2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission What size tire's will fit?

[LBrock]

I have a 2001. 5 2500 4x4 and was wondering what the biggest tire size is that will fit. The truck is stock as far as a body lift or suspension lift goes. I have a chance to get a set of 36 x 12. 50 16's for it and need to know if I can use them. Thanks for the help.

 

[Kyle]

Sorry, Don't think they'll fit

Mine's a 99 but I think they're about the same height.



I had to get a 2" lift in the front to fit 35x12. 50/16's. Even with that I had to put them on 8" wide wheels -- that's the only way they won't rub the front fenders. I can't air them down enough to get them to wear evenly. These tires really need to be on 10" wide wheels but that'd take at least a 4" lift, maybe more. Plus they'd stick out even more than they do now.



Sure wish I could find a tire this tall that wasn't so wide (without buying 19. 5's).



Stock height, I'd say 295/75R16 or 33" is about the max.

 

[athompson]

The 36s WILL rub the lower control arm. The WILL also rub the inner wheel well in front (the flat section in the back) before full stuff. I know this because my 315s do that (34. 8" tall).



Some posts have said a 2" level kit eliminates the control arm rub, but I don't see how. Only lowering the bump stop will stop the wheel well rub.



If you're just driving on the street, the only rub you will probably experience is the control arm, just before full lock. If you are doing off-road driving where wheel travel will be important, I think the 36s will be too tall without a lift and bump stop mods.

 

[Kyle]

good point

Good point, athompson. I forgot to mention I lowered my bump stops by 2 inches when I added the 2-inch lift in front. With my 35x12. 50R16's I only get rubbing on the inner fender well (plastic part) when in a turn and getting axle articulation at the same time. A heat gun and block of wood will solve that but 35" is definately the max for my current setup.

 

[cold Diesel]

I run 315/75/16 BFG AT's on stock wheels (34. 7" tall). The only rub I have ever had was on the lower control arms, even off road. I get this rub even with the skyjacker D25 springs installed as well, although I ran the tires without the springs for 10K miles, with the same minor rub. You can install stop bolts in the spindles to eliminate this rub by cutting back the steering according to Rob Thomas, but I havn't tried it myself yet.

 

[Chipstien]

36,000 miles on 315's (35's) and stock wheels and no lift. Never touched the fender wells and just barely rub the lower control arms. Changing the lift will only allow more clearance between the tire and the fender..... If you are rubbing the control arm then the only way to stop this is to buy wheel with more offset. However when you add offset it will cause the tire to rub more on the fender wells because it is making the radius larger. This is why you can only put 315's on stock rims if you don't have a lift.

 

[Joe Mc]

305X70X16 Coopers - Don't rub anywhere, not even control arms, there's about 1/4" when turned to locks. Also the spare fits between the rails, it's tight OK but, still fits - it's about 1/2 - 3/4" from tail pipe. This is on the stock 99 chrome wheels (I think the're 7" wide).

 

[DDowis]

305 70R 16 Nitto's on stock 8" wheels = rub a little at full lock - Look good, ride good , very pleased.

 

[RADdodge]

35 Inches is About Max....

I have 19. 5 285 tires. The diameter is 35. 1 inches. The tires just fit. There is some evidence of the tires rubbing on the front fender liners, but not much. I would say that about 35” is max for a 4x4. Mine is a 3500. See sig.