2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Tire and wheel question for a 98

[boondock]

I am going to be getting new tires and wheels soon and I would like to know what will fit.



I have the factory 16" steel wheels with 245 around them. Way to small.



Thinking of doing a front end leveling kit so I can go with a bigger tire but also want to see how big of a tire and wheel combo I can go with without it. Do not want a lift kit.



They do not have to be rated E as the most I tow is 4000 or so pounds.



I have read thru many threads and not found to much.



So what size tires can fit without rubbing on what rims with and without a front end leveling kit?

 

[JDixon]

I used 285/75 on the stock 16x7. 5 inch rim with no rubbing for about 30k miles. I just had a leveling kit (Daystar spacer) installed a couple of weeks ago. The new tires are 315/75 and are still on the stock wheels. They rub at full lock, but it is only a problem in if you try to turn tightly (for example, squeezing into a parking space). I just park at the end of the row in parking lots anyway. Under normal driving conditions there is no rubbing.



I can't verify anything about the load ratings of the tires in this size. I don't tow or haul enough to worry about it.



Keep in mind that if you use bigger tires your odometer and speedometer will not read correctly. Mine are 10% off now. This can be corrected and there are threads that discuss how it can be done. I searched for "speedometer calibration" and got some good information.



I initially didn't want to put this size tire on a 7. 5 inch wide rim. However, I couldn't find any aftermarket wheel that I liked which even came close to the backspacing of the stock one. I don't want the wheels to stick out from the body and I also don't want to add fender flares. To each his own. Using a wheel with less backspacing should diminish any worry of rubbing.



I think that my truck looks right with the leveling kit and 315s, but that's just my opinion. I'm very happy with it. As luck would have it, I just added a gallery of before and after pictures.



I hope this helps.

 

[KKeen]

Boondock I have the leveling spacers in my truck from jack-it. I ran 305's on my stock 7. 5 wheels. The tire shop told me they were borderline needing wider wheel, but they were fine except for some balancing problems which turned out to be a flat spot on a Goodyear ATS, and a out of round spec factory wheel. I now run 305's on eagle alloys with a backspace that I did not research. They rub my flaps when turned all the way, but my flaps are over the end of my running boards pushing them forward a bit. I know guys that run 315's with no problem. The speedo not being correct is not an issue for me I just allow for it. I looked into getting it adjusted in the computer and the dealer guys did not have a clue. Good luck your truck will look good with a little bigger tire.

 

[boondock]

Thanks JDixon and KKean. What model are your eagle wheels? Also what tire are you running?



Any other options guys?? Thanks

 

[SBrandon]

I have cooper 315's on my truck, 2" leveling kit and only rub at full lock, The load range one these are E.