2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Tire size

[SEmerson]

Tire size for a 3500 4X4

I have 235/85 16 now I would like to move up to some thing bigger. I need a tire with very aggressive off road performance. But I will use it mostly on the road so wear is very important. I will be putting them on my 97 3500. I have put the rims from my 01 on the truck now. These have more back spacing that the stock 97 rims. Also I have no lift. What is the biggest that I can fit? Any suggestions on tires?

 

[No Neck]

255-85R16 will be the largest tire you can run (in a 85 series) without spacers.



Tire brands are like women. Some are liked by this person, some are liked by others. None are liked by everyone.



The best thing is to search the forums and see what people have to say and make a decision, and hope for the best.



I will add that I was in the same position as you a couple months ago and decided on Coopers. So far I'm very happy.



Good Luck

 

[McCRam]

In my experience, stay away from the bargain tires. I have never seen any last long on any of our bigger trucks. Generally the more ply's the better, the higher the load rating the better. And I believe keeping the pressure up will help them last a lot longer. In the past we have had good luck with coopers as well, and I like the Bfgoodrich all terrains.

 

[SEmerson]

I have been looking for tires. If I go with 255 I can only get a load range d. What are you guys running for brand. Also what size are my 01 rims?

 

[SEmerson]

What do you think of these?

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Firestone&tireModel=Destination+M/T

 

[Trizae]

255/85r16

I just bought a set of 255/85R16 BFG Mud Terrians and there are by far the best tires i have ever had on a pickup,,,,,, I have had All-Terrains before but the combo of the 255 size and the mud terrian tread pattern is just awesome. I would have probally bought All Terrains if Them Made them in the 255 but they dont,,,,, Manarch Makes the Trail Mark All Terrian in the 255/85 and the would be a good all terrain tire

 

[Beast2B]

I've used BFG mud and all-terrains on several vehicles. I get around 40k on 3/4 ton truck and Pop's Suburban with mudders, 60k with all-terrains. I used Counteract Balancing beads this time on my truck with 37" BFG muds, love the fact that they can "adjust" as tires wear.

**NO, I'M NOT AFFILIATED WITH ANY COMPANY, JUST A SATISFIED CONSUMER**

 

[datablitz]

i had 285/75/16's and went to 285/70/17's recentally

i always use bfg M/T's, they wear well, ride well, and dont make that much noise.

 

[2ndgen2500]

i bought the coopers, they are quiet. i am also a fan of bfgs, but i will say the last time i owned a set they didnt wear as long as i had likes, although i rotated them and balanced when neccessary

 

[RowJ]

Heard BF Goodrich has poured lots of $ into their A/T tires with great results. They are now owned by and made in the Michelin Factory, according to my tire source. Price is up there too - I have not seen anything better than $175. 00 @ tire mounted & bal for 285's.



Saw a great looking, IMHO, new - I think - tire yesterday. Great big aggressive tread and the owner said they were a lot quieter than he expected. Was a Bridgestone Dueler A/T Revo. Best part was the price. Owner said he paid $300. 00 for a set of four (285/75R16's).



No info on how long lasting, suspect you get what you pay for. Can you get a very aggressive tread that will last over 30-35,000 miles?



SEmerson; with a 3500, I believe you are limited to 255 or smaller.



Beast2B - Ditto on balancing beads.

 

[vette75406]

anybody notice a mileage increase when going from 265/75/16 to 285/75/16 tire size ,I need new tires as well and want to get the BFG AT , read somewhere that they gained mileage going up one size.











_____________________

2000 QC 4X4 LB 3. 54 HUSKY LINERS , RR MAGNAFLOW EXHAUST LIGHTFORCE 140

 

[McCRam]

My local Sam's club had some decent prices on Bfg' AT in the 285/75 size. They quoted me $152 each. mount and balance was another $9.

 

[RowJ]

Vette

Definitly will NOT gain mileage. Calculated mileage will go down but at best you may get same mileage once you correct for spedometer inaccuracy. Bigger tire goes around less times in one mile. You may read 65 mph and actually be doing 70.

Bigger tire is usually taller - which may translate into more wind resistance & lower mileage. Did not for me - went from 245's to 285's and corrected mileage stayed same as with stock tires.



Just dawned on me - by mileage you may mean life of the tire!

If so - yes, bigger tires last more miles (less revs @ mile) if you can keep them aligned & balanced. Have no hard data on this .