2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Tires and wheels, That is the question?

[dieselshu]

I need some help deciding which tires and what size. I am pretty sure on the wheels but any recommendation would greatly appreciate it. I currently have a 01 4x4 QC Short box with 245/75/16 and stock steel wheels. I have been researching this for few weeks and am stuck... . I would like to go to a 285/16 but am not sure about the tire sticking out and spraying the side of the truck with sand and gravel, because in the Great lakes region likes to use sand and salt. I like the specs and look on Nitto terra grapplers($129& free ship), but have not seen to many posts on the likes or dislikes of them. I am interested in Les Schwab Toyo Open country($159), anyone using them have input? I thought of going with a 265/16 E rating with stock alloy teardrop design, they dont look like they will stick out farther than the fender wells, but will they fill up the fender wells enough to look descent. I dont want to go over 285's because of having to lift or level and the turning rub radius not to mention other items it could throw out of wack. I know my speed odometer will be off with 285's but I can deal with 4-5 mph. difference. Any thoughts would be appreciated.



Thanks

Dave

 

[bighammer]

If you just want more height without the extra width, maybe 255/85's are the answer. I had some and liked them but then went to the 285/75's and I don't like them as well. (mileage, noise, ride, traction) Selection is a bit limited in the 255 size, but that's what my old truck will get next time.

 

[wcjp]

I'm running the Les Schwab WildCountry E rated tires. I've been pretty satisfied. Many local CTD have the Open Country. Of those that I've talked with have had no complaints.

 

[gsbrockman]

The OE wheels are the way to go if you want the best vibration-free ride possible. I love my Bridgestones as well. My truck is smooth from 1 mph to 119 mph. Bridgestone / Firestone has their tire technology down, if you're willing to pay for it. Plus, you have a 30 day test drive on all Bridgestone and Firestone products. You may even want to look at the LT 285/75R16 Firestone Destination M/T's.

 

[Ken B]

Dave,



I'm currently running the Open Country A/T in a 295/75R16, no problems with clearance, rubbing etc. They fill up the wheel wells and fit well on the stock rims, i. e. you don't have to worry about a bunch of spray on the side of the truck. I've also ran other Les Schwab tires like the All Terrain SXT in a 285 and the Wild Country TXR (winter time with studs) in a 285. I personally like the 295's the best, but the 285's do fill up the wells nicely. Food for thought. I drive about 35k a year and Les Schwab has always treated me well. Hope this helps, good luck, -Ken

 

[scliny65]

Tires and Wheels

Dave,



I put the Interco TRXUS tires (285's) on 16x8 American Racing AR767's in black.



The nice thing is these tires are 10 ply, when most other MT tires are 8 ply. This inceases the load rating.



These are really good mud terrain tires that are good in the wet, and amazing in the snow. The combo of rim and tire is plain old mean looking!



They have been on for over 7000 miles with excellent wear.

If you decide to go this route, just make sure that you have them static balanced. You CANNOT get them to balance dynamically.



They do stick out about 2 inches, and yes they spray the side of the truck. But I am going to remedy that with a set of bushwacker flares this spring.



Here are some pics. (sorry for the blurry ones. Clear ones are on the way soon. )



http://photos.yahoo.com/bc/gorag65/...order=&.view=t&.done=http://photos.yahoo.com/

 

[reddge]

I have BFG’s AT’s 285-75-16 with 8” wide wheels they work great. You will need to get the right back spacing. Don’t settle for any less than 5”. This will keep the tires under the fenders. Look up Centerline on the web. I paid $375 for set of four.

 

[WKener]

I have run 285/75's and (currently)255/85's a couple of times... And I am of the opposite opinion of bighammer. I like the 285's more in an overall overall sense when compared to the 255's...

I think both sizes ride well on the pavement, but the 285s seem to provide more stability when driving poorly maintained/washed out/dirt roads. I just think they feel more solidly-planted to the road.

Although the 255s are great in the winter, I am suprised they are not significantly better than the 285s, I can't even tell a difference.

I didn't think the 285s stuck out of the fenders too much, and I have stock 6. 5" steel wheels. But those wheels didn't help the mileage of the tires, my first set of 285s went in 25K miles (well, I didn't help much either). Those narrow wheels pull those tires in quite a bit... The fenders have always stayed fairly clean when the tires fling mud/snow/dirt/whatever... Within reason of course.

Here is a pic of my truck with 285s.