Tire question...

[JWHays]

I'm fondling the idea of putting Toyo 35x12. 50x17s on my truck. I have the snowplow package, so it sits up pretty high anyway. Am I going to have to lift the front? How about the strain on the bearings, axles, etc. , that the big tires may cause. I know I'll have to have the computer flashed for the tire size difference. Thanks in advance for any advice on this!





... John

 

[DHuffman]

I'm fondling the idea

:-laf



That is kinda dirty...

 

[JApol]

I have seen pics of stock trucks with those tires. IIRC they don't have any issues with rub. I think it would be a sweet looking ride

 

[MConyers]

I'd be suprised if the 35" Toyo's didn't rub on the control arms at least. The specs list them as being a little bigger than the 315/70R17 BFGs that seem to be popular and some folks have issues with control arm rub.

Maybe that's not a big deal on the street, but I've found in the past that if it rubs in your driveway it will rub worse off-road. That would be unacceptable to me, YMMV.

In case your looking at tires online, note that the Toyo Canada website:

IndexToyo

list 295/70R17 tires, they are rated for the stock wheels, do better on wet pavement than the OEM BFG ATs, don't rub on my truck with the snow-plow prep only, and they flat out rock off-road and in the mud that I have been in. I paid $250 a pop for that size, and if you can't tell I would recommend them to anyone with one of these trucks that needs a Max Traction tire.

 

[ENafziger]

I've got 35 Toyo's on mine on stock wheels, no lift or leveling kit, and no snow prep package. Yes, the tires will rub slightly on the control arms at full lock.



However, off road there is no problem at all. I've had my truck twisted up about as hard as you could, and no problems clearing the 35's. Again, the only time the tires ever touch is slightly on both control arms when turning all the way.



There may be a little more stress on steering components, but the hardest thing on ball joints, wheel bearings, etc. is a wheel with a large offset. Simply increasing diameter a little with the stock wheel backspacing isn't that bad. Of course, it's always give and take! --Eric

 

[JWHays]

I really appreciate the comments so far. Thanks.



What got me to ask the question was that I saw a truck like mine- less the snow plow prep- with the 35x12. 50x17 tires. He had 2" spacers put on top of the front springs (leveling kit?) and he said the tires touch the control arms slightly. It looked GOOD. He said the re-flash cost 60 bucks and the speedo was right on the money. He used the stock rims, but had to get different shocks.



Enjoy the weekend!



... John