2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Get new tires or new wheels and tires?

[RMecum]

Previous owner put 9. 5 X 16. 5 aluminum wheels with 33x12. 50R16. 5 tires on my truck. The tires are weather checked and getting hard. The tire guy I go to says that towing in this summer's heat will probably cause a separation/tire failure so I should get new tires. My question is are these big wheels/tires hurting the front end components (bearings, or whatever)? I don't want to spend a bunch of money on tires if I'm doing damage to the front end. I need to decide if I should look around for some stock wheels or go to something a little less radical.

Any thoughts appreciated.



Mike

 

[Beast2B]

i don't know about 'damage' to the front end, but they will put more stress on steering parts in particular. what are you trying to accomplish? bigger tires than stock, least wear, best mpg, cool factor, heavy towing, top speed... ? so many things to consider! does your truck have 3. 54 or 4. 10 gears? 3. 54 gears and 33" tire is a good combo to me, everyone else will have a different opinion (wrong of course)...

 

[RMecum]

I just want the truck to last a long time... and not have to spend too much money... I don't care too much about the looks although these wheels look really good... I'll keep them happily if they're not hurting anything.

Mike

 

[Beast2B]

they aren't hurting anything. i run 12. 5 width mud tires and i've got over 30k miles and they are maybe 1/2 worn. i did the DSS stabilizer bracket and i'll do some trackbar upgrade when the time comes.

let's say this, the tire/wheel combo won't hurt the steering, but there are definite improvements that you can make to the stock weak steering set up.