellent off road if you are not a total speed demon.

When I pulled my springs out after running a mild 2" spring spacer from Rancho I was shocked to see how much curvature there was to the springs... ... ... ... . never again for me

Contact Carli Suspension - Dodge Ram Suspension Systems and Components



Bob

 

[MAllen1]

Either 305/70 or 295/75 will work with very little rubing (the only time my 295's rubbed would be when I was in the field going over a terrace while turning sharp). I went down to 285's because, at the time, there were only 2 companies making 295's (BFG and TOYO). I don't have a single problem with 285's at stock hight. If I went with 2" spacers up front, I would figure I could go up to 315/75.

 

[SWCook]

I was running Buckshot Radials on stock Dodge rims in the 315x75R-16 size on my 94 2500 when the suspension was stock, the tires were a little over 35" overall and it was a non issue while on the street. When off road there was slight contact when the wheels were turned sharply and the suspension cycled but in retrospect it was really not that big a deal.



As per usual your mileage may vary.

 

[NavyDoc]

Anybody running Nittos - dura or terra grapplers - 265 or 285 or 305 sizes??

 

[NavyDoc]

Thanks for the Carli link. Awesome stuff!!!!!

I will look into it more.

 

[pcarlson]

I just put on a set of Firestone Destination AT's 285/75/16 Load E and it is too soon to tell as I only have about 200 miles on them but they grip snow pretty good and are quite on the hwy. No rubbing at either lock position.



I should have got an alignment at the same time as it wanders a bit now and I am equating it to the new tires width or I will have to put higher pressures than I did in the 265's.

 

[kglenn]

Hey guys, don't mean to get off subject, but how big of a tire will still fit in the spare tire rack? I want to go bigger next round but don't want a spare chained up in my short bed.

 

[Bob4x4]

I squeezed a 305 in before I added the aux fuel tank in it's place



Bob

 

[Joe Mc]

Anybody running Nittos - dura or terra grapplers - 265 or 285 or 305 sizes??

Doc sorry it's been a while since I've been on the site. Comparisons I can comment on: I've had Firestone Steeltex 285/75/16 (on when I bought truck), then went to Cooper Discover ST, Nitto Terra Grappler and presently Nitto Dune Grappler - all previous were 305/70/16. The Coopers were on the stock 99 chrome wheels and when I went to Nitto I had new aluminum 8" wide wheels that I still have.

I really liked the Firestones, but they were too small for me and at the time Firestones rep was being beat to death mainly due user error = under-inflation (MHO), the Coopers were pretty good all around but only lasted about 45k +/- a few - the bands started to show through the cleats around 43k - that scared the heck out of me. I went with Nittos on a recommendation from the guy that built my trans. He had a set of 285 Nitto T/Gs on his truck (twins and about 650 HP/? TQ) and said he really liked them = were good in the snow, dry, light off-road, OK on the wet and iffy on ice. He said he was going to 305 same tires as his rears were wearing out = LS rear = too many burnouts. So I went w/the T/Gs they lasted just over 50 k and I've had the Dune Grapplers on for about 10k.

I "think" the T/Gs were better in the wet but it's hard for me to judge the difference because I put my locker in after the Dunes were already on the truck.

Summation/Recommendation based on my experiences - I'd go with the Terra Grapplers = a bit less expensive than the D/G, better tire than the Coopers and all around good tire.

Forgot to mention I have 4" exhaust and was still able to "squeeze / force" the 305 spare in the stock spot - a little convincing with a flat-bar to get started was all that was needed.

 

[NavyDoc]

JoeMc,



Thanks for the detailed input. I am looking very hard at the 305 Terra Grapplers - I think they will fit my wants and needs well.



Still trying to decide on the look of the truck wheels? Mild or wild?

And size - 17 - 18 ?? Also, any thoughts on the 19. 5 or 22 sizes? The trucks I have seen with them look great (19. 5s) but many seem to say they ride rough. Not sure what that means (different to everyone). I have driven F-350's prior to the CTD and have a 75 Scout - so to me this truck rides like a cadillac (stock wheels/tires) - a little rougher wouldn't change my opinion of the truck at all.

Any thoughts? Thanks.