Tire Size Question

[GColeman]

I recently ordered a 2004. 5 325/600 4X4. It will go straight to the tire shop as soon as I take delivery for custom wheels and larger tires. I know from past experience that 285s will fit with no problem, but what about BFG 315s? I don't want to do a suspension lift.

 

[Firewalker]

315's will only work on stock rim offset.



A +2" offiset will make the front 315 tires rub on the inside during turning. .



also note that 37" tires will fit on the stock rims and not rub anywhere. . !!!!!

 

[GColeman]

I'll keep the "offset" issue in mind when selecting wheels. Thanks for the info.

 

[randyn]

I put BFG 315 ATs on my '03 w/ stock aluminum rims 8. 5" They rub slightly on the control arms, not enough to matter (to me). More recently I put 35x12. 5x17 BFG MTs on same rims. Tastes Great, Less filling... ... ... ... ..... Well, they work great, quiet for a mud tire (to start with at least). Stock suspension, no lift yet, but may do 2" leveling soon. I don't see how 37's could fit w/o rubbing more than the 35's... ... .

I think most aftermarket rims will put the tires further away from the control arms, but closer to the fender lip... ... ...



RandyN

 

[MickeyMiller]

37 " Tires? Firewalker mentioned that 37 " tires will fit "without rubing"... the T-Rex site says they are runnig 37" with their kit and just a little trimming of the rear wheel opening.



I have an '03 Quad Cab HO 6 speed 4X4 with 3. 73 rear end. How bad will 37" tires hurt performance? Right now, 1st gear gets me accross the cross walk and 2nd get's me into the intersection...



I would love to run 37" tires with just wheel opening trimming IF it doesn't require me to change the differential gearing to maintain good performance.



Looking for any input.



Mickey

 

[R.M.THOMPSON]

Mickey,

Been thinkig the same thing. 37's will not rub unless; rear end articulates/tire hits on top inner wheelwell,,,, front wheels at near full turn stops/tire hits control arms,,,,,,, front wheels at mid position/tire hit plastic air dam under bumper and may hit certain mudflaps. If someone was willing to make a 37X10. 5 or 11 , we be in luck. I want the ground clearance without the body /chassis lift. I may be alright on the front end with a lttle less turn radius. Our trucks are tight turners from the gitgo' ,but installing a Hellwig swaybar kit to reduce rear articulation and removing the wheel well liners looks like a must just to start. If any trimming is required on sheetmetal , Iv'e been told it is "inside the well" and can't be ssen unless one looks up from underneath , and enough horozontal metal is left for support on the lip to prevent any flex cracks. As far as gearing go's , Ive got the same as you and a short box(that is where the turn radius concern lessens for me), Stickly as a comparison , I'm not worried about low end?idle speed in first gear issues with a 48re and don't think your 5600's 1st is anywhere near to high to make cluth riding time a issue or ilde speed cluthced in to fast for low speed work. On the contrary , We may capture some top end benafits like 15 or 16 hunred at 70(roughly speakin) instead of 2000 plus !!! The only concern in respect to gearing to me would be heavy towing or low speed 4 wheeling in 4hi /and both may be addressed with our gear selectors.

Mark T.

 

[R.M.THOMPSON]

NEXT TIME I'LL YOUS SPELL CHECK . I PROMISE. CAN HARDLY READ IT MYSELF.

 

[AFacey]

GColeman-

Look at 33/12. 50/17 - slighty taller & wider than 285/70/17.

They look good too.

 

[KevinO]

You don't want 37" tires unless you at least have 4. 10 gears. i just sold my truck that had 37" parnelli jones on it and the truck flew down the highway but if you are going to pull a trailer they suck and the sidewall flex on a tire that big gets kinda scary with a heavy load and they were 10 ply tires. just my personal experience.

 

[DougR]

I wouldn't even put 37's on a 4. 10 rear end. You will be sorry. If you don't pull a heavy load,35's with 373 gears is doable,but no more. If my math is correct,35's with a 373 gear will raise your gear ratio to 355

 

[MickeyMiller]

R. M. Thompson, DougR, A Facey, and Kevin O,



Thank you all for the response. I am leaning towards R. M. Thompsom's position. I don't usually carry a heavy load, and only occassionaly tow my modified IHC Scout.



I just spent the morning runing one wheel after another up on a block of ice in the parking lot... I'm sure the neighbors are wondering... Front control arm rubbing looks likely under full lock and wheel compressed. In the rear, with a wide 12. 5 X 37 it looks like the inside wheel well could become engaged under major articulation and possibly the top outer lip of the wheel opening, but I could not even come close with an empty bed and stock tires.



I am going to bite the bullet, I'm trying to buy a set of factory aluminum wheels right now for this project. Hope to have 37's on it very soon.



Thanks again,

Mickey

 

[StephenThomas]

Keep us posted Mickey - good luck!! And don't forget the pics once you have them on!!