Off Roading Wanting taller tire for my 1997 3500. What will fit without rubbing in rear? Brands?

[Blacksdieselhp]

Hi I am wanting to go with a taller tire on my 1997 3500. Something a few inches taller that the 235/85R16's. it has a 2" leveling spring in the front. I tow with the truck often and need something that won't rub together in the rear. I was thinking about a 255/85R16. Will this size work or is there something better? Am I going to have to run spacers? I want some kind of mud tire. I have ran BFG Mud terrain and the Buckshot mudders and both were decent. What brand do you guys prefer. I even though about a super swamper for a little more aggressive look, but I need something that will be decent for towing and will wear and ride decent. Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[TRCM]

I run 245/85 16's on mine. Bridgestone Dueler A/T revos.



any bigger and you will need spacers.

 

[Ol'TrailDog]

My 97 3500 4x4 came with 255 85 16s. There is a 1/4" spacer.



I have also put my 235 85 17s Discover STs off my 04 on. I like them better because I don't need the spacer. Plus I prefer skinner tires for snow country. I will wear out the 255s and then go to the 235s.



Plus, I just picked up a set of 3. 55s to swap in - need the fuel mileage when cruising at 65. The DOWN side is I will have to use 1st all the time and reverse really stinks with the 3. 55s. Had this combo on my 98.

 

[TKingsbury]

My 97 3500 4x4 came with 255 85 16s. There is a 1/4" spacer.



I have also put my 235 85 17s Discover STs off my 04 on. I like them better because I don't need the spacer. Plus I prefer skinner tires for snow country. I will wear out the 255s and then go to the 235s.



Plus, I just picked up a set of 3. 55s to swap in - need the fuel mileage when cruising at 65. The DOWN side is I will have to use 1st all the time and reverse really stinks with the 3. 55s. Had this combo on my 98.

If you need low reverse, rig up the shut-off for the CAD (on your 2nd gen) and use the t-case low.

Travis. .

 

[woodsrat]

I used to run 255/85/r16s on my 01. Cooper brand STs was a good mud tire and with rotation was getting 35000 out of them. You will need a spacer on a 97 unless you can find a set of 01 or newer wheels the backspace is different.

I pull equipment and a 40 gooseneck and had no problems with them. Just bought a set of 04 17 inch wheels and im going to put cooper SSTs on them as soon as i wear out the tires that are on them now.

 

[bgwhtjp33]

I have 315-65-16 BFGs with just the leveling kit slight bit of rub up front nothing a little fender trimming can't fix.

 

[RustyJC]

I have 315-65-16 BFGs with just the leveling kit slight bit of rub up front nothing a little fender trimming can't fix.

Not on a dually like the original poster has, I suspect.



Rusty